Exhaust System Question
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 187
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From: Orange Park Fl
Exhaust System Question
I have an 86 with cast iron heads. The exhaust system is originial with the exception of Flowmasters on the back. The system is noisy, the Flowmasters fill the cockpit with an annoying drone, and I can here leaks coming from underneath. Would like to replace it with all new stock.
Can anybody recommend where to get the best price on OEM? Is this a DYI job or is it best to get the parts and bring it to a muffler place shop to have it re-hung? Last, are there any "need to know items when doing this so that I don't get into spending additional $$$ on mistakes?
Can anybody recommend where to get the best price on OEM? Is this a DYI job or is it best to get the parts and bring it to a muffler place shop to have it re-hung? Last, are there any "need to know items when doing this so that I don't get into spending additional $$$ on mistakes?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Exhaust System Question (Kens86)
I don't know how the price compares with other sources but Contemporary Corvette (link on my site) vends stock Corvette exhaust systems including all stock clamps, etc.
Since the system bolts to the rear of the cat it likely would be necessary to replace the cat back & mufflers along with some hangers and such. If that sounds like a job for you it shouldn't be too bad once you get the old system down. If it has a custom Flow Master cat back life could be more complicated; if not the rear Y-pipe could be rusted out. In any case you need to isolate the leak(s) and see just what's involved in your particular case.
However, I'd just take to a good exhaust shop.
Since the system bolts to the rear of the cat it likely would be necessary to replace the cat back & mufflers along with some hangers and such. If that sounds like a job for you it shouldn't be too bad once you get the old system down. If it has a custom Flow Master cat back life could be more complicated; if not the rear Y-pipe could be rusted out. In any case you need to isolate the leak(s) and see just what's involved in your particular case.
However, I'd just take to a good exhaust shop.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Exhaust System Question (Kens86)
A rear Y with crossover tube is supposed to decrease the drone. I'm considering putting on a different exhaust, so stay posted.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 185
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From: Rocky Mount NC
Re: Exhaust System Question (Kens86)
On my 85, I replaced the exhaust with factory type components and I too had the drone. Plug up the inboard outlet on each muffler and see what happens. Try tennis *****. It cuts the drone out. If this fixes your problem with drone, just weld in some plates to cut off those outlets. The only problem I had was the mental anguish over plugging up an exhaust outlet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
Re: Exhaust System Question (Kens86)
Just replace from the cat back with a newer Flowmaster system.
My Y pipe was rusted out in several places on my 88. Put in one of the New Flowmaster cat back systems. Resonance = or better(less) than the stock system that was on it. Also in the cabin its just slightly louder than stock, you can talk, listen to radio at same volume, etc.
Had a good shop do the install, it was < $900 parts, labor, and replace all 4 taillight bulbs.
Good luck!
My Y pipe was rusted out in several places on my 88. Put in one of the New Flowmaster cat back systems. Resonance = or better(less) than the stock system that was on it. Also in the cabin its just slightly louder than stock, you can talk, listen to radio at same volume, etc.
Had a good shop do the install, it was < $900 parts, labor, and replace all 4 taillight bulbs.
Good luck!
