I've had a few off-board questions regarding exhaust systems, so I thought that I'd post a little information to the board that might clear up some confusion that might exist on this subject.
In general, the questions seem to have involved how to create an original-appearing exhaust system or which clamps are correct for the muffler-to-exhaust pipe joint. As a matter of fact, NO clamps were used for the muffler to exhaust pipe joint since the original exhaust pipes were welded to the muffler AT THE MUFFLER INLET. Also, one cannot create an original configuration exhaust system by welding a SERVICE muffler, either an original GM SERVICE muffler or any other SERVICE muffler, to the exhaust pipe. SERVICE mufflers utilize a short extension and a bell (or "slip") joint on the inlet side. On original PRODUCTION exhaust systems, no such joint was used. Such a joint "sticks out like a sore thumb", regardless of whether it's clamped or welded.
Original 63-72 Corvette exhaust systems utilized only 4 clamps----2 at the joint between the forward and rear exhaust pipes which also clamp the exhaust pipes to the "oxbow" bracket at the transmission crossmember AND 2 which clamp the exhaust tips to the mufflers. That's it.
In order to achieve as original configuration exhaust system, one of the following must be done:
1) acquire an NOS GM N-11 "off road" exhaust system. These systems have the rear exhaust pipe welded to the muffler as was originally done for both standard and N-11 exhaust systems in PRODUCTION. In SERVICE, only the N-11 system was sold this way. These systems are VERY hard to locate, OR,
2) acquire a reproduction exhaust system which has the mufflers welded to the rear exhaust pipes, as original. These systems are available from Allen's Corvette Exhaust Systems and several others. They are not a perfect match to the originals, but they are as close as you will come to an original configuration system.
Also, keep in mind that all original Corvette exhaust systems were plain carbon steel. This rusts almost immediately. However, you can obtain the reproduction, as-original configuration systems in carbon steel, aluminized, and stainless steel. Aluminized is probably the best compromise for a driven car. Plain carbon steel works well for "trailer queens".
In general, the questions seem to have involved how to create an original-appearing exhaust system or which clamps are correct for the muffler-to-exhaust pipe joint. As a matter of fact, NO clamps were used for the muffler to exhaust pipe joint since the original exhaust pipes were welded to the muffler AT THE MUFFLER INLET. Also, one cannot create an original configuration exhaust system by welding a SERVICE muffler, either an original GM SERVICE muffler or any other SERVICE muffler, to the exhaust pipe. SERVICE mufflers utilize a short extension and a bell (or "slip") joint on the inlet side. On original PRODUCTION exhaust systems, no such joint was used. Such a joint "sticks out like a sore thumb", regardless of whether it's clamped or welded.
Original 63-72 Corvette exhaust systems utilized only 4 clamps----2 at the joint between the forward and rear exhaust pipes which also clamp the exhaust pipes to the "oxbow" bracket at the transmission crossmember AND 2 which clamp the exhaust tips to the mufflers. That's it.
In order to achieve as original configuration exhaust system, one of the following must be done:
1) acquire an NOS GM N-11 "off road" exhaust system. These systems have the rear exhaust pipe welded to the muffler as was originally done for both standard and N-11 exhaust systems in PRODUCTION. In SERVICE, only the N-11 system was sold this way. These systems are VERY hard to locate, OR,
2) acquire a reproduction exhaust system which has the mufflers welded to the rear exhaust pipes, as original. These systems are available from Allen's Corvette Exhaust Systems and several others. They are not a perfect match to the originals, but they are as close as you will come to an original configuration system.
Also, keep in mind that all original Corvette exhaust systems were plain carbon steel. This rusts almost immediately. However, you can obtain the reproduction, as-original configuration systems in carbon steel, aluminized, and stainless steel. Aluminized is probably the best compromise for a driven car. Plain carbon steel works well for "trailer queens".
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