where to buy exhaust system

[Danny W.]

For a 69 with under car exhaust, who supplies the best package. This is a car I will have judged.
Thanks, Danny

[Greg L.]

Re: where to buy exhaust system

The last I heard Corvette Central was the closest. All the major vendors seem to have a pretty close to original system but as far as I know only Corvette Central carries the carbon steel exhaust.

As far as I know though no one as of yet makes a authentic reproduction as far as the bends are concerned(originals had multipule crimps and repops are smooth on the inside of the bends).

I heard a rumor a while back that someone was going make an authentic reproduction with the proper bends but I haven't seen or heard if it actually happened yet.

[Dave S.]

Exhaust options

You have a new choice. The long awaited Gardners Exhaust has reproduced the correct 2 1/2" 68-72 systems for LT-1's and big blocks. You can now buy a system with the compression bends. Otherwise Allen's will offer a good reproduction system but will lack some of the details of the originals.

[Dick W.]

Re: Exhaust options

http://www.gardnerexhaust.com

[Lyndon S.]

[Dick W.]

Re: Exhaust options

If their Corvette pipes are as good as the Camaro, they will be perfect.

[Lyndon S.]

[Tom R.]

Re: Exhaust options

I talked to the guy a while back and they seek out, research known original pipes before building the first set. For example, Stan Felinski's LT1, it's pipes were used for the LT1 set.

[Mike McKown]

Re: Exhaust options

Ditto on BB Nova pipes.

[Greg L.]

Re: Exhaust options

Does anyone know if they will be making the 69 system, or 68 for that matter any time down the road?

[Michael G.]

Re: Exhaust options

Hey Guys,

My system is one of the few things that had been replaced prior to me purchasing it. Did the 71 SB have these flattened areas also or did it have some other distinctive factor that year?

[Dave S.]

Re: Exhaust options

The 70-72 2 inch systems are not flattened like the 2 1/2 inch systems but they do have the compression bends like the larger systems. The part numbers for 69 are the same as 70-72 2 inch pipes. Gardiners lists their 2 1/2 inch systems as 70-72 as the 68/69 systems are all 2 inch. 68 pipes are different part numbers. Stan Falenski has seen the Gardiners system and says they are perfect. Stan is very fussy so I'd take his word. As most of you know he is the 70-72 team leader and I'm sure he will discuss these systems with you if you email him. Be aware thet the Gardiners mufflers will lack the "W" embossement due to possible patent infringement.
I was aware Gardiners had done the prototype but was surprised they went ahead with production this quick. I think all the calls and emails we all sent to tham helped to speed things up. When I spoke to Gardiners they were looking for an original 2 inch system to use as a prototype.

[Michael G.]

Re: Exhaust options

Thanks Dave,

Very informative. Very helpful. I recently learned of the AIM from you guys but wonder what publications you use to verify the "correctness"
(is that a word?) of items. Still waiting for my AIM but assume this will only deal with the assembly procedure and not much else. I do possess some listings for date codes and casting numbers but they are not much help with aftermarket reproduction items and the distinctive traits (flattened areas of an exaust system). Thanks again.

Mike

[Dave S.]

Re: Exhaust options

Mike,
This whole thing is a process of talking with fellow members, studying the available published information, looking at original and restored cars and learning along the way. Hopefully you will not make to many mistakes. There is a wealth of knowledge out there but you need to process all the information you recieve and proceed accordingly. Thats most of the fun.

Enjoy. Look foward to seeing you and your car on a judging field along the way.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Exhaust options

Mike,

To echo what Dave said, a lot of the "correctness" verification comes from time on the judging field and time examining original cars. As a result, many of us focus on certain model years or certain items on the car since it is difficult to become an expert on an entire model year much less a variety of years.

A few things I've learned-

The item on your car is probably original, so trust it.
The configuration of your car is probably original, so trust it.
If you think that the judge may be incorrect, don't change your car to match the judge's opinion. Wait until the next meet where the next judge may have a different opinion.
Don't even think of throwing any part away as it's a great reference if nothing else.
Take pictures of your car's configuration before you go messing with anything. And, you can't take too many pictures, especially in the age of digital.

I've seen cars that were quite ratty or modified that still had a lot of original items on them that gave good information.

Patrick