Muncie 4-Speed/Allens Stainless

[Noel O.]

When checking the assembly build date and VIN stamping on a Muncie 4-speed, should everything appear as Alan Colvin suggests in Fig. 15-7 on page 261 of his 65-69 book. For example, could the assembly build date be lower on the case, will the VIN stamping always run from top to bottom or could it run from bottom to top. Also, are there any other nuances that Colvin does not cover that one should be aware of.

Also, would like to hear of any experiences you guys have had with Allens stainless. Specifically, I am agonizing over the chambered system (great sound) vs the off road system (more original look wiht better than stock sound). I would like to hear from those who may have had experience with either. Application would be a 68 L-89.

Many thanks to all who respond

Noel

[Tom B.]

Re: Exhaust system

Noel,

I haven't had the need to try an aftermarket exhaust since I've either preferred the side exhaust option or the original N11. I have an original N11 system on my 68 L89 and prefer it for two reasons. I like the sharp report (sound) that it has and it is original, which, will give an original Corvette sound that is hard if not impossible to duplicate without original equipment.

I suppose if you chose a different system, I could somehow manage to help you get rid of that old and crumby original N11 system and take it off your hands. Be sure and let me know. :-) TBarr #24014

[Noel O.]

Re: Exhaust system

Tom,

Thanks for the response. The system that is currently on the car not original. The system was replaced in the early 90's with parts that were provided by Corvette Central in Sawyer, MI. If it is any help, the mufflers are P/N 323342 which I beleive are replacement units for 68-72. I am doing dome detail work on the chassis and have decided to change the entire system pipes and all. I have heard/read some good things (soem fromt the MB) about the Allen's systems. Do you know much about them? what are your feelings on the chambered system (under car not pipes) vs the the Allen's offroad system. Do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks

[Jerry Clark]

Re: Muncie 4-Speed/Allens Stainless

Hi Noel:

I installed the under car chambered from Corvette Central, I loved the sound but disliked the way it looked, IT HANGS VERY LOW and it's placement under the seats is obvious from the rear and low side observation. I ended installing side exhaust with correct side covers, (69) and 67 chambered pipes, looks right, sounds good.

jerry

[Tom B.]

Re: Exhaust system

Noel,

I have a lack of first hand experience with aftermarket exhaust systems, but there has been some periodic discussions about them. Several fellow members here have used or considered much of the same as what you ask and I could only hope they will join in as well. Alot has been favorably mentioned for what is available. All I could mention is probably what others have said and are in the Archives, so you may want to also run a search there if you haven't yet.

Just to let you know what you have on the car, I believe even replacement or reproduction N11 mufflers and correct exhaust pipes for them are difficult to locate. I haven't searched too hard, but I recently went through my stack of parts supplier catalogs and found nothing available. If you switch out and want to sell what you have, then you may want to keep an eye on what you have and what's available. TBarr #24014

[Ed M.]

Re: Exhaust system

Noel, I put the undercar chambered exhaust on my 68 435 convertible. It sounds great. My only experience with N11 was on a 67 350hp coupe I had. Compared to side pipes (of which I've had plenty) or the chambered exhaust, I thought the N11 system was quite tame.

However, I am facing a similar dilemma. I am restoring my 67 400 conv. which originally came with N11 and was changed to sidepipes (by the original owner) and now I am going to have to put it back to N11. I don't believe you can get the welded pipe/muffler assembly from GM anymore. Does Allens have a steel system besides the stainless? Will it pass judging?

As a side note, when I talked to the original owner of my 400 car, he asked for side pipes but the salesman checked off N11 offroad exhaust on the order form by mistake. When Wayne went to pick up his new 67 Corvette he was upset to find no side pipes. The dealer told him he didn't have to take the car (yeah, right) and Wayne said, no, he'd take the car. Just put side pipes on it. How many times do you think some Chevy salesman checked off N11 instead of N14 during the sixties? Ed

[Ed M.]

Re: Muncie 4-Speed/Allens Stainless

Noel, what Jerry says is on the mark. You lose considerable ground clearance with the chambered system and it does look a little odd, especially to Vette nuts like us who look at low side views. I had to build ramps to get the 68 in and out of the barn after assembly. Oh well, the price you pay for sound.

By the way Jerry, I like your idea and if my car was a 69 I'd do what you did.

Ed

[Patrick H.]

Re: Chambered Exhaust

Jerry,

When did you get the system from Corvette Central? As of last June, they had no such system available, and did not plan on making any. Also, why do you lose clearance? For undercar chambered, it seems to me that the pipes run under the car in the same location as stock pipes, and you don't have mufflers in back.

Thanks,

Patrick

[Noel O.]

Re: Exhaust system

Ed,

I beleive that they have stainless and aluminumized versions of both the the offroad repro and the chambered system. As far as judging is concerened I dont know how the offroad system would fair. For more info contact Mike at Allens 219-722-7272. He should be able to email you pictures of the system

Thanks for your comments!!

Noel

[Jeff C.]

Re: Exhaust system

Noel,

I installed the chambered under car system on my 67 L36. It sounds great fits exactly like the stock system and was easy to install. I wanted side pipes but did not want to cut the car to install them. I got mine from Mid America but Ecklers also has them.

Jeff Cheney

[Jerry Clark]

Re: Chambered Exhaust

Hi Patrick:

I have an business account at Ecklers and they told me they would acquire the system for me through CC, weather CC ended up being the vendor or not I don't know for sure, I just took them at their word. The chambered under car has a very large diameter chambered section, which, when hung correctly, will allow about 1/2 the pipe diameter to be exposed below the car. I remember the Z28 chambered exhaust system was not much larger than the connecting pipes, not so with this system.

jerry

[Patrick H.]

Re: Chambered Exhaust

Jerry,

I would be 99 44/100% sure it didn't come from Corvette Central. I even offered them my car to prototype a system, and no take to date.

I'll have to look closely at the chambered sections at Bloomington this June, and see who has fatter ones. They didn't look that fat to me, which is why I'm surprised at yours. They are "listed" as 2 1/2 inch diameter in several catalogs, so we'll see.

Patrick

[Jerry Clark]

Re: Chambered Exhaust

Hi Patrick:

I called my Ecklers contact and checked his vendor, ( a great guy, he willingly provides almost any information) he said by the time I actually ordered the system they had been supplied by Mid America, (they were drop shipped with an Ecklers label in place), he said they now deal directly with the manufacturer. I still have some of the system and ran a dial caliper across them, the dimples provide a very inconsistent outside diameter, the smallest o.d. measures 3" the largest is 3 1/4" and that o.d. does not change weather you order big block or small .

jerry

[Bill D.]

Re: Allens Stainless

Noel and Ed.I have used Allens for years. I have also tried Mid-America when specified by a customer. My experience with Mid-America has been less than satisfying. Many poor fitting and mismanufactured parts. I will not use them again. Allens parts are formed more accurately from heavier gauge pipe and fit much better. Mike is easy to deal with if you have a question or problem. He makes the parts himself so he knows what you are talking about when you ask him. Quality product at a fair price. WB

[Patrick H.]

Re: Allens Stainless

Wild Bill,

Thanks for the note. Now I'll make sure to look even closer at them this summer. As far as I know, not many others make chambered systems.

Patrick Hulst