69 exhaust...2 or 2 1/2 inch?

[Greg L.]

Well I'm finally getting around to ordering parts for my 69 L36 body off resto and I have some exhaust questions. Why did they use 2 inch exhaust in 69? Would I notice any difference while driving with the 2 1/2" exhaust and which would you all suggest that I use here. I'm doing the resto as close as possible to original with the judging guide so that makes me lean towards the 2" but since all the repro exhausts are stainless or aluminized,it won't be correct anyways so this makes me lean towards the 2 1/2". What do you judges think about my options? So far all that I have decided on is to get the welded muffler and rear pipe style. I'm really split on this one so any thoughs on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 69 exhaust...2 or 2 1/2 inch?

------Greg,when I bought my 69 435 coupe new I looked underneath and saw the 2" exhaust. A week later the original pipes were gone and 68 pipes and mufflers were on in their place. I didnt even leave them on long enough to get any kind of baseline performance figures. Those 2" pipes will really strangle your performance on the street. I understand all the judging downsides,but would rather take the hit any time. Just MHO...........Bill S

[Chuck S.]

Re: 69 exhaust...2 or 2 1/2 inch?

Greg, if you are trying to restore the car "as close as possible to original", then my opinion is to use the original size exhaust, aluminized, with the welded muffler.

This will net you the fewest deducts...well, except for using natural pipes. From the judging perspective, natural pipes would net the fewest points deducted, but in my opinion, the aluminized is worth a nominal deduct to keep them looking new longer.

If you have the wrong size pipes or stainless steel pipes, then I expect the deducts will be more than for aluminized pipes.

[Michael W.]

Re: 69 exhaust...2 or 2 1/2 inch?

I doubt you'll see much difference on the street with 2 1/2" pipes. Bigger pipes are really only of benefit with WOT redline operation in higher gears. However if that's how you drive...........

Chuckles makes a good point about the deduct for materials. I'd go with the 2" system that's closest to original.