1979 Exhaust Question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
1979 Exhaust Question
Has anyone ever made a section of pipe that bolts in place of the catalytic converter section on a 79 stock exhaust system? If so, what are the dimensions and how did you do it / have it done?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: 1979 Exhaust Question (Simon Alexander)
Those are called "test pipes." They have been around since about as long as the catalytic converter. The reason they're called that is because you're putting it on strictly for "testing purposes"; ie, to make sure your cat isn't clogged.
However, if you're in a smog testing state, consider a high-flow cat. Many users say they are a significant improvement over the original vintage cats.
If you don't have smog testing, you need true dual exhaust!
However, if you're in a smog testing state, consider a high-flow cat. Many users say they are a significant improvement over the original vintage cats.
If you don't have smog testing, you need true dual exhaust!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Re: 1979 Exhaust Question (page62)
Those are called "test pipes." They have been around since about as long as the catalytic converter. The reason they're called that is because you're putting it on strictly for "testing purposes"; ie, to make sure your cat isn't clogged.
However, if you're in a smog testing state, consider a high-flow cat. Many users say they are a significant improvement over the original vintage cats.
If you don't have smog testing, you need true dual exhaust!
However, if you're in a smog testing state, consider a high-flow cat. Many users say they are a significant improvement over the original vintage cats.
If you don't have smog testing, you need true dual exhaust!
I know I need true dual exhaust... but I want to see what the change in sound (and performance I guess) will be if I replace the cat with a test pipe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: 1979 Exhaust Question (Simon Alexander)
Don't waste your time. Go for 2½" true duals, preferably with a H-pipe. You can choose your sound from mild to wild just by picking a muffler!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: 1979 Exhaust Question (randy814u)
This is a regional thing...
For example, there's a teenager in my neighborhood that owns a '76. It has some funky-looking targa mufflers that are rusted out. He went down to the south side of town, where many Mexican immigrants own "used tire & muffler" shops. He was quoted a price of $89 for true duals from the manifolds back, including mufflers (no kidding!) It'll probably rust out in 5 or 6 years, but at that price who cares?
So if you happen to live in the Southwest, you're in luck! Otherwise, shop around...you'll find a reasonably priced shop in your neck of the woods :yesnod:
For example, there's a teenager in my neighborhood that owns a '76. It has some funky-looking targa mufflers that are rusted out. He went down to the south side of town, where many Mexican immigrants own "used tire & muffler" shops. He was quoted a price of $89 for true duals from the manifolds back, including mufflers (no kidding!) It'll probably rust out in 5 or 6 years, but at that price who cares?
So if you happen to live in the Southwest, you're in luck! Otherwise, shop around...you'll find a reasonably priced shop in your neck of the woods :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: 1979 Exhaust Question (page62)
If you want to get a test pipe, I got one for my 82 from these guys. http://www.mufflertech.com
Car sounds a little louder until WOT then look out. You could also just punch out the cat until you can afford duals.
Car sounds a little louder until WOT then look out. You could also just punch out the cat until you can afford duals.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 1
From: Fishkill NY
Re: 1979 Exhaust Question (page62)
Don't waste your time. Go for 2½" true duals, preferably with a H-pipe. You can choose your sound from mild to wild just by picking a muffler!
Just did mine, sounds great with Borla's!!:yesnod: The only thing I still need to do is have the "H" pipe put in, this should improve the low end performance and the sound as well..
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Re: 1979 Exhaust Question (82dukman)
If you want to get a test pipe, I got one for my 82 from these guys. http://www.mufflertech.com
Car sounds a little louder until WOT then look out. You could also just punch out the cat until you can afford duals.
Car sounds a little louder until WOT then look out. You could also just punch out the cat until you can afford duals.
[Modified by Simon Alexander, 10:14 PM 10/16/2002]
