C2 Exhaust Install

[George C.]

I am taking the side exhaust off my 65 convertible and installing under car exhaust as the car was originally equipped. I did not buy the welded system, I had heard about problems with fit. Has anyone fit the exhaust, make sure no rattles exist and then welded the rear pipe to the muffler?

Thanks in advance,

George
#36809

[Brian M.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Install

I used a welded system in my 67 without any fitment problems.

[Mark H.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Install

I also used a welded system on my '64 a few years ago. Only encountered one minor problem - at the seam where the back piece with the wleded muffler fit into the next piece up the line toward the engine, the inner pipe was about 1/4" to 1/2" too long. Trimmed it and it fit fine.

[James W.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Install

George,

I installed a welded system on my '64 and had no problems and have installed the same welded systems on other Corvettes, no problems. All it take is patients to get it right.

I'd put the system on, adjust it to get the best/proper fit and drive it for a a week or so. The places you may encounter a rattle or buzz is if the pipes are positioned too close to the bottom of the rear leaf spring or if the exhaust tip clamps are positioned too close to the exhaust bezels. It's best to install the entire system and let it "hang" on the rear exhaust hangers for while until it settles into postion, making any final adjustments before you weld the pipe to the muffler.

One thing to remember is to be sure that all final adjustments are made with the entire weight of the car resting on the suspension. I have a 4-post lift which make installation of exhaust systems much easier. If you have a friend with a lift or can get an exhaust shop to take the time to install the system and adjust it to acheive the proper fit this would be a big help. The proper clearances for the exhaust system are found in the AIM manual.

Best Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.

[George C.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Install

James,
Thank you for your response, I do have a 4 post lift which makes it pretty easy to do the exhaust system. My question was more related to having the pipes welded after everything was installed, adjusted and rattle free. Maybe it adds no value if I can get it all adjusted and rattle free.

Thanks,

George

[James W.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Install

George,

Wait until it has been on the car a week or so and if there are no rattles, then I would wire weld the pipe to muffler joints and remove the clamps. Actually, two or three small (1/4 to 3/8 inch) tack welds placed evenly at each pipe to muffler joint is more than sufficient to hold the joint in place, this way IF you ever had to replace a muffler all you would need to do is grind off the tack welds.

Regards,

James West

[Kevin M.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Install

I had my exhaust guy cut the bell of and welded them together. For you guys with restored cars a little JB around the seam, sand, black out and it is hard to tell if it's one piece or two.

Kevin