Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

[Paul L.]

In July I got rid of my old but functional and pretty solid 2" exhaust system on my 1974. It had the old round mufflers and carbon steel (rusty always) pipes. But I was looking for a new look and sound. I sure got it! This is a completely new Corvette Central system right down to the exhaust manifold studs and heat riser. Pretty substantial $$s. So all pipes are now alumininized and the mufflers are so-called stock "Hideaway". But they are a wee bit loud. I have posted on this on the CorvetteForum before but thought I would seek opinions here. I have grown to tolerate and rather like the sound but I am wondering if they sold me N11/off-road mufflers by mistake?? This exhaust system is loud. Thanks for your opinions.

[click to hear]

[Peter G.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Paul...just listening to your exhaust...if your car is a LS4 Big Block then it sounds like my CC exhaust stock system on my LS4. If your car is a 350 small block it sounds a bit loud to me and maybe could be the off road version. My CC mufflers are the large ones that are the same size as the originals. Aren't the off road mufflers more tubelar and smaller in size?


Nice car too!!

[Tom R.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Paul...just listening to your exhaust...if your car is a LS4 Big Block then it sounds like my CC exhaust stock system on my LS4. If your car is a 350 small block it sounds a bit loud to me and maybe could be the off road version. My CC mufflers are the large ones that are the same size as the originals. Aren't the off road mufflers more tubelar and smaller in size?


Nice car too!!

Corvette Central's N-11system just has one less baffle than the stock system and otherwise looks exactly the same on the exterior.

[Edward J.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Paul, Sounds great to me. but nothing like the factory exhaust or even my corvette central exhuast I have on my 63. my 327/340 car is quiet, and I personaly was thinking for the N11 exhaust for my 63.

[Michael W.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Hi Paul-

The car sounds great. The CC system looks similar in many ways to the OEM system but doesn't sound even close to stock. That's not necessarily a bad thing- the cars were pretty well 'stifled' when new.

BTW- do happen to know who in Perth has the '79 that's an almost identical twin for your old one? We've seen him several times in the last week or two.

Mike

[Paul L.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Hi Paul-

The car sounds great. The CC system looks similar in many ways to the OEM system but doesn't sound even close to stock. That's not necessarily a bad thing- the cars were pretty well 'stifled' when new.

BTW- do happen to know who in Perth has the '79 that's an almost identical twin for your old one? We've seen him several times in the last week or two.

Mike

Well, you are finally "Up the Valley". Good for you and Deb. No I do not know the people or Corvettes in that area. Sorry.

[Don G.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Paul

As you probably know, the '74's had a resonator in each exhaust pipe that looked like a "cherry bomb" muffler. They were about 13 inches long and there was a heat shield attached to the body above each resonator.
Do you have the resonators in your system? They were discontinued many years ago. Although the system is rather quiet, you do get a low level rumble.

Don

[Paul L.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Paul

As you probably know, the '74's had a resonator in each exhaust pipe that looked like a "cherry bomb" muffler. They were about 13 inches long and there was a heat shield attached to the body above each resonator.
Do you have the resonators in your system? They were discontinued many years ago. Although the system is rather quiet, you do get a low level rumble.

Don

No, I did not know that and I don't have them. In fact I can't recall ever seeing a C3 with resonators....

[Paul D.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Paul, I imagine that the "hideaway" mufflers are the source of the enhanced exhaust note. They look even smaller than the factory mufflers used from 63-73. Probably a "Turbo" muffler adapted to fit. If you really want the quieter exhaust note, I'll bet the old drum looking mufflers will be required. I seem to remember seeing the resonators Don spoke of in a old GM parts book. If I recall correctly, It was 1 year (74) only used with the 454. I'm sure Loe L. can confirm or correct us on that. I've never seen them offered in reproduction though. Chip.

I just looked in my old catalog, and it appears they were used with all engines in 74. Base engine differs from HP small block and big block probably due to pipe diameter. They were located between the trans crossmember and the crossmember at the kick up. Paul, if you get a chance, could you look under your car and let us know if your heat shields are still in place? Just curious. Chip.

[Paul L.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

Paul,
I can't see heat shields under the car but the 1974 AIM certainly shows the resonators. Fascinating! You learn something new every day.

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[Keith S.]

Re: Corvette Central "Stock" Exhaust for a 1974 - Sound

My stock 1974 LS5 never sounded like that. Your car sounds like mine "should" have................