'78 Exhaust is Exhausted

[Greg Anderson]

[Joe L.]

Re: '78 Exhaust is Exhausted

Greg-----


I'm afraid that the issue of whether to use GM replacement parts is pretty much moot, unless you are able to find someone that happens to have NOS pieces for sale(which will probably come with an NOS price). All of the GM exhaust pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converter for your car have been discontinued. Consequently, aftermarket replacements or reproductions are about the only choice open to you.

[Paul B.]

Re: '78 Exhaust is Exhausted

Greg, in addition to what Joe said and also having my '80 judged this past summer, the total exhaust points and deductions are'nt critical for how many "total" other points are available. They do check for "original" but many of the mufflers today that you can get from various suppliers are virtually identical to OEM, but may lack GM part #s which isn't(usually)a large deduct. For example, the '75-'77 judging guide list 30 originality pts and 30 condition pts. One has to look at the whole exhaust system; pipes/mufflers/clamps/converters and take a fraction of the whole total pts available and figure out how much to deduct for each. Even if you go stainless, I don't think the deduct is that great versus the value of stainless exhaust. Maybe others have an opinion?

[JAT]

Re: '78 Exhaust is Exhausted

I think your decision should be based on what you can afford and are you only interested in having your car judged and getting the most points available. If you like driving your car a lot, like several thousand miles a year, I would buy the best exhaust I could afford that would give me many years and many miles of driving pleasure. When I replaced the original mufflers on my 68 I purchased lifetime guaranteed replacement mufflers from Walker. They were more expensive than other aftermarket mufflers and I still believe I made the correct choice for me.

[Greg Anderson]

Re: '78 Exhaust is Exhausted

I appreciate the comments. I guess the question now is Carbon, Aluminized, or Stainless Steel? I've read conflicting pros and cons for each (I believe it's Paragon who claims carbon steel has a greater expansion coefficient than Stainless). Any recommendations?


Is it better to have a local shop fabricate a system, or buy one from the usual vendors?


This car is a driver first, which I enjoy and put about 3,000 miles/yr on. But I also have a desire to keep it/return it to original condition as much as possible. I'm intrigued by the possibility of qualifying for a Founders Award someday, so want to be as correct as possible with any replacements (within reason).


I appreciate all the input.


Greg.