Recommendation on exhaust system for 69 350/350

[Michael L.]

Guys,

gerring set to order my exhaust system and wanted to know what you would recommend I go with. This is going to be an occassionaly driven car that may get judged at some point. I'm thinking of going with the stainless welded system but wanted to know if it will result in a big points reduction. If so I can go with the aluminuzed welded. Appreciate your thoughts.

Mike

[Mike F.]

Re: Recommendation on exhaust system for 69 350/350

I believe the current "most accurate" is from Gardner Exhaust, but they are not cheap. A simple 2 1/2" system from most of the other Corvette vendors is about half the price. Your choice, $$$ vs. Points.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Recommendation on exhaust system for 69 350/350

I believe the current "most accurate" is from Gardner Exhaust, but they are not cheap. A simple 2 1/2" system from most of the other Corvette vendors is about half the price. Your choice, $$$ vs. Points.

Gardiner's may be more accurate in configuration, but unfortunately it, for various reasons, ends up with an almost identical points deduction.

Aluminized lasts a looooooong time, and on my cars still looks like new after many years.
I've used the Corvette Central system on many C3s with good results.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Recommendation on exhaust system for 69 350/350

Gardiner's may be more accurate in configuration, but unfortunately it, for various reasons, ends up with an almost identical points deduction.

Aluminized lasts a looooooong time, and on my cars still looks like new after many years.
I've used the Corvette Central system on many C3s with good results.

I completely agree with Patrick. I recently installed a Corvette Central welded system on a '70 that went in in about an hour with no problem. It almost fell into place. I have had an aluminized system on my '69 for about 10 years and it still looks brand new after a good cleaning. Granted I only put 500- 1000 miles a year on the car but I am very happy with the performance.
Jeff

[Duke W.]

Re: Recommendation on exhaust system for 69 350/350

For some unknown reason all '69s, even L-88, have 2" pipes as OE. So you might consider the '68 or '70-later 2.5" systems. I don't know the differences over the years, but you can contact John McRae as he has a '69 with a 2.5" system.

I believe the '69 OE system was plain steel, so aluminized or SS will get a deduction, which is probably specified in the Judging Reference Manual.

SS is way overkill, but for an occasionally driven car that doesn't see much bad weather, aluminized will stay rust free for many years.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: Recommendation on exhaust system for 69 350/350

For some unknown reason all '69s, even L-88, have 2" pipes as OE. So you might consider the '68 or '70-later 2.5" systems. I don't know the differences over the years, but you can contact John McRae as he has a '69 with a 2.5" system.

I believe the '69 OE system was plain steel, so aluminized or SS will get a deduction, which is probably specified in the Judging Reference Manual.

SS is way overkill, but for an occasionally driven car that doesn't see much bad weather, aluminized will stay rust free for many years.

Duke

Duke------


As you mention, all 1969 Corvette exhaust systems were 2". However, all 1968 systems were 2-1/2". So, if one wants to install a 2-1/2" system on a 1969, simply use the commensurate (i.e big block or small block) 1968 system. It's as simple as that.

By the way, for 1970-72 small blocks only LT-1's were 2-1/2". For 1970-72 big blocks, all were 2-1/2". However, the left front pipe for 1970-72 big blocks was different than earlier (due to a different left front big block exhaust manifold first used for 1970).

[Gene M.]

Re: Recommendation on exhaust system for 69 350/350

Keep in mind if changing from 2" to 2 1/2" the hanger brace at the tranny mount needs to be changed also.