Exhaust fitment-2 1/2" 69 4sp ramhorns

[Larry/69vette/L46-M21]

Please, someone help me here...I want to put a full 2 1/2" exhaust system on my 69 small block, 4 speed. I have the 2 1/2" ramhorns for a "65". Can I not use the rest of the system for a "65" SB 4 speed car, (headers back)? I thought I could, but was told it wouldn't fit. Would I need to use the intermediate pipes for a "68" big block? No side exhaust here. What venders would you recommend for the purchase of the pipes? Please don'nt shun me here, I have a mental problem with 2" exhaust on a 350HP Chevy. Guess that's what happens when you grow up in the 60's with all the hot rods. Thank You very much, Larry

[Joe L.]

Re: Exhaust fitment-2 1/2" 69 4sp ramhorns

Larry-----

There are some subtle differences between a 1965 2-1/2" system and one that will fit a 1969. The use of the 62-65 style 2-1/2" manifolds on a 69 complicates things even further. However, I THINK that you can use the 65 style, SMALL BLOCK, 2-1/2" forward exhaust pipes in conjunction with 1968 rear exhaust pipes and mufflers. ALL 1968 Corvettes used 2-1/2" exhaust while ALL 1969 Corvettes originally used 2" exhaust. The 1968 rear exhaust pipes and mufflers are the same for small block and big block. The forward exhaust pipes are ALWAYS different for small block and big block. You can NEVER interchange forward exhaust pipes between small block and big block.

You will also need to change the "ox bow" bracket at the transmission in order to convert a 69 with 2" exhaust to 2-1/2" exhaust.

If I were you I would contact Allen's Exhaust of Logansport, IN to CONFIRM which front pipes to use for your "hybrid" application. They are also a great source to obtain your system from----one of the best currently in the business and fair pricing. You can "dial them up" on the web at www.allencorvetteexhaustsystems.com.

By the way, the 62-65 style Corvette 2-1/2" small block exhaust manifolds have no provisions for AIR tubes and none can be added to these manifolds. Since all 1969 Corvettes originally used AIR, your car will be smog-illegal with the 65 manifolds. That may or may not be a problem for you now, but who knows what the future holds?