Thanks guys. This wasn't my machine shop but a chain muffler shop. Will not be going back there. I figured the assembly manual was correct, but the online pics I saw threw me off a bit. And you are correct...decisions decisions. :)

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"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"

Cost at most chain stores can be crazy expensive for what you get.  I was in a somewhat similar situation a couple of years ago.  Mine was a total rebuild from headers back. Local guys were crazy high, mostly because they had to include the catalytic converter.   If you decide to go that route I can say the system I bought from Corvette Central was a simple bolt on.  Everything lined up beautifully.  Mine is an 81 so I can't comment on your year except that I have seen good things about that system as well.  The complete system was $650 shipping included, i think it's about $100 more now.  I've never attempted to clean up a system and repair it.  Usually by the time I should fix it, it's beyond fixing and time to replace.

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Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!!      Long and short term leases available.

I bought a stock exhaust system 10 years or so, ago, from Zips. The original owner had changed the mufflers to make it sound better. The pipes were dented. It took a couple hours to change. Price was cheaper than having a shop do it, and, it is spec original.

RAY!! Good to see ya on the forum! It's been a while! 

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I thought the factory manifolds were 2".  My LT-1 has 2" manifolds and a 2 1/2" exhaust pipes.  Stock.

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Just got a $30 off coupon email from Corvette Central.  Coupon code "EXHAUST".

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As far as chain shops go, I had Meineke replace my whole system from headers back, including enlarging pipe to 2 1/2 inch, adding the "X" crossover, and Flowmaster mufflers....cost with tax was $636...no labor on my part, done in a couple of hours and a warranty to go with it. I couldn't beat that.

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DanT

WOW!  I went to my Meineke and they quoted me just under a G for just 2 mufflers and installation!  They tried to give me a bath apparently... :/

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"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"

I guess they did  I had another estimate from another exhaust shop and their quote $825 for the same thing. I guess each Meineke is independently owned and they can set whatever price they want to. 

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DanT

Zips is 295.00 for a complete factory system. Like I said, 2 hours to install. It will allow you to drink a higher quality of beer. Natural is for cooking Brats. Also, thanks Joel.

One thing I failed to mention is that if your car has been outside, or used much, you may need to buy the hangers and seals. I didn't have to buy any of this because of low mileage. (14,427 as of today)