1965 Exhaust Recommendation

[Mark P.]

I am looking to replace the exhaust on my L-79 and after reading the TDB I am leaning toward a Gardner aluminized 2 1/2" system. Seems to be well made and should fit well.

I plan to have the clamp on mufflers welded on and know this will still be subject to a deduction.

Gardner says about 2/3 order the N-11 off-road exhaust.

Any preference of off-road mufflers with 2 baffles versus the base muffler with 3 baffles ?

I don't really like loud exhausts so I am leaning toward the 3 baffle base muffler.

Inside the car would it be much louder than the base muffler ?

Only 10.5% of the 1965 cars had the N11 option so it seems to be a lot more popular now.

I appreciate any experience that can be shared.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

I installed their N11 system on my 63 300hp coupe. No deduction during flight judging at a National. The do have an excellent sound, They are not noisy inside the car. Glad I installed them. A bit more expensive but worth the $$$.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

I installed their N11 system on my 63 300hp coupe. No deduction during flight judging at a National.

Harry,

Aluminized system? or steel?

Any aluminized system is an automatic 25% deduction to start.
The Garnders systems I have seen (70-72) have enough noncorrect configuration items to still warrant deductions, so I'm surprised if you passed with none.

Patrick

[Harry S.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

Aluminized system, and I know why you ask

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

Aluminized system, and I know why you ask

Then you know more than I do.
I was just surprised that it got zero deductions, no matter what the reason.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

my 63 has a Corvette central N11, Like Harry no deducts, the 63/64 judges have a different view for judging than 70/72 judges. my 72 has a Gardner exhaust system, aluminized system and received quite a few points deduction. 6 or7 if I remember correctly.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

my 63 has a Corvette central N11, Like Harry no deducts, the 63/64 judges have a different view for judging than 70/72 judges.

Perhaps we need to show the 63/64 guys the Judging Reference Manual?

[Guest]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

I like to know Why Harry, you didnt get any deduction on a Aluminized system ?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

Dan, I am sure there are judges out there that know the rules. I would say that we should keep this posting at that, as not to cause any problems.To address Mark on the N11 system it really not a loud system it has a nice note and quiet when cruising. Like Pat sat Gardner:s system at the time I brought my system had to much wrong with it, I do not know if he has made changes, but Corvette Central gives you more bang for your buck .i did opt. for the muffler and mid pipe as one piece and there also have the option for carbon steel or aluminized. at the time my 72 was judged with the Gardner system had the seems of the muffler on the wrong sides. along with the aluminized system. I myself do not want to look at rusty pipes after a few years.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

I like to know Why Harry, you didnt get any deduction on a Aluminized system ?

Danny, for all the reasons listed here. The system was just installed prior to the National. First glance it looks like a newly installed carbon system without any rust. Remember the Judging Guideline "does it appear". No magnets, no touching.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

Harry,
Just to clarify was it a GM N-11 system or was it a aluminized off road system made by a vendor like Corvette Central.?

[Ed S.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

I put a 2.5 inch N-11 aluminized & welded system from Corvette Central on my 64 L76 convertible. I made this choice after doing a fair amount of internet research and consulting with chapter members that did the same. I waited for a Corvette Central "free shipping" offer. The total cost was very competitive. Got the system in about 7 days delivered to my door. One side went in fast & easy. Other side - not so. Could not make it fit. I called CC and they had me ship the suspect side back at their expense. I received a new replacement in about 10 days - no charge. A person from their tech department called me a few days later - he said the side that I sent back would never fit - it was welded incorrectly, the components were not aligned in the jig properly when it was welded. It would never work. It sounds great - I can carry on a conversation at low to moderate speeds - above 60 not so - wind noise is a bigger problem than the exhaust - even with the top up. You will lose points with their aluminized system - their clamps will work but are not even close to OEM design. I got a set of clamps from a small vendor that specializes in these things. I would highly recommend CC for an N-11 exhaust system.

[Mark P.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

Thank you everyone for your advice. I am Ok to take a point hit to have a system that doesn't rust. I will also go with the N11 mufflers.

[Gary B.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

Mark,

From which vendor? Gardner? Or Corvette Central?

Gary

[Mark P.]

Re: 1965 Exhaust Recommendation

Gary - I am still researching this. I found a 2008 post from John Hinckley who used a Paragon system for his 67 with no fitment or quality issues. Paragon and CC both see a fully welded system so I am thinking I'll go that route and pay a bit more shipping. Mark