1954 mufflers

[Ronald R.]

does anyone know the correct Part number and are they identical? The one I have are rotted but have bulged ends and creases long ways on the body no number visible
thanks rdr

[Joe L.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

does anyone know the correct Part number and are they identical? The one I have are rotted but have bulged ends and creases long ways on the body no number visible
thanks rdr

Ronald------


The mufflers included the front pipe and were side specific. The left side was GM #3706221 and the right side was GM #3706222. Of course, long since discontinued.

[John S.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Ron, Try Garner Exhaust Systems 845 7588003

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Unfortunately no one makes the bulged ends. No correct repros for 54. 55 are Ok though but the flange that bolts to the exhaust manifold is not as thick as originals.

[Gary H.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Make your own !

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

I found all the NOS pipes but mufflers are only look alike but have bulged ends thanks RDR

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Almost all the "NOS" pipes are NORS. Major difference being the pipe that originally came welded to the muffler is now a separate pipe. Or if it is welded to the muffler the mufflers are the later 56 and up design. Bulged ends disappeared in 56.

I have collected NOS 53/54 passenger car mufflers to cut off the bulged ends. Or like Gary said, a sheetmetal mechanic can hand fab them. Good start would be to make a wood buck to form them over.

A few years back I tried to interest Scott Kohn, owner of Corvette Central, in making end caps that could be applied to his mufflers.

[Walter F.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

I know Ford shared a lot of parts with the Thunderbird from the full size passenger car. Were the Corvette mufflers the same as used on the full size Chevrolet passenger cars ? How about later C1 Corvettes?

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Passenger car mufflers are longer and the outlet is not in the center like the Corvette. Inlet is in the center though. 53-55 6 cyl Corvette mufflers not used in later years. As I mentioned they stopped making bulb ends in 55.

In case you are looking I believe I input the correct dimensions and a photo in the 53-55 TIMJG.

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Troy Do you have the dimensions shown in the judging guide? i can't read any of them? Also you mentioned center inlet? All i can find are side side
thanks RDR

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Yes. I measured them on the car as oval ends 5" X 7 1/2" and 15" long. That length was between the end crimps of the can and I noted the end bulge was 1/2" on both ends. Noland Adams advised the GM dimensions were 5 1/16" X 7 5/16" and 16" long. Noland's length could be from end of bulge to end of bulge and would thus match my length measurement exactly.

Inlet and outlet are on opposite sides, not center. I think this is a Corvette only configuration. Passenger car mufflers I have all have one inlet/outlet in the center.

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Do you have the over all length including the inlet pipe? I have one side side and one side center which I can change with a little TLC. thanks RDR

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

No I don't have that dimension. Check with Gardner Exhaust.

I suspect you will have trouble changing the inlet or outlet from side to center because there will likely be internal problems with the piping and baffles. It will be interesting to see what you find. Keep us advised.

Bet it would be easier to make original style ends to go over the ends of a new muffler.

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

Yes it is a little tricky, might take 2 mufflers to make one but they work and sound ok. RDR

[Joe L.]

Re: 1954 mufflers

No I don't have that dimension. Check with Gardner Exhaust.

I suspect you will have trouble changing the inlet or outlet from side to center because there will likely be internal problems with the piping and baffles. It will be interesting to see what you find. Keep us advised.

Bet it would be easier to make original style ends to go over the ends of a new muffler.

Troy------


I think that trying to make that mod would be an exercise in futility. I expect that what one would end up with is a pile of scrap metal.