1971 LS5 Exhaust System

[James C.]

I am installing a new carbon steel exhaust system on my 1971 454/ 4 speed coupe. I notice that the judging guide requires that the mufflers be "blacked "out. How does one go about that process (i.e. what type paint and technique, is it done with the system on or off the car). The guide only has two sentences on this item. Thanks! Jim

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971 LS5 Exhaust System

Jim,

It's easier to do with the muffler system off the car, but I have done a couple with the mufflers in place (see below). I used some cardboard pieces and boxes to keep overspray off the rest of the car, degreased the mufflers with wax and grease remover (as if the factory was that clean ... ) and used Krylon Semi-flat. I just tried to cover up any silver I'd see from the side of the car.

To more mimic the factory, stand them up (or hang them) and hit them with black paint. I've seen low mile cars with black paint extending a fair way up the pipe towards the transmission, so you don't have to be too neat about it. If I were to do it again, I'd have more paint coverage on the ends and pipes than what you see in the picture below.

Patrick

[Gary Schisler]

Re: 1971 LS5 Exhaust System

Based on Patrick's description a few years ago, I blacked out my muffler using nothing more than a piece of cardboard as guide/shield and sprayed so that most of the muffler seemed black from behind the car. Not too neat, not too careful, just a so/so job. I suspect that this approximated the factory finish.
Gary
72 LT-1

[Warren F.]

Re: 1971 LS5 Exhaust System

Patrick,

Who's exhaust system is that on your car? I am trying to decide where to buy a system for one of my LS6's. Yours looks like the system on my other LS6 coupe, but I have no way of knowing who made it. Was thinking of ordering a system from DocRebuild.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971 LS5 Exhaust System

Corvette Central.

I've used a couple of theirs with very good success. It's the aluminized one, not carbon steel. The prior owner put it on (with my recommendation) and I'm pleased with it. I'll live with the points deduction.

Patrick

[James C.]

Re: 1971 LS5 Exhaust System

Thanks for the info. Since I have not installed it, I will paint it standing up. Sloppiness will not be a problem for me. The system I bought was a carbon steel system from Corvette Central. Looks much more original than the alumimzed system currently on the car and should have better ground clearence since the pipes are flattened and bends are crimped as with the factory system.... Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971 LS5 Exhaust System

Jim-----

"...bends are crimped..."? If so, Corvette Central must have changed pipe suppliers or, if they do their own, changed their tooling or manufacturing methods. I don't recall the Corvette Central pipes ever having the "crimps" at the bends in the past.