Correct Length of C2 Exhaust Pipes

[John D.]

I want to replace the mufflers on my 65 396 with stock mufflers, but need to know the length of the exhaust pipes that connect to the mufflers. I am trying to determine if the pipes were modified when non-stock mufflers were installed 30+ years ago. These mufflers are one of the very few non original parts on the car. I would like to keep the original exhaust pipes if they have not been shortened. So, if I know the correct length I can determine whether to replace the pipes or just the mufflers.

Also it looks like I will have to remove the pipe that connects to the manifold in order to remove and install the new pipe with muffler connected to gain clearance. If you have done this and know how it works I would be very glad to know.

Thanks for any info you have.

John

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Length of C2 Exhaust Pipes

I want to replace the mufflers on my 65 396 with stock mufflers, but need to know the length of the exhaust pipes that connect to the mufflers. I am trying to determine if the pipes were modified when non-stock mufflers were installed 30+ years ago. These mufflers are one of the very few non original parts on the car. I would like to keep the original exhaust pipes if they have not been shortened. So, if I know the correct length I can determine whether to replace the pipes or just the mufflers.

Also it looks like I will have to remove the pipe that connects to the manifold in order to remove and install the new pipe with muffler connected to gain clearance. If you have done this and know how it works I would be very glad to know.

Thanks for any info you have.

John

John-----


In virtually all cases, when a SERVICE muffler is installed, either a GM piece or otherwise, the rear exhaust pipe has to be shortened for installation of the muffler. All you need to do is to look at the existing configuration and check to see if the existing muffler has an extension with a slip (bell) joint which connects it to the exhaust pipe. Virtually all SERVICE mufflers will have this. And, if you see this configuration, then you KNOW the exhaust pipe was shortened when the muffler was installed----no need to get involved with trying to measure anything.

[John D.]

Re: Correct Length of C2 Exhaust Pipes

Joe

Thanks for your reply. When I look at the exhaust pipe I see a bell on the pipe, there is an extension pipe on the muffler. But I don't think the bell belongs on the exhaust pipe because the repro mufflers have the bell.

John

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Length of C2 Exhaust Pipes

Joe

Thanks for your reply. When I look at the exhaust pipe I see a bell on the pipe, there is an extension pipe on the muffler. But I don't think the bell belongs on the exhaust pipe because the repro mufflers have the bell.

John

John----


The bell joint is part of the muffler's extension. When the SERVICE muffler is installed on the car, the exhaust pipe is shortened to compensate for the length of the muffler extension and the exhaust pipe then "slip fits" into the bell. The original exhaust pipe extended all the way to the muffler and was welded to the muffler at that point.

SERVICE mufflers have the extension and SERVICE exhaust pipes are correspondingly shorter than the original pipes.