Time For New Exhaust System
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Joined: Nov 2011
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Time For New Exhaust System
I have a 1973 L48 Automatic Trans with the stock 2" exhaust system. I would like to replace it with a 2.5" system. Are there any issues with doing this?
The only thing I can see might be a problem is the front exhaust pipe hangers, which is easily changed if necessary.
The only thing I can see might be a problem is the front exhaust pipe hangers, which is easily changed if necessary.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 338
Likes: 9
From: South Bend IN
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I bought the off-road kit from Corvette Central and bolted it directly to the existing manifolds. Are you going to be making more power with your engine? If not, 2" should be sufficient. Look around for articles about the need for larger diameter exhaust so you don't spend more money than you need to.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
I bought the kit from Magnaflow. 2.5" s/s with muffs and an x-pipe. I had long tube headers and my exhaust guy mated the two together. It tucked up nicedly under the car. I chose to have the mufflers up under the rear too with the tips just barely visible.
I love the system now. Sounds much better and freed up some HP. I have 4" ground clearance to the header flange.
I love the system now. Sounds much better and freed up some HP. I have 4" ground clearance to the header flange.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Livonia MI
The actual performance benefits of going to a 2.5 inch system may not be worth the expense, unless you're planning on making modifications to the motor that would dictate a larger exhaust system.
Of course, if you need to replace the old system because it's rusted, then I say go ahead with the 2.5 system. It won't hurt your performance and will give you extra capacity for future motor mods.
Of course, if you need to replace the old system because it's rusted, then I say go ahead with the 2.5 system. It won't hurt your performance and will give you extra capacity for future motor mods.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 77
From: DFW Texas
The actual performance benefits of going to a 2.5 inch system may not be worth the expense, unless you're planning on making modifications to the motor that would dictate a larger exhaust system.
Of course, if you need to replace the old system because it's rusted, then I say go ahead with the 2.5 system. It won't hurt your performance and will give you extra capacity for future motor mods.
Of course, if you need to replace the old system because it's rusted, then I say go ahead with the 2.5 system. It won't hurt your performance and will give you extra capacity for future motor mods.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
If you got the stock 2-1-2 system with the catalytic converter and you go to a full dual 2.5 in. exhaust, you'll easily pick up another 20 HP or so, I remember one of the forum members proved that in a dyno pull a whole a go.