I just picked up my '72 LT1 and in the very near future I will have to replace the exhaust. I'm thinking of stainless and have even gotten feedback from Mike Allen who has a system for $750.00. As I have zero experience with the Corvette and suppliers, does any one out there have any experience and suggestions to help me in my plight?

There are definite pluses and minuses to stainless exhaust. They wear well...last a long time. That's the upside. The downside is they're much more expensive, the stainless steel holds heat longer and can heat up your butt as you drive unless your car has heat shielding under the carpeting. The stainless can turn a blue color close to the engine, which is a problem if you show your car for points. The stainless can stretch from heat over time, upsetting how everything is aligned. Stainless steel is also extremely hard, and difficult to cut, and very hard, if able at all, to clamp compared to standard mild steel exhaust parts. You generally have to weld stainless systems, again, more difficult compared to mild steel.

I think a quality aluminized steel exhaust system is much more cost effective and also long lasting. Stainless is certainly OK if you don't mind paying much more for it. If your car sits outside in the weather, it can be a viable choice. If your car is garaged, I don't think it's worth the extra investment.

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I would have to agree, but my concern is being up in the northeast the rust factor and all. The car is garaged, though, so I guess that would tend to mitigate it a bit. Allan

I'm in the same situation, I have a '69 L46 that has been rebuilt to slightly more than LT-1 specs and I'm currently running 2.5 inch pipes that need replacing. In regards to SS, so far I have been told that 2.5"-3.0" pipes in stainless are nearly impossible to bend due to the brittle nature of the metal. So far it seems like the best bet is to go with the aluminized pipes that can be easily bent to match the bends near the rear of the exhaust system. As far as I know, there are no stainless pre-bent pipes available in these diameters.

Fortunately, the Dynomax Super Turbos that have rotted out are lifetime guaranteed so I will be able to replace them for the cost of shipping. Something to consider when you are looking at mufflers.

Good luck with your search and let me know what you find out. I will be replacing my system next May.

Rick,
There is one fellow that I contacted that supplies SS pipes and mufflers for the car, starting with 2" pipes that then go into 2.5". His name is Mike Allen and his e-mail is
exhaustdr@insightbb.com. I found his site on the "Top 100 Corvette Sites" , and that is about all I know. He quoted me $750.00 for the system. It sounds like a lot as I have seen others for half that, but I just don't know if it is worth it. I assume you saw one of the other answers to my question that states that they run very hot. I quess I'll just go with the aluminized version, probably something from Flow Master or Dynomax. I did post a question to Borla if they make one for the '72 model, as they don't list our style C3's on their site. If I get a reply I'll let you know. Allan

Mid America sells pre-bent true duals exhaust systems in SS or aluminized.

Thanks. It's funny, I just rec'd their catalog and saw what you mention. Now, what's the difference between 401 and 305 stainless??!!!!!! Thanks, Allan

I replaced the pipes and mufflers on 'The Toy' a couple of years ago with 2 1/2" aluminized pipes and mufflers. Nothing fancy or special, straight out of Corvette Central's catalog. The thing that surprised me though was the mufflers have a 2 1/2" inlet but a 2' outlet. Thought that a little strange.

But I get a lot of complements on the sound from the 'stock' system. It has a nice, soft rumble at idle and good growl when I floor it. And it didn't cost an arm and a leg either like a stainless system can.

I got my dual exhaust from Corvette Central as well. It all fit together well, and has a great sound to it. They had the best price for it as well...$271.

As far as the different grades of stainless, some are designed to be harder than others. That also means much harder to work with. Just because it's called stainless, it doesn't mean it won't rust, just more rust resistant and more forgiving of lack of care. Stainless can be made rust free, but it would be so hard it couldn't be machined. Many knives have stainless blades, but generally more expensive and are harder to give an edge to. The same with exhaust systems...long-lived, but a b*tch to work with...bending, cutting, clamping or welding, etc.