C2:67 Exhaust systems- What's correct

[Gerard F.]

I want to redo my original exhaust system on a 1967 327/300HP, 4 speed. It has a couple of CherryBomb glass packs which I put on about 25 years ago(when I was young and foolish), although everything else is original and in need of replacement.

I see these aluminized steel system kits put out by Corvette Central and other venders. I go to a muffler shop and they try to sell me on these stainless steel systems.

What is original and what passes muster as OEM. Are there any venders out there with OEM kits which can do myself or take to a shop to put on.

I remember the suspension system guys, so this time I'm going to ask first.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Joe L.]

Re: C2:67 Exhaust systems- What's correct

Gerald-----

From the perspective of originality, the forward and rear exhaust pipes were plain carbon steel. This is what will garner the most judging points for originality. However, carbon steel will soon rust and, consequently, you'll lose "condition" points. Overall, though, you'll probably do best from a judging standpoint with plain carbon steel.

The original rear exhaust pipes were welded to the mufflers right at the muffler. They did not have a bell joint like SERVICE mufflers. Mufflers with rear pipes welded like original are available from suppliers like Allen's. These are a complete assembly including the muffler and rear exhaust pipe. This is how PRODUCTION assemblies were configured.

A few caveats:

1) There are NO exhaust pipes on the market that are configured exactly like original PRODUCTION pipes or long-discontinued GM SERVICE pipes. The GM pipes were die-formed. All current pipes on the market are mandrel bent. The difference in manufacturing methods produces differences in the configuration of the pipes that is readily discernable;

2) There is no muffler currently available from any manufacturer that is INTERNALLY configured like original GM mufflers, PRODUCTION or SERVICE. Of course, the internal configuration of the mufflers can't be seen by anyone. However, the internal configuration of the mufflers contributes greatly to the SOUND the muffler produces. No current mufflers sound like the original variety.

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2:67 Exhaust systems- What's correct

OK, now I am curious. What DID the original mufflers sound like as compared to todays available units? Louder? Softer? What type of mufflers available today are closest in sound?

Along the same thread, I need to replace my two forward pipes of my 2.5 inch system on my 67 SB. My mufflers are newer and of the aluminized steel type and don't need replacement, and the front pipes are carbon steel. The aluminized mufflers and short pipes that are attached still look great, while the carbon steel front pipes look like I pulled them out of the ocean. I assume that I can order new front pipes and expect them to fit with my mufflers (probably with some tweaking of course)?

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2:67 Exhaust systems- What's correct

Tim,
Purchased front, aluminized pipes for my '65 from Allens while I was at Carlisle. The Allen's front pipes matched my original pipes exactly.

Good luck,
Gene