C3 exhaust system

[Don L.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

Thank you Paul. I understand your points now. I was unaware of the differences between Gardner's 2" and 2 1/2" set ups. I really need to learn more about the Big Block C3's.

I did see that Gardner's muffler "cuff" was quite a bit longer than OEM when I shopped for mine, but considering that I had chosen an aluminized system and that I was going to take some originality deductions anyway, I chose the Gardner system because, among other details, the extension pipe to muffler joint was right up close to the muffler, thereby hiding it from view when looking at the undercarriage from behind. THe CC system (and perhaps the GM service replacements too?) have the joint further forward and around the last bend. I preferred the discreet look that I got. See photo of CC mufflers and in particular, where the slip joint for the extension pipe is located:

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[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

THe CC system (and perhaps the GM service replacements too?) have the joint further forward and around the last bend. I preferred the discreet look that I got. See photo of CC mufflers and in particular, where the slip joint for the extension pipe is located:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]43243[/ATTACH]

Don,

Not if you get the prewelded system from Corvette Central. Note that the weld is right up near the muffler.

[Don L.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

Good deal Patrick. Thanks. I didn't know that CC's welded system uses diffferent parts than their separates. This closes some of the gaps between the competitors, at least for the small blocks, yes?

Do we know who makes Corvette Central's welded system?

[Edward J.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

Don,

Not if you get the prewelded system from Corvette Central. Note that the weld is right up near the muffler.

I have the gardner system on my 72,I brought the CC one piece muffler and pipe assy.for my 63 that I restored I though that CC did a nice job with there pipes and bends. there muffler seems are also on the correct side as the gardner system has there seems on the wrong side. I think that there both great systems. and for the small block cars either should judge close to each other.

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

Hi,
I bought a CC 2" welded aluminized system and was very surprised and pleased with how well it fit.
I was afraid the muffler might be turned a little bit from where it should be when it was welded to the exhaust pipe. I was fearful that this would affect the 'tucked' appearance of the muffler, and also how the exhaust tip fit in the exhaust tip bezel. BUT, it all aligned easily which must be a testament to the jig (?) used when welding the pipe/muffler connection.
Also, yes, the pipe is welded right at the muffler.
The exhaust system, while not 100% correct for judging, is one of the few things I bought for my restoration that exceeded my expectations.
Regards,
Alan

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

Good deal Patrick. Thanks. I didn't know that CC's welded system uses diffferent parts than their separates. This closes some of the gaps between the competitors, at least for the small blocks, yes?

Do we know who makes Corvette Central's welded system?

Corvette Central. I've watched them do it myself.

[Ed D.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

Thanks to all for some great information and pictures. I'll skip the welding for now and concentrate on getting the measurements and angles correct with the chassis info I have.

Has anyone used the POR-15 "Marine Clean" and then "Prep and Ready" to clean/etch the galvanized metal before painting the mufflers? I'm not suggesting POR-15 paint for the mufflers, just thinking about using their clean and prep system.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

Don,

Not if you get the prewelded system from Corvette Central. Note that the weld is right up near the muffler.

Should carry the same 20% deduction as it is not TFP

[Paul O.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

This for everyone you need to understand the judging standards before we make a judgmental call. Many of us that have answered question here on the Discussion Board seem we have to repeat our self's over and over again. People need to buy them self's a Judging Guide for their particular year and also the Judging Reference Manual most of these questions are answered in those 2 books or have been answered before on this board.

If you follow the below chart you yourself can answer many of these questions for judging. I am not saying stop asking questions we are here to help but some of the question being asked have been answered several times before so before asking do a search of the archives if you come up with zero then please ask the question.

We judge cars using the CDCIF if you just follow this format most owners can ascertain the areas that do not meet the standards we go by.

The CDCIF is a 2 way street it makes judging more consistent but it is also helpful for owners if you understand it when you think a judge has made an error on the amount of points taken. Say there are 5 points available for a part the only issue is finish the judge takes 2 points you can ask the judge how he calculated the deduction.

1. C Configuration if the item you are judging has major configuration differences then the original part then you lose 20% of the total points available. If the configuration difference is minor the deduction can be adjusted from zero (a notation) or more. Now Configuration issue can/will cause a 20% deduction for Date also.
2. D Date a configuration and in some cases Finish can cause a full deduction for date say Aluminized pipes was a finish process not used in certain years.
3. C Complete are all the items need to make the item judged complete if so no deduction. Say a item has 4 separate parts 1 is missing the deduction would be 5% of the available points.
4. I Installation is the item installed properly.
5. F Finish is the item being judge was originally natural, cast, forged, painted, plated etc.

So each area is worth 20% of the available points the only variation would be if you can not confirm the date then the 4 areas that are left are judged at 25% each.

My intention here is not offend anyone and I hope I have not done so if I have I apologize in advance.

[Don L.]

Re: C3 exhaust system

Thanks Paul, and thanks to all others too that offered contributions to this thread. DEFINITELY no offense on my end, only appreciation.

The OP asked if anyone had bought a Gardner system; if they did, how did it do; and do (I) like the system.

I bought the system after doing my research. Personal preference tilted me to the Gardner system. Others here went another way, which looks also to be a very fine choice. I had mine judged and felt that the deducts I received were very fair. I liked the Gardner system when I bought it and am as satisfied today as I was 2 years ago when I bought it. Again, I couldn't be happier.

Thanks to all for the dialog. Good info for us all...