C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,734
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern PA
C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help
It's about time to remove the old "Midas Special" mufflers off my car. I noticed that the Bubba installed these cheapos and didn't care much for performance. My pipes have been reduced to 2" from 2-1/2" in order to weld these junkers on. Now...what do you recommend?
I've got a 1970 LS5 (2-1/2") and I am interested in my options from chambered exhaust to performance mufflers. No sidepies. Any suggestions would help.
Thanks..
I've got a 1970 LS5 (2-1/2") and I am interested in my options from chambered exhaust to performance mufflers. No sidepies. Any suggestions would help.
Thanks..
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: macon, ga
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (70454)
i have really enjoyed my headers with 2 1/2" pipes to flowmasters. they have good performance and sound nice and mellow. if it wasnt for the desire for side pipes they wound be staying on.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue WA
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (70454)
I recently bought a set of mufflers and pipes (from the crossmember aft) from Corvette Central with the mufflers welded to the pipes like OEM. I haven't installed them yet, but they look great. I got tired of fussing with trying to line up mufflers that are only clamped to the pipe, so I'm trying these. By the way, these do not show up on Central's website, but they are in the catalog. If you call in, the guy/gal at the order desk will know what you need.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,555
Likes: 257
From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (ykp53)
I have 2 1/2 pipes and Borla Muffers. Headers going on Friday.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (LT-1 Larry)
Be aware that the stock tips are 2", even with a big-block. The stock system was 2.5" all the way into the muffler, and then 2" out. I modified my tips so I could do 2.5" all the way.
As I don't like a noisy exhaust I'm running Walker quietflows. I also have cut-outs infront of the mufflers for racing. Remove 3 wing nuts per side and I'm running open exhaust.
As I don't like a noisy exhaust I'm running Walker quietflows. I also have cut-outs infront of the mufflers for racing. Remove 3 wing nuts per side and I'm running open exhaust.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 44
From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (70454)
Here's what I'm using: Dynomax Ceramic headers & Chambered exhaust. You wouldn't believe how many complements I get on the sound. I an very happy with this set up. Sure, the chambered sections are sort of restrictive, but its the sound I was after. :reddevil
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,958
Likes: 0
From: Middletown Connecticut
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (Stewart's74)
i have cheapo second hand headers with MAD chambered mufflers 2.5" all the way back. I'm a little choked because of the design in the head pipe (you would be disgusted if i showed you) but other then that; no complaints :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (70454)
I'm running Dynomax Ceramacoat headers into 2 1/2 inch pipes with a crossover and Dynomax Ultraflow mufflers. The header connectors are aluminized but the pipes from the crossmember back are stainless. They are pretty quiet at idle with just a deeper tone than stock. During cruise you can carry on a conversation but when you put your foot in it they open up like glasspacks. Here are a few pics. They don't show the mufflers but you get the idea.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,734
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern PA
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (zwede)
Thanks for your replies.
I was interested in something close to stock and 2.5" all the way through. I just put a Corsa cat-back system on my Yukon XL and it is awesome. Too bad they dont make pipes for C3's.
I was wondering what Flowmasters would do with the stock 2.5 pipes? Also...how are the Walker's?
What about performance gains?
Thanks.
I was interested in something close to stock and 2.5" all the way through. I just put a Corsa cat-back system on my Yukon XL and it is awesome. Too bad they dont make pipes for C3's.
I was wondering what Flowmasters would do with the stock 2.5 pipes? Also...how are the Walker's?
What about performance gains?
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach FL
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (70454)
I have 2.5" SS pipes and Flowmaster 40 series mufflers. They sound pretty bad to me and pretty bad to others around me! :p:
Seriously, the Flowmaster thing is great for performance but if you don't like loud (although you did mention chambered... :p: ) they may not be right for you. It stinks to spend a bunch on new mufflers only to have to change them out because they are not what you wanted.
Seriously, the Flowmaster thing is great for performance but if you don't like loud (although you did mention chambered... :p: ) they may not be right for you. It stinks to spend a bunch on new mufflers only to have to change them out because they are not what you wanted.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (Mystery Machine)
I'm using MAD's chambered system on my SB and love the sound. I became aware that it's not the best flowing exhaust but it was an improvement over the 2 OD system I removed. It's a great "throaty" sound and certainly turns heads. I think I'll use it when I swap my BB too. My '70 isn't a racer so all out performance isn't an issue.
I also have an American Thunder & shorty header system on my '91 GT and they sound great too. Still a throaty growl but a more clear sound compared to the chambered.
I also have an American Thunder & shorty header system on my '91 GT and they sound great too. Still a throaty growl but a more clear sound compared to the chambered.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
From: Suwanee GA
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (70454)
Couple things to add, go with tips from a '73 to gain a little (opening is 2 1/4" vs. 2"), or have shop open your existing tips if there is enough metal. I went aluminized 2 1/2" with crossover, Dynomax Super Turbo's. With a BB you will get a slight drone with just about any performance muffler. Ultraflo's sound really good too, but they are a little louder than I wanted. The Pontiac guys have a CD that recorded sounds on like 40 different mufflers at idle and various rpms. I used that to narrow my search. It cost $5 and may still be available. Expect to pay $300-400 for a decent shop to do the work.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (Doug Brandon)
Other than Hedman headers my system is virtually identical to vettfixr's. I had the shop use 2 1/2" tips that were angle cut like stock.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: pasadena md
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (70454)
I have a 1974 sb350 with the block hugger headers and chambered exhaust pipes
The exhaust pipe kit was very easy to install :smash: The headers were a little work :boxing but not that bad.
The sound and performance Is GREAT!!! :thumbs: many a friend wonder why
my car sounds better then there's :D
In the performance area I one sec faster in the Quarter mile track instaling the headers and chambered exhaust.
That set up worked for me good luck on what you decide on.
The exhaust pipe kit was very easy to install :smash: The headers were a little work :boxing but not that bad.
The sound and performance Is GREAT!!! :thumbs: many a friend wonder why
my car sounds better then there's :D
In the performance area I one sec faster in the Quarter mile track instaling the headers and chambered exhaust.
That set up worked for me good luck on what you decide on.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,734
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern PA
Re: C3 Exhaust/Muffler Options..Help (Doug Brandon)
Doug:
I just contacted Summit and they offer the Walker Dynomax Superflo's (P/N 17764 and 17765) for $110.39 each. I am considering these.
The guy in customer service mentioned that the new Delta series from Flowmaster have solved the "drone" and resonnance issue with a "directional" baffle. Does anybody have the new Delta series mufflers from Flowmaster and any comparison to the SuperFlo's?
Thanks.
I just contacted Summit and they offer the Walker Dynomax Superflo's (P/N 17764 and 17765) for $110.39 each. I am considering these.
The guy in customer service mentioned that the new Delta series from Flowmaster have solved the "drone" and resonnance issue with a "directional" baffle. Does anybody have the new Delta series mufflers from Flowmaster and any comparison to the SuperFlo's?
Thanks.
