Help with exhaust decision

[Ian S.]

Hi,

My '66 327/300hp has side exhaust that was added by the previous owner. He cut the fender tips but kept the brackets intact. Since the car is about to be painted I have been thinking about going back to undercar exhaust. My Dad always tells me what a cool sound the original vettes had with the undercar exhaust, my wife loves the side exhaust, and I must admit I like it too but I also have a compulsion to put things back to stock. This is a bit of a dilemma since I have not heard a midyear with undercar exhaust.

I was hoping someone could give me some feedback on the sound of a stock undercar exhaust. Is it really quiet like any other passenger car of the era or is there a certain sound character that Corvettes have? Corvette Central claims to make an OEM system that has the original factory sound. Anyone regret taking the side exhaust off?

Would removing the side exhaust add to or take away from the value of the car?

I know it's a personal decision but I would like to hear some other points of view to help me decide.

Thanks,

Ian

[Don 42616]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

I had a 65 sb with rear stock exhaust it sounds good . not as loud as side pipes. I like the look & loud rumble of S/P. But it is not my main driver. Don

[John F.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

If you want to retain the sound of the side pipes and go with undercar exhaust, try the chambered exhaust system. I took the stock exhaust off my car because I didn't think if had the "vette" sound. The chambered exhaust gives you the sidepipe sound with the undercar system. Cuts down on the heat etc. I have a 327/300 and it sounds a lot nastier than it really is!

John

[Jason B.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

Has anyone heard information about the undercar chambered system that Corvette Central has for $344? I've ready many posts on this subject and have so far talked myself into the Allen system II for $425. Allen also makes the system I for $399 but have read that it's noticably louder than the system II. Just curious how CC can have a substantially lower price than Allens.

One other question on this subject, has anyone installed the Allens chambered undercar system II with headers? I'm assuming that his typical exhaust bolts right up to the factory manifolds, and to connect to headers would require bringing the car to the local muffler shop for some fabrication.

Jason

[Wayne K.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

Ian,

This subject has been beaten to death. I'd tell you to check the archives. You have many issues to consider. If your going to have the car judged then I'd think you only have one choice. I went from underbody to side because that's what I wan't no matter what C2 I ended up with. It is really a personal choice.

Wayne

[Ian S.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

Hi Wayne,

Yes I know I am treading on a well traveled topic but it is usually just someone either loves side exhaust or hates it. I am trying to actually get an idea of what to expect from the stock undercar exhaust since I have not heard one and won't have the chance to in the near future. I know sound is a subjective thing but I have heard many 60's Chevys, 66-7 Nova SS, Biscayne, Camaro etc.. and was wondering if a Corvette exhaust is even in the same realm or if it has something just as unique about it as say the side exhaust. Apples and oranges I know but I thought I would put the question out there. I am not trying to duplicate the side exhaust sound with undercar exhaust.

Is it impossible to Top flight with a full exhaust deduction?

Thanks,

Ian

[Patrick H.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

I have the MidAmerica chambered system on my 71. It's louder than stock, and at first I thought too loud, but now I enjoy it.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

Ian,

Without sounding stupid...where the heck are you that you haven't heard a stock system and won't in the near future? Has every Corvette in your area been converted to side exhaust?

Patrick

[Mark W.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

I have a '66 327/350hp that had the stock undercar exhaust and I thought it was much too quiet. I never considered going to side exhaust due to cost and although I like the look and sound (of someone else as they drive by), I drive mine every chance I get and the side pipes are just way too loud for my taste. Since I wanted something in between the stock and side pipes, I replaced my stock mufflers with Flowmaster 40s, which give the exhaust some 'bark', without being overly loud. I won't be judging my car, so I'm not concerned with the points.

[Ian S.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

Hi Patrick,

Hey I lead a sheltered life!

I am stranded in Milwaukee and there are not many shows here until the summer. I have not been able to get to an NCRS show yet and most of the cars I have heard here are indeed side exhaust or louder aftermarket undercar exhaust. I suppose if I put some effort into it I could find another NCRS member and ask them if I can come over and listen to their car. That would make for a true geek phone call huh?

Ian

[Justin N.]

Make it nasty too!

John,
I hand-cleaned the intake and exhaust ports on my 'camelhumps' and exhaust manifolds, portmatched to gaskets. I purchased the current production GM 2 1/2" manifolds for my 67 327/300hp. I also added the LT1 cam kit from GM #12364054 which was about $146 wholesale. I had Dave F. at TI go through my distributor with new Vac can. #1810. I added the aluminum #490 intake to save weight and it looks way better then stock cast iron too. I expect nastiness and with properly adjusted solid lifters, and it shouldn't sound like bolts rattling in a coffee can. I'll post the dyno when finshed. Make yours nasty!

Justin #41362

[Patrick H.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

There must be a Chapter over near you, and a member who will let you listen to their car.

In fact, I know of a few lurking on this Board...

Patrick

[Rob M.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

Ian,

I asked the same question, don't feel bad. I too have a 66 300hp car which had side pipes added in the early 80's. It looks cool and sounds great, at least for the first 10 minutes.

I am going to convert my car back to the under car set up with an Allen's system including the off road mufflers. From all that I can gather, it's a great compromise between the two systems - not too quiet, not too loud.

FWIW

[Jeremy D.]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

Ian;

Come on down to Chicago and I'll fire up my '70 LT-1 with Allen's chambered pipes....I can pull next to a sidepiped big block and the cars are about the same amplitude....mine's just not as deep. But when you mash the gas and get the revs up, it is pure music....hardly used my radio at all last year. Also, my car came with headers on it when I bought it, and it sounded horrible. I put the rams horns back on, and it sweetened thing up a LOT.

[Richard Weddle]

Re: Help with exhaust decision

I own a 1966 327/350 with original side pipes. They are too loud for my taste, although I would never convert this car. If my corvette had been previously converted to side pipes, I would go back to original to quiet the car down. Just one man's opinion.