C2 Exhaust system

[Tim G.]

I have an NOS C2 exhaust system from the crossmember back. Will this fit on a C3 from the crossmember back? I know way more about C2's than C3's.

[Ray K.]

Re: C2 Exhaust system

Tim,

In general, I believe that a C2 exhaust system will fit a C3. New part numbers are listed for the mufflers beginning in 1969 and the Corvettes equipped with the TH 400 transmission carried different part numbers for the exhaust pipes vs a 4 speed car.

Ray

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Exhaust system

I have an NOS C2 exhaust system from the crossmember back. Will this fit on a C3 from the crossmember back? I know way more about C2's than C3's.

Tim------


It all depends upon what C2 rear exhaust system parts you have and what C3 model year, engine, and transmission you contemplate using them on.

[Tim G.]

Re: C2 Exhaust system

Joe, it is an N11 system for a 1967 I bought from a friend, it was an over the counter GM system from the early 80's. The car is a 1970 base motor 4 speed. I know the N11 would not be correct, but I bet it would sound very good on the 300 horse motor.

[Terry M.]

Re: C2 Exhaust system

At the minimum there is a difference in the muffler hanger mount between C2 and C3. Some SERVICE parts come with both hangers on the muffler and judicious use of a grinding wheel can remove the excess mount.

Some. maybe all, of the N11 assemblies that were available in SERVICE had embossed markings on the mufflers that will be a tell for C3 judges, but if you are not concerned about judging the muffler/pipe assembly should fit manual transmission for either C2 or C3. Full disclosure: I have never done this, but I know people who have.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Exhaust system

Joe, it is an N11 system for a 1967 I bought from a friend, it was an over the counter GM system from the early 80's. The car is a 1970 base motor 4 speed. I know the N11 would not be correct, but I bet it would sound very good on the 300 horse motor.

Tim------

As you are aware, the SERVICE N11 system included the rear pipes welded to the muffler and was the same assembly used in PRODUCTION for 1964-67 N11 Corvettes. The standard rear exhaust system used in PRODUCTION was never available in SERVICE.

However, you would have several problems trying to install what you have on a 1970:

First, the C2 rear exhaust pipes (including those part of the N11 assembly) are different than C3. They are not hugely different but they are different.

Second, the N-11 assembly pipes and muffler inlets are for a 2-1/2" system. However, 1970 base engine used a 2" system. So, even if you could use the N-11 assemblies, you would have to change the 1970 front pipes to 2-1/2".

Third, the mufflers which are part of the N-11 assembly have rear hanger brackets for C2 installation. To use them on a C3 you would have to weld C3 brackets to the mufflers or use some sort of adapter.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Exhaust system

At the minimum there is a difference in the muffler hanger mount between C2 and C3. Some SERVICE parts come with both hangers on the muffler and judicious use of a grinding wheel can remove the excess mount.

Some. maybe all, of the N11 assemblies that were available in SERVICE had embossed markings on the mufflers that will be a tell for C3 judges, but if you are not concerned about judging the muffler/pipe assembly should fit manual transmission for either C2 or C3. Full disclosure: I have never done this, but I know people who have.

Terry-------


Only the SERVICE mufflers for standard 2-1/2" systems had the dual brackets. The mufflers part of the N-11 assembly did not have dual brackets (probably because they were never intended for use on a C3). Also, the 2" mufflers for C2 and C3 were never supplied with dual brackets.

[Tim G.]

Re: C2 Exhaust system

Thank you, gentlemen. You've made it clear I should leave the over the counter N11 system in my attic for an appropriate car.

I just checked the hanger brackets and they are quite a bit different.