Topic: Stock Exhaust Setup on 1973 L48
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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Hi All!
|UPDATED|9/15/2014 3:26:06 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Took my 73' L48 in to have exhaust system looked at because passenger-side muffler is rusting out where muffler meets tail pipe and the tail pipe/tip is loose. Starting to rust in the same spot on driver's side, too. Figured I'd price getting them replaced.
Gentleman at the shop said my system has been rebuilt, which was news to me.
He said the exhaust pipes are SMALLER in diameter then they should be. He also mentioned that the exhaust pipes should form an "X" and then go straight back to mufflers.
According to assembly manual (yes guys, I finally got one!) my current straight pipes are the correct configuration, but I have seen the "X" configuration in pictures of Vette undersides online. Same year as mine.
What are the recommended replacement mufflers for my year/type? After getting an estimate to replace them, I think I'd like to try fixing myself :)
Any suggestions on cleaning up exhaust pipes so they do not look so rough?
Good news - this is the first opportunity I had to look at my Vette's underside while the car was in the air. Frame is completely SOLID and CLEAN! Yay!
Thanks in advance!
|UPDATED|9/15/2014 3:26:06 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
"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?"
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I will look there for replacements. What about the proper configuration? What's with the "X" I mentioned?
"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?"
You can check out http://pypesexhaust.com for an exhaust system with the "x" pipe. The "x" balances out the exhaust making it a bit more efficient. This isn't a "stock" system.
Or you can contact http://allencorvetteexhaustsystems.com. They make exhaust systems for a lot of the "corvette" vendors out there.
TKO500 5 spd.
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Born 8/1981
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Lifetime Member #26
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
L48 would have had 2" pipes all the way back, tho the exhaust manifold outlets are 2 1/2". If that's how yours was, it was "correct". No X pipes from the factory on ANY Shark car. Your muffler guy is a bit out of touch with Corvettes of our vintage, apparently.
As far as replacement systems, I think Corvette Central supposedly has a good system that requires little or no modifications to install, tho I've never installed one of their systems myself. The "X" pipe will help with resonance, and help the exhaust flow a little better, but on a stock L48, it might not be worth the extra $$$. If your future plans include hopping up the engine somewhat, then it might be a good investment.
Allen exhaust that Darryl mentioned has a great reputation among Corvette folks, and their stuff sounds really nice.
Decisions, decisions...
As far as replacement systems, I think Corvette Central supposedly has a good system that requires little or no modifications to install, tho I've never installed one of their systems myself. The "X" pipe will help with resonance, and help the exhaust flow a little better, but on a stock L48, it might not be worth the extra $$$. If your future plans include hopping up the engine somewhat, then it might be a good investment.
Allen exhaust that Darryl mentioned has a great reputation among Corvette folks, and their stuff sounds really nice.
Decisions, decisions...
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"
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. :)
"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?"
Lifetime MemberAsh Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
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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Lifetime Member #192
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.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
RAY!! Good to see ya on the forum! It's been a while! 
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"
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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