1963 Exhaust

[Sydney G.]

Hello,

I seem to recall reading in another post about a month ago that '63 exhaust systems were installed in some unique way (maybe I was dreaming??) and that if the system was not correctly aligned, there was the potential for an exhaust leak.

I replaced the 2.5" system on my '63 at least 14 years ago and it still looks almost new. However, there are days out driving each summer where I feel the effect of excessive exhaust entering the cabin. I had to pull out of an antique car parade this summer for lack of air.

Getting ready to put the car away for the winter, I just changed the oil and had the shop do a quick test for a leak by blocking the pipes and listening for anything but all seemed good. I've never seen a sign or noise that hints at a leak but noticed that if I close the air vents it improves a little.

Was I dreaming about the unique '63 exhaust and perhaps have mine installed incorrectly?

Syd

[Henry A.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

Syd, my 63 exhaust is a like original...the exhaust pipe that attaches to the Manifold is clamped by the center cross member to a one piece exhaust pipe, muffler and tail pipe. In essence the system is two components on each side.

Is yours a one pice from the cross member back?

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

The fit where the exhaust pipes slide into one another is backwards on the 63.

I.E. consider the flow of the gases to the rear, the forward pipe fits onto the outside of the second pipe. It fits on on the inside as in later years. I doubt you have this setup as GM discontinued the 63 pipes for obvious reasons and if replacement pipes were purchased from GM the were correct for a 64 and would of course retrofit to the 63. Usually the General has good reasons for the engineering choices. If it doesn't make sense think "cost" and it usually becomes evident. For the life of me I can't think of a reason to make the slip fit backwards as the costs are the same. Could be it was for some obscure reason like it was easier to install? I would be looking forward of the passenger compartment for the source. Can you hear any leaking? Is the choke preheat tube intact inside the manifold?
Best of luck on your project.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

I too have a 63 with the two piece welded aluminized steel. My car has 44k on it, and this is the third and longest lasting system. The 63, of course, has a unique hanger arrangement at the cross member which was changed obviously due to cost in 64. I don't recall whether the front "header" pipe fit into or over the tail/muffler section but I will check next week (I'm going to remove the heat riser valve and replace it with a fuelie spacer).

If the choke hot air tube in the manifold is burned through, your choke will get plugged up real soon and you will know it.

The fresh air intake is at the base of the windshield so it is hard to imagine the fumes are coming in the vents. You didn't say if your was a coupe or convertible.

Stu Fox

[Sydney G.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

[quote=Stuart Fox (28060);521176]I too have a 63 with the two piece welded aluminized steel. My car has 44k on it, and this is the third and longest lasting system. The 63, of course, has a unique hanger arrangement at the cross member which was changed obviously due to cost in 64. I don't recall whether the front "header" pipe fit into or over the tail/muffler section but I will check next week (I'm going to remove the heat riser valve and replace it with a fuelie spacer).

If the choke hot air tube in the manifold is burned through, your choke will get plugged up real soon and you will know it.

The fresh air intake is at the base of the windshield so it is hard to imagine the fumes are coming in the vents. You didn't say if your was a coupe or convertible.


My 63's a coupe.
I bought what I think is the correct system years ago from a reputable source and have the proper '63 center hanger etc.
I'm just not sure that it was installed correctly. The choke works well for an unrestored driver.

Stu, could the fumes be coming into the cockpit through the firewall?
I have a small hole, plugged with cloth from some unknown previous accident in the firewall up against the left side.

Syd

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

Syd,

I used to drive my black 63 with the hood unlatched to aid cooling the FI. Sometimes I think I felt exhaust in the cabin, coming through the vents from the rear of the unlatched hood. I think the source was the manifold gaskets, as I don't believe my manifolds had the best exhaust gasket seal. I started closing the hood and the exhaust stopped coming in (at least most of it did)

With my blue 63 car, this never happens, even if I unlatch the hood. The difference is that all the exhaust joints are sealed well.

This Winter I'm redoing the gaskets and putting gaskets between the head and manifolds on the black one. CO is nothing to mess with.

[Norm B.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

Syd,

Check the boot around the gearshift. Mine had a small split in it that only opened up when in 2nd & 4th gears and I could really feel the heat coming through in the summer. Not sure what the source of your exhaust leak may be but that is a possibility of how it could be entering the interior.

Norm

[Irby G.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

Where is the best place to get an original looking exhaust system for the '63 (mine built in Dec '62)? Thanks.

[Joel T.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

I would agree with those who believe your exhaust is coming from the engine compartment.. I would check to make sure that the exhaust manifolds are torqued properly and perhaps consider adding the gaskets between the heads and the manifolds... That is not "stock" but it will deal with any surface irregularities. You can get the gaskets in there w/o removing the manifolds, just loosening the bolts and slipping them in.. While you are at it, check your manifolds for cracks...

From there work your way down.. I would check to see that the proper gaskets are in place and your engine pipes are on tight.. there should be a gasket between the heat riser valve and the right exhaust manifold as well.

When you check the pipes and connections you might be able to spot points of leakage... look for exhaust soot, just like at the tail pipe but at the joints. It really does not take much tightening on the joints to get the exhaust to go where it is supposed to!

I have a '63 coupe as well and have had the exhaust in and out of the car more times than I would care to count... no leaks ever...

My system came from Allen's, ordered it at Carlisle one year... I am very happy with it... They offer a "loud" system in addition to the normal... same price... I went with the "loud" and the sound is just awesome!

Have fun and good luck.

Joel

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

Besides actual exhaust fumes, you should always consider the possibility of any oil fumes as well, i.e. perhaps a small valve cover seapage allowing oil onto an exhaust manifold. Burning oil fumes can give you an awful headache - just ask us nuts that used to hot set our valves. Did it once in an open garage and got sicker than a dog. Had a migrane for a week and, oh yes, that was with clips on the rockers too.

Stu Fox

[Sydney G.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

Thanks guys.
I'm going to note each suggestion and check it all out.

I went for a drive today and the fumes were not nearly as bad as it can get during a hot summer day but the exhaust odor is fairly heavy.
Not sure if this means anything, but after parking the car you can smell the exhaust before you even open the door leading to the garage. Would the car running rich add to my problem?

I think I also bought this system from Allen's but that was about 15 years ago and I do have a small tear in the gear shift rubber.

Syd

[Michael W.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust

Syd,

An overly rich idle condition will give the exact symptom you describe.