Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

[William H.]

Does anyone have good feedback on either Allen's or Garndner's exhaust for judging. I am going to purchase an 'Off Road' system for a 1968 big block. Thanks for any guidance.

[Paul J.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

William, here is a link that might give you some insight into the two companies that you mentioned, although it specifically discusses C2s.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ardner+exhaust

There's a lot in the archives on this.

Paul

[Paul O.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

William

All I can say that all aftermarket exhaust systems will have a deduction when compared to an original system of between 40 to 60 percent. That is the norm in early C3 judging with experienced judges. Plus do not forget the hangers, clamps and fasteners plus the correct washer stacking and finish for them all.

[Gene M.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

Here is my take on exhaust and it does not matter if you are c2 or c3. Nothing is correct except the originals that came on the car. So expect some points deduction from 2 to 5 for configuration ID marking or finish. I prefer anything that does not rust no matter how long it is on the car or how many miles you drive. So my preference is stainless. Take the 75% deduction and call it a day. There are plenty other areas on the car to "gain points" that costs less and last longer without rusting away and loosing points on condition. True the standard deduction (75%) is 7 points (always round in favor of car) not much for something that always stays looking new. Figure another point for 5/16" stainless guillotine clamps and that is still only 8 points.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

I've used the aluminized systems from Corvette Central on several 70-72s with excellent fit. After many years they're still not rusting at all. Judging deduction on originality was about 50% for these.

I am still not sure that the expense of the Gardner system is worth the $$$ with the few points gained. There are still finish and a few configuration issues so don't think that they are perfect. I suspect they are the closest to original but only you can answer if it's worth spending your money on them.

Patrick

[Don L.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

My $0.02: I have a early C3 friend that bought/installed a complete Allen set on his '71. The fit was terrible and when he called for customer service, he got nothing but attitude. He had to take the car to a muffler shop and pay more $$$ to have it fixed on his dime. Hearing this shortly before I was planning to invest in a new system for my '72 SB, I opted for the Gardner product. Eric Gardner was very good and the system practically "fell" into place. I didn't want the mufflers clamped to the pipes, so before I stick welded them, I tack welded and re-fit to the car, making very sure I had them oriented correctly.

Others may have had better experiences with Allen's than the one I heard about. I can't say enough about the product quality and customer service that I got at Gardner's. I found value in the their system. FWIW, a photo of my now 2+ year old exhaust system can be seen on Gardner's web page (C3 Corvette).

BTW, I too support the aluminized pipes and modern finish hardware. To me, the trade off in points was well worth it. A total of 7 points were yielded @ the 2011 National convention judging by some good/tough judges .

[Alan S.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

Hi,
I have had a similar experience with the aluminized, welded, sb system from Corvette Central as Patrick related.
In fact I partially based my decision on what to buy on his comments in prior exhaust threads from a couple of years ago.
Regards,
Alan

[Harry S.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

Take a look at Corvette Central--- Part 322074. Black it out and your all set to go.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

A total of 7 points were yielded @ the 2011 National convention judging by some good/tough judges .

Yeah, I heard they were nasty.

Next time you'd better have those stickers in place or it's 2 more points.

[Michael G.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

My $0.02: I have a early C3 friend that bought/installed a complete Allen set on his '71. The fit was terrible and when he called for customer service, he got nothing but attitude. He had to take the car to a muffler shop and pay more $$$ to have it fixed on his dime. Hearing this shortly before I was planning to invest in a new system for my '72 SB, I opted for the Gardner product. Eric Gardner was very good and the system practically "fell" into place. I didn't want the mufflers clamped to the pipes, so before I stick welded them, I tack welded and re-fit to the car, making very sure I had them oriented correctly.

Others may have had better experiences with Allen's than the one I heard about. I can't say enough about the product quality and customer service that I got at Gardner's. I found value in the their system. FWIW, a photo of my now 2+ year old exhaust system can be seen on Gardner's web page (C3 Corvette).

BTW, I too support the aluminized pipes and modern finish hardware. To me, the trade off in points was well worth it. A total of 7 points were yielded @ the 2011 National convention judging by some good/tough judges .

I had the same experience at Allens, poor fittment, poor attitude....anybodys fault but theirs. "We've been making these for years" was one of the comments I recieved. Made multiple trips to the muffler shop. The system had to be wrestled onto the car. I bought the off-road system, does sound good.

[Don L.]

Re: Allen's or Gardner Exhaust for Judging?

Yeah, I heard they were nasty.

Next time you'd better have those stickers in place or it's 2 more points.

Stickers? We don't need no stinking stickers!

Yes, the decals are now on and look good. I don't expect any problems.