C1 Replacement Exhaust

[Donald H.]

I need a complete exhaust system for my 1960 corvette project. I am going with the aluminized steel system. I am looking at Paragon and Corvette Central.

Does anyone know if these are basically comparable systems, i.e. any advantage to buying one over the other?

Thanks,
Don

[Howard M.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

I used the corvette central system on my 230 HP '60 a couple of years ago. Everything was OK for the most part except the section of duct on the drivers side that includes the muffler. When installed and lined up with the mating sections, the inboard side of the muffler was rotated down instead of up. After numerous conversations with CC, I sent the section back so they could put it on the build fixture to check for proper fab alignment. Got it back with the comment that nothing was wrong with the duct. Since there was no way I was going to use it as built, I cut the muffler off and rotated it to the correct position. Everything lines up nicely now. CC needs to change their fab fixture if they haven't already. The other problem is that the duct section that bolts to the heat riser is a little too long (about 1/2") and forces the duct to come close to the frame where it passed through. I was going to pull the duct off and have the flare end cut shorter but it involves pulling the exhaust manifold so I'll live with it like it is for now.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

Why did you choose CC exhaust? I can get a discount with Paragon since I have bought so much from them. But I want to make sure I get a good exhaust system when I buy. I think CC may make their own, but I don't know about Paragon.

[David H.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

Donald, I just yesterday ordered a complete exhaust for my '62 from Paragon and was told that it would be direct shipped from their vendor, so they don't make their own. It was coming from somewhere in Indiana they thought. When I get it and put it on I will post what I think of it.

[Pete P.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

Donald,
I'm not sure if this is going to help you or not, but I bought the aluminized steel exhaust system for my 230 HP '60 from CC a few years ago. When installing it, the driver's side fit up really well. However, the passenger side gave me a headache. After loosely installing everything, the exhaust pipe going thru the hole in the X member wouldn't line up. I ended up borrowing my electrician's conduit bender to "tweak" the exhaust pipe a bit to get it to fit, not only through the X member hole, also to keep from hitting against the frame near the starter. After about a dozen trips from under the car, I got it fit without banging or rattling. The other thing to keep in mind is, once this system gets hot, it will "grow" a bit. Because of that, I had to make a few adjustments afterward. I want to believe that CC has the correct specifications, but one has to wonder why, after making so many of these systems, you can get one that doesn't fit right. I guess it's quality control.
Pete

[Pierre J.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

I've installed two systems from CC on my '56 & '57. Both went on easy without problems. I installed both when the body was off the frame, that made it a lot easier.

[Larry B.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

Check out Allen's exhaust. Excellent quality, sound and price. They usually give discounts to club members. allencorvetteexhaustsystems.com

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

Check out Allen's exhaust. Excellent quality, sound and price. They usually give discounts to club members. allencorvetteexhaustsystems.com

Have you used an Allen exhaust? If so, are you happy with it

[Larry B.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

Hi Don, Yes I am using the Allen's off-road exhaust on my '61. Sounds great and installed easily. The folks over there are very friendly and knowledgeable. Regards, Larry

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

Hi Don, Yes I am using the Allen's off-road exhaust on my '61. Sounds great and installed easily. The folks over there are very friendly and knowledgeable. Regards, Larry

Thanks Larry, I will give them a call. I just want to get a good system for a decent price. It is difficult for someone like me who is new to this restoration stuff to determine when something is worth paying more for, i.e. quality and fit. Of course, I don't know the full Allen price yet, so hopefully their price will be in the ballpark with Paragon.

Don

[James F.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

I've installed two systems from CC on my '56 & '57. Both went on easy without problems. I installed both when the body was off the frame, that made it a lot easier.

Pierre, I have a question that you'll be able to answer since you can reference your '56 & ;57 Corvettes. Question: On Rear frame crossmembers. The rear frame spring hanger brackets attched to the crossmember are different between the ;56 &'57. If you agree with that statement(which is correct), I would like to know who sells a correct '56 rear frame crossmember with he CORRECT spring hanger bracket. Thanks and Regards, Jim

[John G.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

Don, I installed a complete exhaust system from cc on my '61 without a hitch.
Didn't like the stock sound, so I installed their off-road mufflers without a problem and they sound great.
John G.

[Bruce B.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

I have installed 3 Corvette Central systems (2 on 62 Corvettes , 1 on my 57). They fit fine and were easily installed. CC makes all thier own exhausts and I would recommend them. Thier mufflers are made by another supplier and were also very nice.
CC supplies thier systems to many other resellers.

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

This may not apply, but if judging outcome is a consideration the new 8th Edition of the Judging Reference Manual now provides a Standard Deduction for aluminized exhaust components where prior versions sat silent on the issue...

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Replacement Exhaust

This may not apply, but if judging outcome is a consideration the new 8th Edition of the Judging Reference Manual now provides a Standard Deduction for aluminized exhaust components where prior versions sat silent on the issue...

I haven't decided on judging for sure, but I am restoring to NCRS standards as much as possible. But I do plan to use aluminized exhaust for some durability. I understand that SS result is more deduction than aluminized