Exhaust recommendations?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: Central New Hampshire
Exhaust recommendations?
Hey guys, it's been a while, but I'm finally ready to pick up an exhaust system for my 79 Vette!
Brand new 350 crate in it and a set of Hedman Headers
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/68306/10002/-1
I talked to Jegs who I bought the motor and headers from, and they said they had nothing that would fit directly but they'd have something universal that could be made to fit. He recommended having a custom exhaust shop build something for it instead.
A family friend who has a collection of Corvettes suggested 21/2 inch pipes and 40 series flow masters. Called up a shop and they said it would run around the $500 price range if they had to do the flanges. I have to be honest I don't know much about cars. Doing the motor swap, suspension, clutch, ect. was all learn as you go from family/friends and a lot of help from you guys on here. So here I am seeking your expertise!
My other question, would the shop typically include the cats or is that something I should look into?
Brand new 350 crate in it and a set of Hedman Headers
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/68306/10002/-1
I talked to Jegs who I bought the motor and headers from, and they said they had nothing that would fit directly but they'd have something universal that could be made to fit. He recommended having a custom exhaust shop build something for it instead.
A family friend who has a collection of Corvettes suggested 21/2 inch pipes and 40 series flow masters. Called up a shop and they said it would run around the $500 price range if they had to do the flanges. I have to be honest I don't know much about cars. Doing the motor swap, suspension, clutch, ect. was all learn as you go from family/friends and a lot of help from you guys on here. So here I am seeking your expertise!
My other question, would the shop typically include the cats or is that something I should look into?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,347
Likes: 418
From: Seattle Area WA
Personally I would not use those 40 series flowmasters, lots of drone and they may drive you nuts in the Corvette cabin with how loud they are. Question is do you have to install cats for your state. They will be more money and hinder the performance, granted there are hi flow cats on the market. Personally a 2 1/2" pipe system with walker/dynomax turbo mufflers has a very throaty and commanding sound without the flow master drone.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 2
From: Huntingburg Indiana
Corvette central has very nice kits that fit very nicely. Allen's corvette exhaust makes great kits as well. I've had both. I've never cared for flowmasters, too "fake" sounding. If you want the flowmaster type muffler, as having no matting but using sound diverters, try the hooker muffler. They have a lot nicer tone. My brother bought a 98 trans am with a flowmaster on it. It was a little too noisy. We put on a hooker muffler and it got slightly quieter, but had a much nicer performance sound, not just noise. This is all personal opinion.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: Central New Hampshire
Personally I would not use those 40 series flowmasters, lots of drone and they may drive you nuts in the Corvette cabin with how loud they are. Question is do you have to install cats for your state. They will be more money and hinder the performance, granted there are hi flow cats on the market. Personally a 2 1/2" pipe system with walker/dynomax turbo mufflers has a very throaty and commanding sound without the flow master drone.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: Central New Hampshire
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I went with Pypes even though I read some threads about fitment issues. Good price, complete set up and stainless steel. After the first test fit, everything seems decent. I just need to extend the Hedman header extension pipes an inch or 2.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: Central New Hampshire
Thats what I heard about the H vs X as well. I have not heard both first hand though so dont know or sure.
I went with Pypes even though I read some threads about fitment issues. Good price, complete set up and stainless steel. After the first test fit, everything seems decent. I just need to extend the Hedman header extension pipes an inch or 2.
I went with Pypes even though I read some threads about fitment issues. Good price, complete set up and stainless steel. After the first test fit, everything seems decent. I just need to extend the Hedman header extension pipes an inch or 2.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I guess you can cut a 2inch pipe and use a clamp to attach it to the main pipe. I dont weld either but do have a friend who will weld it for me or I can just take it to an exhaust shop and have them weld it for around $20.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,347
Likes: 418
From: Seattle Area WA
Be careful trying to use a kit designed to bolt up to exhaust manifolds. They are not typically bent to mate up with headers. You/shop will end up cutting the pipes back so the shop can bend up a section of transition pipe to tie the headers and system together. Better off just having a good shop install from scratch. A "H" pipe is fine for your mild crate motor, it will balance the system out fine, easier and cheap to make/install. I would think that if you went with the less expensive walker/dynomax turbo mufflers, no cats and h pipe should be cheaper than $500.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
There are quite a few youtube videos out there with different systems on C3s so you can hear what they sound like. I've spent more time listening to C3's on youtube than I'd like to admit
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham Alabama
And I've been debating on the X vs H crossover. It was my understanding the H produced more if a muscle sound where as the X was a little more tuned?
I find the H pipe to be more of a deeper, musclecar sound.
Plenty of YouTube videos but don't limit yourself to C3 uploads.
Listen to any SBC powered vehicle with a true dual exhaust.
The 3rd/4th Gen F-Body with its single transverse muffler will always sound different than a true dual, even with the same brand/style muffler.
My preference is Hooker Aerochamber.
That's what I run on my '84 MCSS and '90 C1500.
Last edited by 242 Motorsports; Sep 8, 2013 at 02:14 PM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Alberta
I have hooker stainless side pipes on my 76 with a zz4 crate. They sound amazing and really clean up the rear end. Easy to work on the car with nothing in the way and no heat on my feet. Everyone loves a c3 with side pipes. Downside is that you can burn your legs if you forget to respect them. And cleaning burnt rubber off them sucks. Hwy driving at 3500rpm requires hearing protection or you will arrive deaf.
I love the sound of the v8, but if you want a quiet car, this is not for you.
I love the sound of the v8, but if you want a quiet car, this is not for you.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: Central New Hampshire
Sorry for the delay in response, the car is getting towed to the shop tomorrow. I watched a bunch of videos and i think I'm going with the dynomax turbos. I compared the two, I'd probably fall in love with either one the car started up and heard it, but it seems like the dynos are a little noisier with a meaner growl. Might hate that driving down the highway but I didn't get this car to be a daily driver! Thank you for your help guys. Always appreciate it. I'll post a video as soon as she's ready!
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 9
40 series flowmasters are really loud! I use 50 series delta flow and they are a bet smoother sounding and also a lot quieter than the Dynomax super turbos on my 1979 Corvette. I ran the Dynomax for about a month and felt that they had a bit of a glasspack sound, then went to 40 series flowmasters, but to much noise and then went to 50 series delta flow which have been on the car for about 12 years and I love them! Sold the 40 series to a buddy and made the mistake of putting the dynomax mufflers on my truck. I have been planning(for 12 years) to change them to flowmasters but have not got around to it. Every one thinks the truck has glass packs on it.
If you take a look at the link it has my exhaust build
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...st-system.html
But it really all depends on what sound you like. If you like it, it does not matter what anyone else thinks!
If you take a look at the link it has my exhaust build
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...st-system.html
But it really all depends on what sound you like. If you like it, it does not matter what anyone else thinks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ