69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

[Keith M.]

So I recently learned that originally this car had a 2" to 2.5" exhaust, is that correct? As opposed to a 2" all the way or anything else. Looking to pick up a system and likely the welded one at Corv Central.
Thanks,
Keith

[Mark E.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

The consensus of several threads on this forum is that all 1969 Corvettes, even L88, have 2" exhaust.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

So I recently learned that originally this car had a 2" to 2.5" exhaust, is that correct? As opposed to a 2" all the way or anything else. Looking to pick up a system and likely the welded one at Corv Central.
Thanks,
Keith

Keith----

L-46 was 2" all the way from the manifolds to the muffler. No doubt, at all.

[Keith M.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

Keith----

L-46 was 2" all the way from the manifolds to the muffler. No doubt, at all.

Thanks. That "was" my understanding. A restoration book said so too...too lazy to go get the title. Paragon catalog says otherwise...and today I called CC (now Paragon too) to confirm and dude said nope...2 to 2.5". Digression...the bubba exhaust on my car now is 2 all the way...but that don't mean much given bubba. I am a ways away from needing a new exhaust but am gonna grab it while they exist and before they go up up up. Have had the full electrical harnesses set in my sights from Lectric Limited and held off on that...bad move...checked prices today and gonna cost me hundreds more vs a few months ago. Not to hijack my own thread but...restoration lesson learned...if ya gonna need it at some point...buy it sooner than later before prices skyrocket and/or it becomes unavailable.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

... and dude said nope...2 to 2.5"..

Keith------


That dude didn't know what he was talking about. GUARANTEED.

[Keith M.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

Keith------


That dude didn't know what he was talking about. GUARANTEED.

Which is why I posted here...with the dudes that do!! Thanks again. The journey continues.....good news is I got my diff and crossmember out..and A arms which were cake. Getting the bushings out of the crossmember looking like no party. And my diff bracket bolts showing me no love..yet. the PB and patience will continue. May have to bring the heat...buggers are stubborn. Happy Birthday America!!

[Keith M.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

I don't know why I did not think of checking the TIM&JG (thanks Rich K).

Am I correct in understanding that currently CC makes the most correct exhaust system for our cars?? Someone else I should look at?

Thanks,
Keith

[Tom M.]

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?116583-1970-1972-NOS-LT-1-Exhaust-system&highlight=Gardner%20exhaust

[Keith M.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

“Most correct” is a tough call.
That said, CC has a nice 2” 1969 exhaust system that fits well. I have a CC exhaust on my ‘69 it’s all good. But, you will get deductions in judging so break out the manual to take that into account.
There are a ton of threads on correct exhaust systems that come up using the search.
One interesting one to me even though its LT-1 was this one that shows the wrinkle bends (CC does not have wrinkle bends)

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?116583-1970-1972-NOS-LT-1-Exhaust-system&highlight=Gardner%20exhaust

Gardner is another interesting exhaust vendor. I have no experience with them but they do have the wrinkle bends. You’ll have to figure out if that might get you points if that’s what you are after.

I’d be curious to look at survivor ‘69s to compare if an original exhaust has smooth or wrinkle bends on the manifold pipes.

Thank you so much for that info and link. I will check it out. Points and deductions mean nothing to me. I am all about originality in and of itself. Open to any and all input...including NCRS judges...but I am the ultimate judge for my car....now unless someone chimes in who was actually ON the assembly line in late 1969...but I digress. That said...interesting about the wrinkles...I have also read original pipes may have a flat spot on the top intended to bring them up a slight bit higher/tighter..ground clearance. Thanks again Tom.
Keith

[Floyd B.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

I don't mean to offend Keith, but this is a confusing message:

>> Points and deductions mean nothing to me. I am all about originality in and of itself.


The TIM&JG provides a very clear definition of "originality," but in your own words this, "means nothing to me." What is your definition of originality? For example, if you're only concerned with fit and function, then are you willing to sacrifice points for the obvious benefits of stainless steel? Gardner is the only vendor I am aware of that claims to offer their systems in "raw" carbon steel. meaning they'll quickly rust just like the originals.

Happy hunting,

Floyd

BTW, '69 big blocks have a unique "feature." BB's have 2.5" exhaust manifolds and heat riser valves. The first 16" or so of the pipe that connects to the exhaust manifold is 2.5", then is reduced and welded to the 2" exhaust system found on all '69's. Why did GM do this? Beats me. I can only guess they found this to be an easier solution than casting unique exhaust manifolds.

[Keith M.]

Re: 69 L46 4spd Exhaust Spec Question

I don't mean to offend Keith, but this is a confusing message:

>> Points and deductions mean nothing to me. I am all about originality in and of itself.


The TIM&JG provides a very clear definition of "originality," but in your own words this, "means nothing to me." What is your definition of originality? For example, if you're only concerned with fit and function, then are you willing to sacrifice points for the obvious benefits of stainless steel? Gardner is the only vendor I am aware of that claims to offer their systems in "raw" carbon steel. meaning they'll quickly rust just like the originals.

Happy hunting,

Floyd

BTW, '69 big blocks have a unique "feature." BB's have 2.5" exhaust manifolds and heat riser valves. The first 16" or so of the pipe that connects to the exhaust manifold is 2.5", then is reduced and welded to the 2" exhaust system found on all '69's. Why did GM do this? Beats me. I can only guess they found this to be an easier solution than casting unique exhaust manifolds.

Allow me to explain and no offense taken. I am of the view that that too many focus on points and awards. Perfect example was a recent post about repainting a coil one way to get an award then painting it another to be more original. NCRS and the judging process to me sometimes becomes in conflict with originality. I personally would like to see more conversations around what was "correct" vs. what will be my point impact.