63 exhaust system

[Rainer S.]

I need to replace the exhaust system on my early 63 SWC Fuelie. (Body off restoration). I read the past posts as far back as Jan 2002.
What is the best system available today ? I am sure, some Vendors have changed, or have improved their products. I am looking for an aluminized,welded system,were the intermediate pipe is welded on the muffler. My car has tool wells. I have considered Paragon, Corvette Central and Ecklers's. Who has the best system, or is there another Vendor. I don't want to return the system, if not right, since the shipping charges will be high.
Thanks, Rainer

[G B.]

Good luck

During the last 35 years I've never installed an aftermarket Corvette exhaust system that fit as nicely as GM pipes right out of the box. They all had to be heated and "adjusted" a bit. During the last ten years it has gotten much worse.

I return pipes that are too far off to re-bend. I got one pipe that wasn't worth the cost of returning, even to the vendor. He admitted this after I sent a digital photo of it laying next to an original GM pipe. His pipe was a foot too long AND had the bends at the wrong angles.

I can not explain how this country has lost the technology to mass produce exhaust pipes that fit. I just know to buy NOS GM pipes when I see them come up for sale.

[Dave Suesz]

Amazing this problem exists...

I deal with a Mustang exhaust manufacturer who only started in the business about 3 years ago. He contacted every reputable restorer he could, borrowed NOS components from all over, and reverse engineered his replacement systems well enough that they fit as well as OE. He's getting so good he's now also offering 2 1/4" and 2 1/2" systems, turbo and flowmaster mufflers, etc.

If he can do all that in just a few years, I cannot understand why vendors who have been in business for decades can't make pipes for cars that have been around 40-50 years. I still can't find a vendor who can make correct pipes for my '55. They all want to sell me oval mufflers, and I KNOW FOR A FACT THIS CAR ORIGINALLY CAME WITH 4" ROUND MUFFLERS.

[Richard W.]

Although I do not believe in flaming, ...

I had a terrible experience with MAD on my '63 324/340hp. Not even close. Too long and too wide. They paid for me to have it modified by a local shop and gave me a $25 gift certificate for my trouble. That was nice but I would not recommend their systems.

[Patrick H.]

Different for Everyone.

Which is interesting, because I have the Mid America chambered system on my 71, and it fit perfectly.

I also have two Corvette Central systems on 1972's, and they fit without any problems whatsoever. No bending or modifying at all.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: Good luck

Jerry-----

Original GM pipes were die-formed. All of the reproductions are mandrel bent. With die-formed parts, each and every part will be perfect and identical. With mandrel-bent parts, there may be some variation from piece-to-piece.

[Byron Martin]

Re: 63 exhaust system

I just installed Corvette Centrals welded undercar exhaust on my 65. It fits perfectly, no modifacations needed at all. The tips exit perfectly in the center of the bezel. Byron

[mromano]

Re: 63 exhaust system

I put on a Exhaust by Allen system on my 63 340hp. Fit is good and sound is great.

mromano