1962 exhaust systems parts

[Kenneth F.]

I am assembling a 1962, 300h.p. and wonder if the reproduction exhaust manifolds made in the United States are the same as OEM? I see the manifolds in Corvette Central catalogue advertised as "correct."
Also, I need the complete exhaust from the manifolds to the tailpipe, and wonder where I could purchase a kit that fits and works well. I understand that stainless in not the best idea.

[William C.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

Without seeing the manifolds it is difficult to say, but all of the reproduction manifolds I have seen have minor, but easily discernable variations from the originals. Primarily these have to do with the casting marks along the mold parting line varying from the originals. It's a small issue, but it's right in a knowledgable judges face when looking.

[Bill O.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

The attached is what you want to see,,,the originals has these 5 stitches between the raised squares...reproductions are good but they don't have as many and the difference can be seen from top-side.

Bill

[Robert I.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

<I understand that stainless in not the best idea.[/quote]

What's wrong with stainless?

[William C.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

From a judging perspective it is a high deduct, nonmagnetic with a surface finish nowhere near the original metal. Reproductions are bad enough with problems duplicating the proper flare on the exhaust tips as well as replicating the configuration of the original bends without adding the surface finish of the SS versions. Also there is (I am told) a difference in the expansion characteristics that have given some problems, although I have no direct knowledge of the details on that. Much more in the archives if you do a search.

[Donald B.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

I thought SS also sounds different.

[Wayne L.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

I have seen the same-all "after market" manifolds are easily detectible from the originals. And, yes stainless is more brittle, making it harder to get a good seal at the clamps, and harder to bend if you need to here and there to get a got fit.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

I do really appreciate all of the input. I believe I will try for a set of used manifolds.
I will check various vendors for pipes and mufflers.
The feedback all of you have given helps a lot. Thank you.
Ken

[Larry C.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

Kenneth,

Gardner Exhaust Systems is manufacturing high performance exhaust systems for 1962s. From what I know, they have patterned their system components from NOS pieces if you're looking for good fit and proper appearance. See www.gardnerexhaust.com

Larry

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

Larry, This sounds like what I am looking for. It is nice to get repro parts that are quality products.
I appreciate your help.
Kenneth

[Tom P.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

From a judging perspective it is a high deduct, nonmagnetic with a surface finish nowhere near the original metal. Reproductions are bad enough with problems duplicating the proper flare on the exhaust tips as well as replicating the configuration of the original bends without adding the surface finish of the SS versions. Also there is (I am told) a difference in the expansion characteristics that have given some problems, although I have no direct knowledge of the details on that. Much more in the archives if you do a search.

I once had a complete SS system on the 56. I had (and still have) 2 1/2in manifolds with the 62 style front pipes with a 2 1/2in opening that immediately reduces down to 2in. From there, the remainder of the system was stock style 56-57 with the round (and loud) mufflers. I bought the system MANY years ago from Zierden (no longer in business) and after installation, I NEVER liked it, but had so much invested in it that I couldn't bring myself to remove it and discard it. I'm here to tell you that once SS is thoroughly heated up, and needs to be tweaked here and there, and clamped tighter to stop leaks-------------------it AIN'T HAPPNIN'!!!!! It just WILL NOT compress at the joints, no matter how strong of a clamping force is exerted! Also, SS DOES expand much more than regular carbon steel pipe. As a result, I just never could get the system adjusted (hot or cold) to eliminate the rattles. At times, the tail pipe tips would expand almost 1in further beyond the exhaust bezels. When it was adjusted cold to keep the pipes away from the frame, and after driving and thoroughly heated up and it expanded, it rattled. Then when it was adjusted hot, and contracted after cooling down, it rattled after startup until it got hot and expanded. It was a constant battle!!!! I will say this in favor of a SS system, on a car where the pipe doesn't have to traverse through the frame and tunnels at the rear (for example a 57 Chevy pass car or a Chevelle, GTO, etc), it would probably be the very best way to go for a lifetime system.
Although, I must say, that a SS system on a 61-2 car may not be so bad, since the tail pipes don't have to be perfectly adjusted to fit through a tunnel.
About the only good thing I can say about a stainless system is that rust-through will never be a problem.
A few years ago, I finally caved in and removed the complete SS system and got rid of it. I took the 56 to a muffler shop that I've used since the Cival War days and had the guy build a complete 2 1/2in system. Although, the tail pipes are the 62 style (behind the rear wheels) because 2 1/2in pipe won't go through the 56-7 bezels. I even took some pictures of correct style 62 tail pipe tips with me so that he could duplicate the tip of the 62 tail pipes.
A big benefit of the 2 1/2in pipes was that it really woke up the engine. BIG DIFFERENCE in performance!

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

Kenneth,
I have an aluminized steel exhaust on my 340 HP 62 Corvette and after 11 years it still looks like new. I have driven it 20,000 miles in rain, mud etc and when I wipe it off it looks great. No signs of any deterioration.
I believe it came from Corvette Central, they actually bend thier own exhaust systems.
Bruce B

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

Hi Bruce, Do you have receipts to verify who the vendor was?
Thanks for the input about aluminized systems.
Ken

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1962 exhaust systems parts

Ken,
The pipes and the round off road mufflers came from Corvette Central and were shipped to me on 11/29/1995.
Bruce B.