1974 Exhaust/Mufflers

[Raymond W.]

I recently purchased a pair of Magnaflow High Flow Mufflers from Corvette Central, page A7, 74-78, 2 1/2", catalog 3D, part #323066. These mufflers are not the fit I'm looking for on this car, nor do they even come close to actually fitting properly. When attached to the secondary pipes, which were purchased in 1997 from Corvette Central (manufactured to OEM specifications - but no resonators though), the mufflers extend too far to the outside of the vehicle. The front pipe that is attachd to the muffler is about 5 or 6" too long, allowing the muffler to hit both the tire and the fenderwell.

I'm now looking for insight from others who have completely or partially replaced the exhaust system on a 1974, 454cid, 4 speed. Particularily, information on where I can purchase a pair of new, OEM round mufflers. Depending on their availability, I would also be interested in infomation on the "hide away" version as well.

Thank you.

[Wayne P.]

Re: 1974 Exhaust/Mufflers

Why not trim the too long in until they fit the hole? You might like them ok once they're in there proper place. I bought a 74 system several years ago from Allen's for a 74. It never was close to right as far as fit. My CC system fit fine with a little adjusting.

[Raymond W.]

Re: 1974 Exhaust/Mufflers

Wayne,

I'm given thought to your cut, weld, and fit approach...something I may very well end up doing. I spoke to Mike at Allen's, they make a hide away muffler for the '74. He advised that they leave the front pipe loose, for a clamp fitting, for the purpose of making some adjustments. I wouldn't mind locating the mufflers that just came off the car...purchased in 3/97 from Mason Corvette, Stamford, CT (no longer in business), old invoice lists them as #1710
Mufflers - Turbo (front pipe and tip on these mufflers both attach with clamps...which may not be a bad idea, seeing how difficult it can be to fit different exhaust components together).

Thanks.

[Raymond W.]

Re: 1974 Exhaust/Mufflers

Given the difficulty in finding individual exhaust components to fit different existing pipes, I've been referred to an excellent custom performance exhaust specialist. After a brief discussion on what it would take to make the High Flow Magnaflow Mufflers fit my '74, 454cid, 4 speed (recently purchased from Corvette Central), the most cost effective solution will be to have the front pipe of the muffler bent or simply replace it with one that will allow for the proper fit. An interesting lesson learned about '74 exhaust systems.