Exhaust advice
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
Exhaust advice
So, the cataltytic converter on my '84 seems to have self destructed internally and is making some nasty irritating rattling noises. As old as the car is, there's no emission complianc requirement for it here in NYS. I'm thinking the most cost effective thing to do is just have the CC removed and a pipe welded in it's place. But... while I'm at it, are there any aftermarket exhaust system options I should explore for better performance that aren't absurdly expensive? It's mostly stock other than I ported the intake manifold, removed EGR, advanced timing a bit and higher pressure fuel pump.
Thanks a bunch,
Steve
Thanks a bunch,
Steve
Pro
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 716
Likes: 135
From: Buchanan, Michigan
Several companies sell dual exhaust pipes that go from manifolds to rear mufflers on the 84-91 cars. That is a bolt in option that would cost around 500. Or get a complete take off cat back system from a 91-95 zr1,92-96 lt1, or 96lt4 (most desirable) for 100-300, you'd need connector pipes from the factory headers to this system, or you could get long tube headers and the 92-96 system would not drone, and probably add 15-25 hp to your car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
"While I'm at it..." Isn't that how every project begins? LOL
Lots of good options out there for your 84. If you are only looking for HP and don't care too much about the sound, you will find something great for not much cost that probably sounds decent anyway. If you care a lot about the sound, it will cost more. It seems that you plan to keep the factory manifolds so I won't discuss headers, which can get expensive. Personally I would look for a used 92-96 LT1 exhaust system. They are a good free-flowing design but still relatively quiet with a nice low rumble which I like a lot. A good muffler shop or fab shop can easily adapt these stock LT1 systems to your car. Fortunately for you, it's common for Corvette owners to replace perfectly good exhaust systems simply due to sound preference, so you can find healthy used stock exhaust systems out there with a little searching.
Lots of good options out there for your 84. If you are only looking for HP and don't care too much about the sound, you will find something great for not much cost that probably sounds decent anyway. If you care a lot about the sound, it will cost more. It seems that you plan to keep the factory manifolds so I won't discuss headers, which can get expensive. Personally I would look for a used 92-96 LT1 exhaust system. They are a good free-flowing design but still relatively quiet with a nice low rumble which I like a lot. A good muffler shop or fab shop can easily adapt these stock LT1 systems to your car. Fortunately for you, it's common for Corvette owners to replace perfectly good exhaust systems simply due to sound preference, so you can find healthy used stock exhaust systems out there with a little searching.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
Folks, thanks for the advice. This isn't super urgent, I haven't even had the car on the road yet this year - waiting for some good hard rains to wash all the winter salt off the roads here in upstate NY. Some HP gains would be appreciated, but hey it's an L83 - my expecations aren't really high. I don't want it to be obnoxiously loud. There were a couple suggestions for an LT1 system, I'll keep my eyes open for a bit for that but if anybody has a lead please let me know. A question - is it technically legal for a shop to do these mods on a car that is past it's "emission control" date? I'm sure many shops will do it as long as it's for "off road" use only, but just curious on the real rules.
Thanks again,
Steve
Thanks again,
Steve
