Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

[Mark E.]

The Corvette Central mufflers on my 1970 are leaking around the seam between the muffler's end piece and outlet pipe. The photo shows discoloration from the leaks.

Should these seams be welded? Or is there another cause?


1970 Muffler Joint.jpg

[James W.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

I'd send them these pictures and demand a new pair.

The N11 exhaust system I bought from them for my '65 about a year ago is badly dented on the intermediate pipes and one of the mufflers. Not happy at all, but I don't know what recourse I have. The car will be flight judged and I'm looking for every point I can get.

James

[Russ S.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

I would say that minor leak is normal.

[Bob I.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

The Gardner exhaust I have on my 1970 leaks in the same location. Only the right side leaks so far.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

If you apply blackout, you don't see this issue.

[Mark E.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

Is this seam typically welded? If so, this may be the easiest fix.

[John S.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

Mark, not exactly an apples to apples comparison but here’s a shot of the CC system on my ‘73. The configuration of the muffler is certainly different but I do not have any welds in that location and no leaks noted. The system has been installed for 8+ years and approx 8000 miles.

I’d call CC to get their input but I would probably have it welded if they aren’t willing to help you out. Good luck !!

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[Gary B.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

Mark,

This is what that junction looks like on my new Gardner system. There is no external seal between the exit pipe and the muffler end plate.

Gary

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[Mark E.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

Thanks folks. I'll keep you posted with what CC says.

Happy New Year!

[Mark E.]

Re: Corvette Central Mufflers Leaking at Seam

Update-

After telling CC their mufflers leak and are significantly louder than stock (not due to the small leak), they shipped me a replacement pair which arrived yesterday. They said I'm the first customer to complain about these two issues (leaks and noise level), and can't promise their new mufflers are quieter. But their current muffler supplier is different than what I have now and may or may not sound different (they purchase mufflers and weld on the unique Corvette bracket and end pipes).

So they asked me to video the noise level before and after the muffler swap, and post it to their blog. I'll also share this here.

The photo below of the new muffler shows the weld bead around the outlet pipe at the case, unlike my existing mufflers. Also note the outlet pipe is now a single piece welded to the case, unlike the existing CC mufflers which have two pipe segments butt welded (not shown but same for the inlet pipe). Looking at Gary's and John's photos in their posts, their replacement pipes are not welded to the case and are two pieces, same as my existing CC mufflers. CC says this is now standard for their mufflers, but wouldn't say why they made this change (leaks?).

Question for all of you: How does this outlet pipe compare to original?

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