C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

[Greg F.]

This is two parts regarding my 71 base small block:

1. I reviewed the archive posting re: exhaust systems from Corvette Central and Allen's as well as Gardner's. I spoke with Eric Gardner today and they stated they have reproduced a few sets of pipes for LT-1's but they are not perfected yet. They are not releasing these until they get a set of original's to compare. I guess they were a bit off, so they don't want to continue a mistake. Who ever supplies a set of originals will get a set of free pipes!!!

I think this limits my vendors to Allen's or Corvette Central. Does anyone have experience with both and/or which is recommended at this time? I'm sure I'll go with aluminized but any thoughts there?

2. I want to refinish my original exhaust manifolds when I replace my system. What is the best finish and way to get the gray look I see so much? Can I do this on my own and what product should I use? OR should I have them sent somewhere?

Thanks,
Greg

[Kenneth B.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

This is two parts regarding my 71 base small block:

1. I reviewed the archive posting re: exhaust systems from Corvette Central and Allen's as well as Gardner's. I spoke with Eric Gardner today and they stated they have reproduced a few sets of pipes for LT-1's but they are not perfected yet. They are not releasing these until they get a set of original's to compare. I guess they were a bit off, so they don't want to continue a mistake. Who ever supplies a set of originals will get a set of free pipes!!!

Allen's doesn't have a system for a 71 base small block yet either - so is Corvette Central the best place at this time? I'm sure I'll go with aluminized.

2. I want to refinish my original exhaust manifolds when I replace my system. What is the best finish and way to get the gray look I see so much? Can I do this on my own and what product should I use? OR should I have them sent somewhere?

Thanks,
Greg

If they are not rusted bad you can have them dipped. A LIGHT sand blast or tumbler will work but try not to lose the rough casting surface. Origional castings were tumbled in steel shot to get the sand off. All the Cast Blast & hi temp paint looks funny. A little rust should not case a point deduction.
KEN

[D S.]

[Robert C.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

Wait for the Gardner exhaust system. There are NO systems that are like the originals.

[Donald B.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

Jerry McNeish (Camaro restorations) has a reskinning process that is suppose to be great. I'm going to be sending him my (HIPO Mustang) manifolds soon.

I've also heard of bead blasting the manifolds and "soaking" them in WD40.

[D S.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

Wow. I checked out their Web site and it is quite interesting as I do need new pipes and mufflers for my LS-5.

Home Page

http://www.gardnerexhaust.com/homepage.html

Thanks!

[D S.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

I did glass bead mine and they looked great afterward. I even hated to put the POR-15 on but knew if I didn't they wouldn't look nice after a week. I immediately passed on the Teflon coating method. WD-40 has an alcohol propellant that dries up with heat so I passed on that, too. Afraid it would leave a mottled appearance and smell like burning WD-40.

[Greg F.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

What is the best finish on the manifolds for judging purposes?

Thanks,
Greg

[Kenneth B.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

What is the best finish on the manifolds for judging purposes?

Thanks,
Greg

Natural cast iron. They can have some slight rust.
KEN

[Greg F.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

Should I have them blasted and leave them alone? Are the coatings mentioned in this Thread ok for judging purposes.

Thank you again..very much!
Greg

[D S.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

Greg, I'm not in a position to say. From an aesthetic opinion I like mine with the POR-15. From NCRS points issues I can't say. It would seem logical to me that a natural finish would be a plus in NCRS judging. How to retain a permanent natural finish? I don't know.

By the way, that is a nice looking C-3 convertible in the avatar.

[Greg F.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

Thanks Scott. Yours too. I love the C3's. My dad had a 71 BB, my uncle had an 82 vette....just love them. What's on your project list?

My car is very original. The exhaust is not so I'm not hung up on replacing it. I find myself compromising a lot of times on the finish versus longevity of parts. I hope to it judged in a year. We'll see. Thanks for the responses.

Greg

[Gary J.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

A freind on mine and I are are waiting on the Off Road Mufflers for a mid year. I hope they will be available soon. I'm sure they have had a lot of inquires about them.

[D S.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

I'm not familiar with off-road Corvette mufflers. How are they supposed to sound? Like straights or semi-loud?

[Alan S.]

Re: C3-1971: Exhaust and Exhaust manifold coating

Greg,
You asked about the 'best finish for judging'. Wouldn't that be no finish? Right now my 71 has High-Temp Cast Blast on the manifolds. I like the look and maintenance... none. If I were getting my car ready to be judged I'd take the paint off for that day and then put it back on. I'd have to do that to more than a few parts on my car. You have to do what's RIGHT for you! That's what makes this crazyness fun!!!
Regards,
Alan

PS; I think the finishes that would pass judging will need attention as time goes by.