69 exhaust

[Paul K.]

Do you know why the 69 corvettes all had 2" exhaust and not 2 1/2"
I am thinking of changing to a 2 1/2 on my stock 427/390 4 speed M 20

Paul Klemetson

[David M.]

Re: 69 exhaust

Its all about engineering and packaging...and I'm sure the almighty bean counters were involved too.

If you need new exhaust or want a performance upgrade go 2.5" from the manifolds out. You may run into fit issues at the exhaust manifolds and at the rear where it slips by the spring. Not sure who makes mufflers with 2.5" outlets with the tips. The valance horse shoe trim will be tight too. But if the angles are correct it should fit.

Get a real nice high end system or you will have issues with fit.

Or make your own if you TIG.

[Lawrence S.]

Re: 69 exhaust

If you decide you want a new stock system that fits like OEM and sounds amazing go with Eric Gardner of Gardner Exhaust. You will have a nice system. I just installed this system on my 69 L71. Turnkey ready to go and like I said sounds great, stock.

[Paul K.]

Re: 69 exhaust

Thanks' for the info

[Mark E.]

Re: 69 exhaust

I suspect cost is why 2" exhaust.

If converting to 2.5", you'll need to change to a 2.5" transmission bracket. Original exhaust is flattened a bit for ground clearance as it goes under the spring. Stock mufflers have 2.5" inlet and 2" outlet. I don't know if '69 manifolds have 2" or 2.5" outlets, so look into that.

No aftermarket exhaust is an exact replica of original (for example,none are double walled). But I chose Corvette Central's because it was the only one with the muffler welded to the rear pipe (not clamped).