C2 Exhaust Installation Suggestions

[Michael A.]

I'm making good progress in getting my 66 SB ready for an attack on Route 66 this summer. The exhaust mainfold is off and ready to go to the machine shop for welding repair based on great suggestions from the board. Thanks to all who provided advice

Next step is to replace the exhaust system. While under the car, one of the mufflers is very suspect and there is noticeable leakage at one of the joints. I am considering an aluminized 2" welded system from Allen's.

Is this something I should tackle myself or should I have a local muffler shop do it for me? I looked under the car and it all looked pretty straight-forward. I am working with the car on jack stands, not a 4 point lift. Does the welded system present unique fitment problems or is it actually better than a non-welded system?

Thanks for the help and suggestions.

Cheers,

[Robert C.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Installation Suggestions

the pipes uaually don't fit just right, out of the box! I would go to a muffler shop and get the car up in the air. They usually know how to get them to fit well.

[Michael A.]

Any other comments or suggestions on DIY exhaust install?

Thanks Robert for the suggestion.

Are there any other views or comments on DIY exhaust installations out there? I'd appreciate comments one way or the other.

Thanks

[William C.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Installation Suggestions

leave the parts fitted losely together including the front pipes until you get everything in place and adjusted so the pipes are tucked up well in front of the tire tub and the outlets are centered in the rear bezels as best you can get them. Then tighten.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Installation Suggestions

I've installed 3 systems myself. Two were from Corvette Central, one from MidAmerica, and they went on a 71 and two 72s.

Each installed with no significant problems. I have not had to have either one adjusted by a muffler shop. The two 72s were done on jackstands, and the 71 on a lift.

Having done one on a lift in 35 minutes, I'd never do one on jackstands again, though.

Patrick

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Installation Suggestions

My confidence is building... always dangerous. I think I will do the install myself. Maybe I can ask Santa for a lift for Christmas but this first time needs to be done on jack stands, mainly due to time pressures but it will also make me appreciate the lift more!

I spoke with Mike Jr. at Allen's and am planning to place the order for a welded aluminized system tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Cheers

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Installation Suggestions

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. This is a quick wrap up email to say that the exhaust install was a success. I ended up with an Allen's systems with welded "off road" mufflers. The fit and install was perfect. I'm really happy with the end result.

For the first time since owning the car I have a tight exhaust system with no leaks. The combination of the new exhaust system, new heat riser and repaired exhaust manifold (thanks to all for the spray weld suggestion) results in a much quieter and smoother running engine.

I can't thank the contributors to this Discussion Board enough. I would never have been able to tackle what I did without this support.

Cheers