C1 Exhaust System ('60)

[Bob Malone #35242]

I bought a ss exhaust from Paragon some time ago and just now putting it on. Should have done it while the body was off but that's another story.
I'm finding that everything fits perfectly from the engine back to the muffler.
However, the pieces that go thru the rear bumper and the one that connects between it and the rear of the muffler aren't as cooperative. First the piece that goes thru the bumper only fits properly if it sticks out about 3" past the bumper. Then when I hook in the connecting piece, it is almost appears to be too short (like it needs the extra 3" sticking out the back).

Has anyone else had this problem or am I doing something wrong? I've interchanged pieces on both sides to make sure they weren't left side/right side dependent.

[andy#34338]

They can be a PITA, may need to keep fitting it

Bob,

I have only gotten that stuff to fit one way. I keep all connections from the exhaust manifold back loose, fit all of the parts and then get it all lined up. After I have it lined up I tac each joint so it will stay. Then I tighten it down. I make sure my tac welds are very small because I have had to re-adjust from time to time. At times it is not much fun. I have not gone with SS because I have been told it retains to much heat? Anyone else know about that?

Hope this helps
Andy

[Dave Christensen]

Re: C1 Exhaust System ('60)

Bob,
I just did my 56. The right side fit OK and the left side did not fit very well. I had to cut about 1.5" off in front of the left muffler to get clearance with the shock. Both sides stuck out from the exhaust bezels about 1.5". I cut that off as well. My left side was about 3.0" too long, overall.

I left everything loose until it fit and then started at the front and went back tightening everything.

Overall, the exhaust system went together about as well as everything else on the car. It was a PITA!

Good luck

Dave Christensen

[Larry Allen]

Re: C1 Exhaust System ('60)

The SS set I put in my 59 was about 3" short. That was the only way it would fit. I had a muffler shop add a short piece to the end of each pipe and it worked well.

[Larry Allen]

Re: C1 Exhaust System ('60)

The SS set I put in my 59 was about 3" short. That was the only way it would fit. I had a muffler shop add a short piece to the end of each pipe and it worked well.

[John H.]

Re: C1 Exhaust System ('60)

I put an older Zierden stainless system on my '57 four years ago, and after several hours of careful fitting and massaging hangers and clamps to center the pipes in the X-member holes and in the rear tunnels, it went together quite well; I did have to cut off about 3/4" of excess length at the rear of each tailpipe outlet, and it took some massaging at the joints behind the axle to get proper clearances in the "tunnels". You just have to be patient, work front to rear, and take your time - you only want to do this job once. My system doesn't elongate with heat any more than the aluminized pipes do, either; measured growth with heat on mine vs. a neighbor's with aluminized and they both grew exactly the same amount at the outlets (about 3/8"). In 5,000 miles since I've had no problems, no rattles, I love the sound, and it's going to last a lot longer than I am .

[John H.]

Re: C1 Exhaust System ('60)

I put an older Zierden stainless system on my '57 four years ago, and after several hours of careful fitting and massaging hangers and clamps to center the pipes in the X-member holes and in the rear tunnels, it went together quite well; I did have to cut off about 3/4" of excess length at the rear of each tailpipe outlet, and it took some massaging at the joints behind the axle to get proper clearances in the "tunnels". You just have to be patient, work front to rear, and take your time - you only want to do this job once. My system doesn't elongate with heat any more than the aluminized pipes do, either; measured growth with heat on mine vs. a neighbor's with aluminized and they both grew exactly the same amount at the outlets (about 3/8"). In 5,000 miles since I've had no problems, no rattles, I love the sound, and it's going to last a lot longer than I am .

[Dave Suesz]

Heat retention, +

A dull stainless steel system will "retain" about the same amount of heat as a new aluminized system. A polished ss system will retain, or not radiate, quite as much heat. Thats why teapots, etc. are often polished ss or silver, to retain heat. Your altenative, in the extreme, would be black finished pipes, which, like a coal or wood stove, would radiate the most heat. I don't think anyone would actually want MORE heat radiating under a Corvette, I would prefer the system RETAIN the heat and send it out the back. Also, considering the length of a car, I doubt you could measure the difference between a steel or ss when hot. The "2 inches of expansion" is a myth, easily destroyed by looking up the coefficient of expansion. SS systems do discolor somewhat, but at least they don't rust.

[Dave Suesz]

Heat retention, +

A dull stainless steel system will "retain" about the same amount of heat as a new aluminized system. A polished ss system will retain, or not radiate, quite as much heat. Thats why teapots, etc. are often polished ss or silver, to retain heat. Your altenative, in the extreme, would be black finished pipes, which, like a coal or wood stove, would radiate the most heat. I don't think anyone would actually want MORE heat radiating under a Corvette, I would prefer the system RETAIN the heat and send it out the back. Also, considering the length of a car, I doubt you could measure the difference between a steel or ss when hot. The "2 inches of expansion" is a myth, easily destroyed by looking up the coefficient of expansion. SS systems do discolor somewhat, but at least they don't rust.

[John S.]

Re: C1 Exhaust System ('60)

I put a Zierden exhaust system on a 56 with no problems. We had purchased a system from a well know corvette supplier and had to send it back because of fit. john

[John S.]

Re: C1 Exhaust System ('60)

I put a Zierden exhaust system on a 56 with no problems. We had purchased a system from a well know corvette supplier and had to send it back because of fit. john

[Dale Pearman]

Perhaps The First Stages Of Dementia

have set in and at my age I wouldn't be supprised BUT I recall that black matte finishes are more efficient in absorbing OR radiating heat. I certainly know that a black interior gets a hell of a lot hotter in the summer than a beige interior.

David I think you've got it backwards!

Dale.

[Dale Pearman]

Perhaps The First Stages Of Dementia

have set in and at my age I wouldn't be supprised BUT I recall that black matte finishes are more efficient in absorbing OR radiating heat. I certainly know that a black interior gets a hell of a lot hotter in the summer than a beige interior.

David I think you've got it backwards!

Dale.

[Dale Pearman]

Stainless Steel

wasn't discovered until 1961. That's when the GM engineers designed a system that fits.

Dale.

[Dale Pearman]

Stainless Steel

wasn't discovered until 1961. That's when the GM engineers designed a system that fits.

Dale.