Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: New exhaust system 81

in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

New exhaust system 81 (1/10)
 10/10/20 9:28am
TTJR 81
Former Member

Send Private Message

Bay City, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 white coupe, red interior, also had a 1971 , 1985, 2011 and 2015


Joined: 9/29/2020
Posts: 28

Want to replace the original system on my 81, very rusty and too quiet. I see Magnaflow  makes a complete bolt on with pipes, converter and mufflers. Does the air, smog pipe reconnect as well? Looking for more sound and would like to keep motor stock otherwise. Thanks! 

Our Sponsors help support C3VR
Re: New exhaust system 81 (2/10)
 10/10/20 1:37pm
johnu
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

Not sure on that one.  I purchased a bolt on replacement "free flowing" cat years ago.  Got a little more rumble without messing with the original system.  I had to buy some heat resistant gray converter tubing $$ to complete the hookup.



______________
      Only 32 years together
Re: New exhaust system 81 (3/10)
 10/10/20 2:13pm
manchestersharkLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Online Now! - Send Private Message

Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2388

Will it pass State Inspection without the Cat? If so, Just put a regular performance system on and enjoy it. 



______________


Click on image for full view

Re: New exhaust system 81 (4/10)
 10/10/20 3:11pm
73shark
Limited Member
Send Private Message

Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 866

Assuming you are keeping the original exhaust manifolds and an OEM equivalent converter, then all the emissions stuff should hook right back up.

If your state does not require a converter then I would go with the factory side exhaust as it's an easy way to do it plus it has very nice sound.



______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: New exhaust system 81 (5/10)
 10/11/20 4:30pm
TTJR 81
Former Member

Send Private Message

Bay City, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 white coupe, red interior, also had a 1971 , 1985, 2011 and 2015


Joined: 9/29/2020
Posts: 28

So, if I don’t go with converter /stock setup what happens to the air pump smog pipe that would go to the converter? Would my computer know the difference 

Re: New exhaust system 81 (6/10)
 10/12/20 12:05pm
NorskyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7191

I've been told if a converter is removed from the exhaust system the air pump and its associated pumping can go away.  I can't say for sure but would think the computer would need to be reprogrammed to not look for input from the O2 sensor(s). 



______________

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Re: New exhaust system 81 (7/10)
 8/30/22 2:21am
Dane2009
Former Member

Send Private Message

Oklahoma City, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1977 l48 Classic White T-Top


Joined: 7/19/2022
Posts: 1

Did you like the result? I have a bone stock ‘77, l48, 350. It’s all original. Before changing exhaust (because it’s just too quiet on top of slow) I was contemplating cutting the cat off and replacing with bypass tube. I figured it would sound better… does it?

I don’t want to modify it anywhere but I gotta have it sound better…



______________

Daneja

Re: New exhaust system 81 (8/10)
 8/30/22 5:55pm
F4GaryGold Member
Gold Member
Send Private Message

Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1409

Dane2009 said:

Did you like the result? I have a bone stock ‘77, l48, 350. It’s all original. Before changing exhaust (because it’s just too quiet on top of slow) I was contemplating cutting the cat off and replacing with bypass tube. I figured it would sound better… does it?

I don’t want to modify it anywhere but I gotta have it sound better…


Why not just go with true duals and no cats?



______________

   

Re: New exhaust system 81 (9/10)
 8/30/22 5:56pm
F4GaryGold Member
Gold Member
Send Private Message

Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1409

Norsky said:

I've been told if a converter is removed from the exhaust system the air pump and its associated pumping can go away.  I can't say for sure but would think the computer would need to be reprogrammed to not look for input from the O2 sensor(s). 


I would think on an 81 there is no after cat O2 sensor.  So just use the stock sensor in the stock location.



______________

   

Re: New exhaust system 81 (10/10)
 9/1/22 1:04pm
DroseLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Solon, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1981


Joined: 10/14/2015
Posts: 37

I have an 1981 vette and the member that responded mentioning that there is no after cat sensor is correct, there is none.  I have removed all smog/ air system and the car runs well without it.  I just emptied the cat of its contents.  Enjoy your ride

Drose



______________
Our Sponsors help support C3VR