C3 Exhaust Judging Question

[Edward J.]

Im Planning On Replacing My Exhuast On My 72 Sm. Blk.i Know Theres Nothing That Is A Exact Repro, I Was Thinking Of A Corvette Central Exhaust Carbon Steel System With The Welded System - I Like To Know What The Judges Think About This System Compared To The Gardner System.i Know Nethier Are Exact The Mufflers Dont Have The (w) Embossed In Them ,pipe Bending, Flatting, Thanks For Your Responses. Ed (49497)

[Michael W.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

The Corvette Central system is close to stock appearing but there is better stuff out there. Look at Allen's in particular. You might want to think about aluminised instead of carbon steel as the latter will rust quite quickly. The orignality deduction for aluminised will probably be less than the condition deduction for rusty steel.

BTW- your posts always seem to have the First Letter Of Each Word capitalized. This makes it difficult to read for us left brain guys.

[Richard R.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

I recommended Allen to a fellow member because I had good luck several years back. But he does not advertise in the Driveline anymore. Is he still in business? Richard

[Tom W.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

I just installed an aluminized 2" system from Corvette Central. It had the mufflers pre-welded to the center pipes.
It was reasonably priced, fit great, and went together very easily. While I also want to get Judging points, I couln't justify the expense of SS systems or the rust of carbon. If your car is a driver, I suggest CC.
If you want to get as close to factory as possible, then check Gardner Exhaust.
Tom

[Grant W.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

Well here is a pic of Gardner's pipes for the small block. I lent Eric a set of NOS GM pipes and he made them the same spec's with the folds. Although at the end curve where it meets muffler, there are no folds there. Originals has the folds. Eric could not duplicate that part. But Gardner's pipes are as close as you can get to look factory. The mufflers do not have the W. No ones does due to trade mark laws.
I wouldn't hesitate to install Gardner's exhaust system on your car. Only my humble opinion because I just installed the front pipes for my 68 B/B which he correctly reproduced the left side. It fits perfectly.
Thanks, Grant

Eric Gardner
Gardner Exhaust Systems
www.gardnerexhaust.com
(845) 758-8003 (P)
(845) 758-0980 (F)

[Michael W.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

Grant,

Does Gardner offer the system in aluminized steel and carbon steel?

[Grant W.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

Hi Michael
I think he does both. But not 100% sure on aluminum. You can email to Eric and get all the info.

gexhaust@frontiernet.net

Thanks, Grant

[Dave S.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

Well here is a pic of Gardner's pipes for the small block. I lent Eric a set of NOS GM pipes and he made them the same spec's with the folds. Although at the end curve where it meets muffler, there are no folds there. Originals has the folds. Eric could not duplicate that part. But Gardner's pipes are as close as you can get to look factory. The mufflers do not have the W. No ones does due to trade mark laws.
I wouldn't hesitate to install Gardner's exhaust system on your car. Only my humble opinion because I just installed the front pipes for my 68 B/B which he correctly reproduced the left side. It fits perfectly.
Thanks, Grant

Eric Gardner
Gardner Exhaust Systems
www.gardnerexhaust.com
(845) 758-8003 (P)
(845) 758-0980 (F)

Grant,
Is there any reason why the 2" header pipes do not have the wrinkle bends (folds). ???? The NOS header pipes i have seen do have them however the LT-1 header pipes do not have them. I argee with you that the Gardiner system is the best reproduction available however it is my understanding that they will not do them in carbon steel, just aluminized. I can't tell from the photos but I hope the 2" center pipes are not flattened. Originals were not.

[Grant W.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

HI Dave
The only reason that I can think of no folds in the front of the 2 inch pipes is the bends are not sharp enough like the rears of the pipes. I really don't have a clear answer.

In the thread about exhaust systems(C3 exhausts) I attached a picture of a 2 inch NOS pipe that I lent Eric and its bent the same configuration. No folds.

The 2 inch pipes are not flatten. Must be the angle of the picture.

Thanks, Grant

[Dave S.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Judging Question

HI Dave
The only reason that I can think of no folds in the front of the 2 inch pipes is the bends are not sharp enough like the rears of the pipes. I really don't have a clear answer.

In the thread about exhaust systems(C3 exhausts) I attached a picture of a 2 inch NOS pipe that I lent Eric and its bent the same configuration. No folds.

The 2 inch pipes are not flatten. Must be the angle of the picture.

Thanks, Grant

Grant,
Glad to see the Gardiners 2" center pipes are not flattened. There was some talk on this board a while back that they were however I am of the opion they were not.
Ive seen original and NOS header pipes that had the wrinkle bends so I'm of the opinion that they should have them. Others obviously differ on that. Hopefully others will comment.