Mid-America Dual Exhaust Conversion

MaineShark · 01-20-03, 03:21 AM

Does anyone have an experience with these kits?

I'm sort of sick of waiting for the weather to clear so that I can get over to the exhaust place to have an exhaust bent and installed, so I figured ordering something like this would allow me to do the work myself.

Plus, stainless for $250 seems a good deal - the local guy wants that much for plain steel.

Joe

Vette/Berlina-coupe · 01-20-03, 04:11 AM

Hello Joe: -yes I also like the notion of S/S instead of the'ol rusty-stuff (although s/s would probably have a higher resonate-pitch quality owing its inherent temper), do you know if they have also done anything to improve the dreadful routing of the exhaust-pipes/mufflers.cat.-unit; --really looks terribly mickey-mouse when you get under and look at it,

--as though they noticed just before production that Yiiikeees, -we forgot to provide for a sanitary exhaust-system (very amaturish GM!)

Somebody should come-up with a really nice pair of low-profile s/s-pipes well heat-insulated and uniquely 1/2"-thick x 8"-wide, inverted-U shaped as to possibly enable routing above the half-shafts? ----There just has to be a better solution than the sorry-mess the factory devised...
-Bob vH ('80 C3)

Dave L. · 01-20-03, 08:41 AM

MaineShark - I installed that system on my car and am very pleased with it. I used the 40 series flowmasters,also. The in- stallation was fairly easy but I did take the car down to my buddys muffler shop for tweaking mainly because of the curved muffler inlet pipes. I always get comments on how well the car sounds. I would go with the stainless pipes if you decide on this setup.

Dave

Shawn's 78 · 01-20-03, 12:20 PM

Joe,
I am ordering my MA Chambered exhaust set this week (good winter project). For $250 you can't go wrong!

I went back and forth with the other option (true duals w/mufflers) and decided for the money, chambered was a good deal. My budget was tight this month so the chamber got the nod.

I contacted MA and they were very helpfull. You can't go wrong with either.
It might be a bit louder than Flowmasters (I want to draw a little attention when i step on it

), and you don't have those big cans to look at (from the rear). If I wanted, I'm sure i could tack mufflers on the end if it is too loud (has anyone ever done that??)

Can't wait to get that old 2-1-2 off the car (so it can breath)

.

Run a search, there are lots of topics/posts on this one.

Shawn

MaineShark · 01-20-03, 05:14 PM

If I hadn't already bought the mufflers, I would probably have went with the chambered system. Originally, I was going leave on the dual exhaust that the previous owner had installed, until I got the mufflers and found that they would not line up (the exhaust was custom-bent, not stock). So, new pipes, too.

I ordered the exhaust a few minutes ago. Should be here in a week or two...

Joe

mst · 01-20-03, 05:30 PM

I just bought a s.s. system w/ offroad mufflers from Paragon. Haven't installed it yet but it was recommended from a very reliable source. I hate the look of rusty pipes when everything else underneath is clean. Wasn't cheap but I've been assured I will like it. No turning back now.

Glensgages · 01-20-03, 08:22 PM

BURGLAR, did you get the #603-860 or #603-862 kit? I'm thinking of the 603-866 (SS) 2.5" kit and Delta Flow 40's for my stock '82 that 'sounds' like

. Would you recommend them to me? Besides 'sounding' better, can you notice better performance? Did the 40's fit properly? If so, which 40's did you install? In addition to the 'straight-pipes', I'm considering a pair of Dynomax ceramic-coated headers. In your opinion, can the M-A kit be 'modified', without

, to connect with the header collectors? If you, or any Forum member can advise me on the headers/exhaust/mufflers/etc. on my '82, I'd be forever grateful

!!!

Dave L. · 01-20-03, 09:22 PM

Glensgages - I installed the 603-862 stainless system. Defintely noticed a performance gain,they say 20-30 hp and I would testify to that. The forty-flowmasters fit nice,I can try to take a digital picture and post here. I could also check the stock numbers off the mufflers for you. This system is designed to fit your stock exhaust manifolds. If you are going with full length headers I would NOT buy this system. This Mid-America kit is designed as a 'bolt-on' replacement to replace the original system. For the money,its a great setup,but like I said if you are going the full length header route,you would want to get the proper collector to muffler pipes.
If I can help with any other info let me know.

Dave

Glensgages · 01-20-03, 09:33 PM

Hmmm. Was hoping the M-A kit would 'work' w/ headers. I like the fact it comes in 'kit' form, 'fits' thru the single-hole x-member, up against the floor-boards, and went to OEM muffler location. SS made it even MORE tempting. I'm working, with others, on getting this Cross-Fire into the 13s, maybe 12s w/ nitrous. Headers would DEFINITELT make this project easier. In your 'best guess' opinion, how much would need to be 'clipped-off' the front pipes to fit w/ headers? In your opinion, can the 'clipped-off' pieces be used to connect with the headers? I'm REALLY hoping this kit can be modified in conjunction w/ headers.

Dave L. · 01-20-03, 09:47 PM

Glensgages - In my opinion,your going to be hacking off about 1/4 - 1/3 of that pipe,then take the pipes to a muffler shop where mating flanges would have to be welded on to meet the collectors. Thats if the pipes would 'lineup' with the collectors! I would try to talk to someone (the header manufacturer?)about getting the proper pipes or just taking the whole car to a reputable muffler shop and putting it in thier hands( have them fabricate there own pipes) I would say you would be wasting your time and money trying to get those pipes to fit your full length headers.

Dave

Dave L. · 01-20-03, 09:50 PM

Just something else I was thinking about,you already have nice factory headers on that car with the desirable 21/2 " outlets. You could just get the MA system and be done with it. I would have to admit full length headers would be nice!!

Dave

Glensgages · 01-20-03, 09:58 PM

If I HAVE to choose between pipes or headers, 'pipes' win. SS will last until I'm worm-food, the 2.5" pipes will help more than headers & 'small pipes', and headers would 'give it away'. Besides, a dude I talked w/ runs WELL into the 12s, withOUT headers! I'll try to keep you posted..... Thanks for the info; 'preciate it!

If you have ANY other advice,.....

Dave L. · 01-20-03, 10:02 PM

I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised with the results!! I have had those pipes on my car for 2 years and they look as good as new. You made a good choice........

Take Care..........Dave

Glensgages · 01-20-03, 10:04 PM

See ya on the Pa. Pike sometime. I'll be in the Black '82, sittin' in the PASSENGER seat! MY girl-friend ALWAYS wants to drive!

Dave L. · 01-20-03, 10:11 PM

Thats cool,your girlfreind drives. Lori very seldom rides in the vette,it messes her up and she looks like cousin it from the Adams family. I see your from western PA. My sister lives in Allison Park(north of P-burgh)Maybe I will see you on the 'pike'when I drive out for a visit. Later-on

Dave