C2 (1967) Exhaust Tip Alignment

[Paul L.]

I had the complete exhaust system on my 1967 replaced last September at a local Midas shop. All components came from Corvette Central. We are looking at 327/300 2" with Powerglide. I was initially OK with the job but in retrospect I should have insisted on a better alignment of the exhaust tip extension on the left side. It is off. But being in a hurry, etc.....In any case it began to irritate me. At home, I pushed and pulled on the rear muffler and adjusted the rear hanger ad naseum to no avail. That darn thing won't move the 1/2" needed. I just gave up and the car is in winter storage as of last October.

So what is the solution? I can take it back in April/May 2008 but what has to be bent? Very much appreciate comments.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 (1967) Exhaust Tip Alignment

Paul------

I think that you're going to find that the only way to better align the tips is to remove the mufflers and have the rear extensions slightly bent by a muffler shop. The reproduction mufflers and pipes are very good but they are not 100% true to original with respect to every degree of every bend. I believe that the original parts were made in sophisticated fixtures and dies which assured excellent conformance with design specifications and uniformity between pieces. The reproductions are manufactured using different technology applicable to low production volume and are not as consistent as original pieces.

I'm having a major hang-up with my "ZL-1" project as a result of exhaust system "angularity" problems, so I'm very "close" to this issue.

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 (1967) Exhaust Tip Alignment

Paul,

From the picture, I would try to take the clamp loose where the muffler and pipe join (by the spring/strut rod) and twist the muffler up just a little more. This may move the exhaust tip closer to the center of the valance hole and then you can final adjust at the muffler hanger.

The pipes look nice and flat under the car, I think if your patient you can get them better. You should try this on a 63 with the floor pans under body. Talk about angles!

[Paul L.]

Re: C2 (1967) Exhaust Tip Alignment

Thanks for the tips. The Corvette Central system was very good, even having the appropriate bends to clear the Powerglide. The installer did spend about 15-minutes tweaking a couple of the bends in the pipes but really just a wee bit. He was pretty meticulous.

Come spring I will have another peek at the system. (I do not have access to the car now.) The left muffler does seem to hang a bit lower than the right. I tried to pull it up via the rear hanger but ran out of adjustment. Perhaps a clockwise rotation at the extension pipe/muffler pipe junction will give the 1/2" or so lift I need. Or as Joe noted, perhaps the extension itself can be bent/adjusted. It might be that simple. The installer did not use clamps there but spot-welded (MIG) the extensions on. I hope those can be broken.

I do not have the facilities in my garage to do much other than what can be done flat on my back. So my options are limited. I would imagine that the final adjustments done by a professional would take about one hour at $80/hr. That might be money well spent.

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 (1967) Exhaust Tip Alignment

Paul,
When I installed the exhaust system on my '65 I started at the exit end of the mufflers and worked my way forward. It was easy to get the tips centered the the bezels per the AIM.

I suggest that you get the car up on jack stands and loosen all bolts, including the manifold ones. Start at the rear and position the mufflers and tighten the two mounting bolts on each side. Work forward. I used hose clamps instead of muffler/tail pipe clamps to tighten and adjust working my way through the tunnel. Using extra jack stands to hold the pipes and mufflers as you go makes it easier.

When you have everything exactly where you want it, tighten the exhaust manifold bolts last. Then after final verification, remove the hose clamps and replace them (one at a time) with the correct muffler/tail pipe clamps.

Remember your heat shields and ground wires.

Good luck on your car.

Regards,
Gene

[Paul L.]

Re: C2 (1967) Exhaust Tip Alignment

Gene,
Those are interesting comments! I do have a friend (certified technician) with a drive-on lift at his home and he loves to take on such projects. Might be worth a few hours on a Saturday morning come spring. And all parts are new so corrosion will not rear its ugly head.

I didn't forget the heat shields and grounds. That Midas red goop is long gone. I don't know why he used it: the joints don't leak?