66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
Can someone tell me where to get correct N-11 pipes and mufflers .
THANKS
JOHN
THANKS
JOHN
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
I just installed a set I purchased from Gardner. I am very pleased with the sound, the fit and the quality. Their system does not come with the pipes welded to the mufflers as the factory did. This is something you will have to do yourself (which I did) or have someone weld it for you. They also give you the option of clamping the connection. Other then that, I think it is an excellent system. They were very good to deal with and it was shipped when they said it would be. Gardner advertises in the Driveline.
Chris -
Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
Chris, something sounds incorrect about the "correct" Gardner exhaust system you posted on. The pipe that is welded to the muffler should be all one piece. It is only clamped to the pipe at the transmission hanger. Muffler and pipe are a long, over 6 feet welded assembly. No means of fitting one pipe into another and clamping is possible at muffler on original design. There should not be a connection a few inches forward of the muffler.Comment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
Thanks for the info , I have a n.o.s. 67 N-11 and it is welded at the muffler but it has GM and a part number on the muffler , what I have read 66 should have no GM or part numbers on it .
Thanks
JohnComment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
Gene;
May be I did not make myself clear. Originally, all the C-2 undercar exhaust sustems, as installed at the factory, had the rear "exhaust" pipe, the one from the transmission cross member to the muffler, and the muffler all welded together as one long assembly. To my knowledge, only the N-11 system was offered as a replacement part in this configuration by GM, and the "regular" systems were offered with the "exhaust" pipe and muffler as seperate items. I believe this was done so the old mufflers could be cut off from the exhaust pipe and replaced without also having to replace the "exhaust" pipe. The muffler was made with a elbow on the inlet side that the exhaust pipe would slip into and that connection could be clamped or welded.
Now, Gardner has elected to make the "exhaust" pipe seperate from the muffler. They say, this is because the installer can exactly line up the tips where they come thru the rear panel and get a better final fit. Personally, I think it may be related to shipping the complete assembly. It is easier to ship the mufflers and pipes seperate. Their "exhaust" pipe extends clear to the front face or the muffler and their muffler has a short sleeve, at the inlet, apx 1 1/2 in. long that the pipe slips into. This connection can either be clamped or welded.
The original factory N-11 assembly has a weld at the inlet of the muffler. The muffler has a short sleeve, apx 1/2 in long protruding from the front of the muffler and the pipe slips into it and that connection is welded. If one was to shorten the inlet sleeve on the Gardner system to about 1/2 in and weld the
exhaust pipe to the muffler in the same manner the factory did it, that part of the system would be very close in appearance to "original".
The other part of Gardner's system that does deviate some is how they "Flattened" the exhaust pipe. This is not quite exactly as the factory did it but close. The mufflers however DO NOT have numbers debossed on the shell as the "replacement" factory N-11 do so I think this is a plus. It is my understanding, the original N-11 mufflers, as installed at the factory, also DID NOT have numbers debossed on them. (Please correct me if I am wrong)
I have a NOS N-11 Exhaust System I have been saving for years. The car I put the Gardner system on is a very nice car but it is going to be driven and enjoyed. It is a '65 Coupe with L-79, A/C, P.S. and P.B. I have recently seen N-11 systems for sale for $3500.00. With price of original N-11s, I could not see installing the ones I have on a car that is going to be driven.
I am not telling anyone they should buy the Gardner system, I was just relating my experience.
Chris.Comment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
Well as per availability and price I called Eric Gardnerand ordered his system .
THANKS
JOHNComment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
For what it is worth, here are some pictures of assembly line installed N11's and an over-counter set.
The second picture shows the 1/2" sleeve and weld to the muffler.
The last two pictures are from a well known Bow Tie car (before it was cleaned up for judging). Assembly line installed N11's apparently had no embossing and were just stamped with "Off Road Assembly" to distinguish them from the standard exhaust. I have talked with owners of other C2's who have had original N11's on their cars and there has been no embossing on theirs either.
The first picture is of an over-counter GM N11. I have had many sets of these and they seem to have this embossed on the top AND the bottom of the muffler: part number ending in "735" or "737" for the left side and "736" for the right side along with "A" which I think stands for Arvin the manufacturer, and most times "GM" is embossed too. There are other numbers which I don't know the meaning of...maybe a dating/manufacturing code number. I have not seen any over-counter sets with the "off road assembly" stamp already in place on them from the manufacturer. I have lots of pictures of the ones I have had over the years if anyone ever wants to see them.
GaryAvatar--My first ever vette, owned 3X since 1977, restored 1993-2024. Top Flight Award 9/14/24Comment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
The N-11 system now being sold by Corvette Central has the GM-licensed mufflers from Waldron's Antique Exhaust, and they're available as a one-piece welded system, as original.
The GM drawing for the N-11 muffler has a note that says date coding is to be applied ONLY to Service assemblies.Comment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
JOHN
DATECODE
THANKS
JOHNComment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
I have the Corvette central N-11 system on my 66 convertible. They went on quite easily and sound great. From what I have read, they are as close to the original sound as one can find today.
DaveComment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
Dave.
Please understand, I was only replying to the original question John Cook posted. I was just relating my experience with the Gardner system. I have no experience with the system Corvette Central sells and I am not trying to tell anyone which system is better or which one they should buy. Prehaps, your comments should be directed to John Cook as he is the one who was looking to purchase a N-11 system. I am just happy there are sources out there for a muffler that sounds like the original N-11s and I was able to get the aftermarket junk off my car.
ChrisComment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
Chris,
I thought I was contributing this input to John Cook as you did. The "Post Reply" button is only evident at the latest posting, and that is what I used. Wasn't trying to comment on your selection.
Like you I was very glad to get the junk off my car.
Regards,
DaveComment
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Re: 66 Exhaust Pipes And Mufflers
Chris,
So it sounds if you shorten muffler pipe and weld it like originals on muffler it should give you a fairly good representation of an original system. If the Gardner muffler is constructed like originals, care has it be taken not to burn thru case end. Is the length still ok if you cut 1/2" off muffler extension? Do you have photos of finished product on car?
You should take Gary up on his offer to see photos of original systems. The yellow markings for "off road assy" appear easy enough to mimic.Comment
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