Correct 69 exhaust supplier

[Greg L.]

From what I know as of today there are no correct reproduction exhaust systems for 69 or any other years for that matter. The closest is Corvette Central's welded CARBON STEEL ones. However I remember a while back that someone mentioned here that someone was working one a correct reproduction exhaust with proper bends and all and that they were to be announced at or around the time of the Nationals in San Antonio.

So the question is...is there now someone that makes a correct exhaust system for the 69 model or is it still in the works?

Thanks

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct 69 exhaust supplier

I have seen pictures of a system that Looks correct. I will get the web URL and post it here in the next day or two.

[Terry M.]

Re: Correct 69 exhaust supplier

Conversations I had with folks at the convention indicated that R & D was still underway, but maybe you know more than I do.

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct 69 exhaust supplier

Terry, I was told that some of the systems were ready for sale. I am awaiting an email to confirm or deny this.

[Terry M.]

Re: Correct 69 exhaust supplier

I did not get that impression -- let us know.

[Stan F.]

Re: Correct 69 exhaust supplier

Dick,

You should have my emailed response by now... If not let me know and I'll resend it.

Terry is correct. Currently, the tooling for the 1970-1972 big block (manual transmission) and LT-1 cars is complete (I believe that they may have a few midyear systems worked out as well). I had been given some pre-production pipes for folks to look at and comment on as well as for me to test fit and check for any installation issues. These exhaust systems are NOT available for sale at this point. The manufacturer is swamped with orders for other reproduction systems that they make and I was told that they need to expand their facility and add an employee before they start in on the Corvette exhaust systems.

That said, what I have been given looks very good. The down pipes from the manifolds look pretty darn good... The LT-1 pipes are swaged as original and have the smooth bends while the big block pipes have the correct compression "wrinkles". Both have the correct mounting flange.

The rear pipes also look good and have the correct compression "wrinkles" as the originals did. They are also flattened in the appropriate locations into an oval shape for ground clearance. This flattening should be a bit more pronounced than it is on the pre-production pipes that I have, but I'm told that it is an easy fix and will be addressed when production is ready to begin.

The mufflers will come seperate from the rear pipes and will require welding to complete the installation. The rear pipe slips inside the muffler inlet to facilitate a "factory installed" look when welded. The muffler inlet is about 1/2" to an 1" longer than original, but can be corrected by t******* it down with a cut off wheel or similar tool. I am told that the mufflers have the correct three chamber construction as the original, but I haven't cut one open yet to confirm this. There is currently an outlet pipe with a welded seam on the outlet pipe, but again, I am told that this can be changed once production begins.

There were two areas that I saw where the exhaust system deviates from the original system... Both on the muffler. The manufacturer will not, for trademark reasons, put the "W" on the mufflers as they originally appeared. Second, the locating tab spot welded to the top of the muffler outlet pipes was not installed on the pre-production parts that I received. In both cases though, I think a resourceful restorer can address these problems.

I do know that this company is looking for ORIGINAL pipes (rusted or not) to fill in the holes in their current inventory so that they can offer a complete line when production begins. If you have original pipes or know someone who does, please email me at rowdyrat@aol.com.

Regards,

Stan Falenski