1969 BB Exhaust replacement

[Kevin M.]

Hi All,
Does anyone know if the replacement exhaust systems sold by Corvette Central or Year One are NCRS compliant?
I know the aluminized will be a deduction. Wondering about the bends, clamps, etc. I don't see any wrinkles in the bends in the pictures they have posted like Gardner Exhaust says they have.
I would really like to put a 1968 2-1/2" system on my 427/390. But want to stay original so guess I'll go with the 2".
Thanks
Kevin

[Terry B.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

Hi Kevin,

There are a number of threads in the archives on this subject. Here is one that may help you. https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...haust-Question

I purchased my exhaust system for the '68 from Allen's http://www.allencorvetteexhaustsystems.com/

Good luck on the project.

Terry

[Kevin M.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

Thanks Terry,
so you decided on Allen's even though they didn't have the wrinkles? did you get the 409 stainless or aluminized. I'm concerend about the deductions for finish and config.
I'm impressed that you have three awards.....ultimatley what I'm after too!
Kev

[Terry B.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

Hi Kevin,

I purchased my exhaust system about 7 years ago. At that time I went with the recommendation of a very high level judge of 68/69 cars who I respected and still do. I went with the aluminized system. Now 7 years later if I was going to purchase an exhaust system I would do research on what system is going to be the best for my application. Talking to national team leader, Chuck Berge, would be one of the first things I would do. I would also speak with 400+ level chassis judges of 68/69. I would expect a few to respond to this thread. As you will discover, no one sells a perfect exhaust system but there are some that are better than others. Getting an aluminized or stainless system will most likely mean you will never have the need to purchase another exhaust system for that Corvette.

I lost points on configuration and finish on my exhaust system but to my knowledge, everyone does.

Terry

[William H.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

Kevin. I really like Gardner's system and I think it's the only one with the mandrel bends. When I researched for my '68 427 last year, the Gardner system was the closest match. It costs a little more but I thought it was worth it.

[Don L.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

Kevin. I really like Gardner's system and I think it's the only one with the mandrel bends. When I researched for my '68 427 last year, the Gardner system was the closest match. It costs a little more but I thought it was worth it.

+1. I chose the Gardner system as well and am very happy with it. As stated above,no reproduction/replacement system comes without some level of deduction, but for me, this system looks very close to right, especially where the pipes go into the mufflers. The fit was fantastic and the sound is nice too.

No regrets.

[Mike F.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

If I had a 427/390 I wouldn't strangle it with 2" for a couple of points.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

If I had a 427/390 I wouldn't strangle it with 2" for a couple of points.

It will be more than a couple of points if you go with a different exhaust size, as it affects the configuration of every piece except the tips.
Each has to do their own calculation to determine if its worth it or not.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

I preferred the original type 2 1/2 inch system on my 68 L79 and when I took the 69 Corvette side pipes off my 1970. I installed the 2 1/2 inch exhaust pipes on my 1970. Installed the 2 1/2 inch exhaust pipes at least 24 years ago.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

Kevin. I really like Gardner's system and I think it's the only one with the mandrel bends. When I researched for my '68 427 last year, the Gardner system was the closest match. It costs a little more but I thought it was worth it.

Agreed Bill

[John H.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

Kevin. I really like Gardner's system and I think it's the only one with the mandrel bends. When I researched for my '68 427 last year, the Gardner system was the closest match. It costs a little more but I thought it was worth it.

William -

Common misconception, or just a semantics issue - no Corvette exhaust system ever had "mandrel bends" - they were formed with external dies/shoes, and had "wrinkles" in the bend radii. Mandrel bending equipment is slow and expensive, and that process wasn't used for OEM systems.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1969 BB Exhaust replacement

On a related matter; my son's 69 L-89 has had side pipes installed (not original). I was surprised to see they are correct at 2". My question involves the heat riser valve; It seems to open near full open position, then locks up for the last bit of travel. One can move it forcibly by hand, but I doubt the exhaust pressure would push it full open and then, if it did, it seems like it would stick full open. Never saw one do that. I recommended to him that if he decides to keep this car would be to stick a spacer block in there and forget about the darn valve, specially here in Florida.

Stu Fox