exhaust

[lyndon Sharpton]

who makes the best exhaust system for the 70-72 cars? with regards to original config. Also the exhust tips that are made of s/s but have the weld seams, how do they judge? anyone had a car judge with those tips?

[Patrick H.]

Re: exhaust

Lyndon,

"Best" depends on your goals. My car judged with stainless tips and an aluminized Corvette Central system. I received a 50% deduction on originality for everything, but full condition points.

You can have Corvette Central (or, I think, Allen's too) make a system with carbon steel pipes as original. The configuration differs from original, though (not flattened in the appropriate points) so whether gaining a few points yet suffering rust is OK will be up to you. If you were really inventive and had pictures of an original system, you "might" be able to flatten the tubes to mimic an original, but no guarantees.

Exhaust tips are available in chrome, too, and if you have the choice, that's the way I would go.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: exhaust

One might be able to flatten the early C3 system at the appropriate points, but mimicking the crimps at the bends would be a mighty challenge. As Patrick mentions one has to chose from the available compromises.

[Robert C.]

Re: exhaust

Lyndon, There are three types of 70-72 exhaust tips. The original heavy chromed welded seam,steel tips that came with the car new. The 2nd type is over-the-counter, similar to the originals, but have a large stamped-in part number and "W" on the bottom. The third type is the thin stainless version. These are not our favorites, being the wrong material, much thinner,wrong finish, etc. almost a full deduction.

[lyndon Sharpton]

Re: exhaust

anyone know if the over the counter is still avaiabel from gm? on these cars did walker make all of the exhaust are just the mufflers?

[Patrick H.]

Re: exhaust

Chrome ones are not available from GM.
I just checked a few Corvette vendors, and none has chrome tips. Paragon does have stainless tips with welds to "mimic" original extensions, though.

Walker made the entire exhaust system. And, to answer your next question, the service systems available through Walker (if still available) are not configured like originals.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: exhaust

But the chrome tips, the ones with the W # that Bob mentions, are the Walker replacements. Guess what the W stands for! At one time one could buy them from either Chevrolet or Walker. They may still be available from Walker. Might be worth checking. If they are, you better hold on as you bend over.
I am aware of some clever folks who remove the plating and fill the stamped area with brazing material, then have them re-plated. Not inexpensive, but another way to skin the cat. Not that I would ever suggest that anyone stoop to such deceit. :-)

[Dave S.]

Re: exhaust

The chrome plated/steel tips without the welded back plate(as the originals were), were service replacements sold by GM from the 70's until they were discontinued. I've seen that version with and without the W & part number. All of those had a welded bottom seam but none had the welded backs.
All the originals had the welded backs and came in two styles. The first was the smooth bottom and toward the end of the 70 model year the welded bottom seam began to appear. The seam remained until the end of 1972 when the tip configuration was changed.
Naturally the stainless steel are the current aftermarket part and have a crimped seam at the bottom and not a weld.

[Patrick H.]

Re: exhaust

Dave,

Yes, the chrome ones have not been available from GM (or likely Walker) for quite some time.

As I noted, Paragon now sells some in stainless but with welds to "appear" more like original. At $150 a pair for doctored-up stainless ones, I'll replate my originals.

Patrick

[Dave S.]

Re: exhaust

Patrick,
As you know I prefer original parts for everything possible. As in this case the service or current replacement parts just don't get it done. Originals are out there but like everything they are getting harder to locate. The fun is in the search as they say.
I haven't seen the Paragon replacements but for those who don't have the time to search for originals they are the best option available.