'55 exhaust questions

[Michael L.]

Can't seem to find really detailed info on installation, so I have the following questions:

On driver side, pipe to manifold connection:is an internal sleeve used with a donut, or just the donut?

On passenger side: gasket goes on first, then heat riser. Same quetion with donut, does it have a sleeve or just use the donut?

OEM pipe specs are 1 7/8 inch internal for pipes correct?

I'm planning on using anti-sieze compound on manifold bolts, any reason not to?

Also, heard it was easier to put body back on frame and connect steering box to frame if driver side manifold is off, should exhaust pipe be off as well? Don't want to tighten it all down just to take it apart again. I'll fit it loose and tighten driver side when body is back on if that is the case. Don't want to fight pipes that have been clamped tight.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[Roy B.]

Re: '55 exhaust questions

A-On driver side, pipe to manifold connection:is an internal sleeve used with a donut, or just the donut?

B-On passenger side: gasket goes on first, then heat riser. Same quetion with donut, does it have a sleeve or just use the donut?

A.no sleeve just gasket
B.No donut used , two gaskets
should exhaust pipe be off as well=YES

[Dave Suesz]

Well,

OEM pipe specs are 1 7/8 inch internal for pipes correct?
-I think so, but I have an article by Ken Kayser from a few years ago which covers every aspect of 55-57 exhaust in incredible detail, I can check if you need.

I'm planning on using anti-sieze compound on manifold bolts, any reason not to?
-Yeah. The darn things come loose without it bad enough, with it you'll probably have to tighten them every time you drive the car. The original nuts were cold-forged, and looked like stainless steel. This from KK's article.

Also, heard it was easier to put body back on frame and connect steering box to frame if driver side manifold is off, should exhaust pipe be off as well? Don't want to tighten it all down just to take it apart again. I'll fit it loose and tighten driver side when body is back on if that is the case. Don't want to fight pipes that have been clamped tight.
-Yes, you'll get a lot more room without the manifold, but should be do-able either way.

[Dave Suesz]

Oh,

and since there is no donut, there is no sleeve. Some parts sellers have this wrong.

[Michael L.]

Re: Oh,

Yes, that is what propmted me to post. So often I'll see items listed in catalogs as a 53 - 62 part, knowing that my 55 did not use that item. I'm told the exhaust system I bought is built to OEM specs, I hope that is the case. I have three gaskets waiting for the rest of the system to arrive. Hold the donuts!

Mike

[Roy B.]

Re: Oh,

If you have the real original correct heat riser seen here, both surfaces are flat and don't allow a DONUT to be used, even the second design (replacement ) that is for a 56 ( but it has a round weight) or a square weight is also flat on both sides which most sellers say is for a 55. Even the original looking repro 55 is easy to tell it's a repro.
Mike and Dave use three I believe are the only 55 guys using this forum , we should just write each other direct on questions of the 55 Corvette!!!
%99 of seller concerning the 55 are wrong about they say a 55 is or used.

[Dave Suesz]

Well,

if OEM specs are the guide for your new system, I'd be interested to know. Every seller I know of will try to sell you oval mufflers for your 55, but according to GM specs, it calls for 4" round mufflers, commonly rerred to as the 56-57 "off-road" mufflers. Chevy actually specified these as standard on the 55, although some leftover oval 54 mufflers may have found their way onto the cars. There is no doubt #518 had the round ones when new, my Dad was there. I can tell you the car sounds really good with them. I can provide the info from Ken Kayser's article on 55-57 exhaust, "Countdown to Gold" if you need it.

[Dave Suesz]

That's

the first design, isn't it? Mine is the later square style, and is the original on the car.

[Roy B.]

Re: That's

Yes the first design which is on my 55 and the JM , never seen a original 55 with your's even later 55's then yours , but what can I say !

[Dave Suesz]

Hmmm...

I pulled one just like it off a 55 passenger car in a junkyard one time, and that car had been there since the late 50's. I say that based on the size of the trees that had grown through it!