Discussion of Exhaust Alternatives
From what I can tell from the recent discussion on "pre-made" exhaust, most have had less than desirable results.
Ever since factory (GM) pipes became unavailable, I have had to resort to "Custom Exhaust" shops. Whatever you do, it will not be cheap. I generally go to my local Custom Exhaust Shop and have the made.
I run two straight pipes (no crossover or traditional muffler) right to the back and hang two glasspacks where the resonators would normally be.
You can get glasspacks of varying note and loudness from most maufacturers.
I had a complete job (including manifold pipes) done in 2 1/2 galvanized steel for 375.00 on the sparkmobile. Since it is rarely driven, it should last a while otherwise I would have gone to stainless steel (that would have been another 200 bucks extra).
I have had the most success (best results) with the shops that have the latest computerized pipe benders. The last place I went to just typed in the car info and "bango" everything you needed to know came up on the screen.
From there, they just stuck in the correct size dogs, dies, rollers, and the stuck the pipe in. It comes out the other end like factory!
It helps to have what is left of the original exhaust as a reference too (assuming it is correct or original).
I NEVER do the chain shops (Midas et al) either. Mostly because they can't do custom stuff or glasspacks. They will not guarantee that kind of work, nor will they stray from anything that does not approximate an "original" exhaust. They always tell me thats the law....more like corporate rules if you ask me.
My custom guy guarantees the pipe work for 2 years. And I get the manufacturer guarantee on the glasspacks. Since the packs are only about 45 bucks a piece, who cares. When they blow out, I just replace them if they are out of warrantee.
Now, how do you find a "GOOD" custom pipe place? What I did was kept an eye on a few potential shops that I felt were reputable. I always took note of what kind of cars were parked there. One place, in particular, seemed to have more older cars hanging around. One day I went by and saw a 67 Riv there. Hmmmmmm, Sparky thinks to himself....they do heavy metal. I whipped in there and found out it was the shop owners car. He just did a complete job on it WITH glasspacks too! He took me for a spin and I was sold right then and there!!!!
All I told the guy was, "Do the job as if it were your car!". He did, and I'm now a happy camper.
They can also do the job to original specs too if you want.
Bottom line: I'd rather pay the extra bucks up front and have it done right the first time, than to order the "exhaust in a box" and find out nothing fits!
Submitted by: Sparky