C2 undercar chambered exhaust

brumbach · 12-30-04, 08:42 AM

I'm interested in installing an undercar chambered exhaust on my 65 vette. My motivation is two fold. First & foremost, I don't care for the appearance of my existing exhaust system from the rear viewpoint. It just doesn't have a slick look with mufflers and exhausts hanging below the rear panel. Second, I like the sound of sidepipes but can't afford the expense to convert mine. I'd like to achieve the sidepipe sound but maybe at a slightly lower db level. There seems to be a number of sources offering the this product. Any suggestions? Also is stainless steel preferred over aluminized? Certainly costs more but wonder if the expense might be worth it. Thanks

tigernut · 12-30-04, 11:46 AM

If you search this forum and the "other" corvette forum for the words "chambered exhaust" you will get alot of information.

I bought the mid-america system based on what others said. It is pretty inexpensive and I believe walker manufacturing makes the chambered pipes for them.

People seem to either love them or hate them, depending on your noise threshold. I'm a noise lover myself, in fact I don't even have a stereo in my car, as I prefer the sound of the motor.

I'm finishing up building my motor for installation next month so haven't heard them myself, other than a sound file someone posted to one of these forums.

I've read complaints about them resonating in the interior at high speed and occasional backfire when letting off the throttle. They say the backfire can be cured by installing a crossover pipe.

Good luck.
Doug

Vetsvette2002 · 12-30-04, 05:24 PM

I have a set from Allen's on my 67 327-350hp.

Are they loud ? Yes, but out the rear and not at your ear on the side.
Do they resonate? Yes, but it is at just off idle. No resonance at highway or citiy speeds.

I like mine.

brumbach · 12-30-04, 06:52 PM

Have you ever heard of muscleflow made by Stainless Works? They claim to offer a lower db than other suppliers. Costs more too. Claims are one thing, testimonies by buyers is another. Wonder if anyone out their has used their product??

youwish2bme · 12-30-04, 08:43 PM

I too have Allens however mine are side exhaust as Vetsvette2002 says they are a bit louder than stock.. I'm sure the undercar is too... Dave...

Lucy64 · 12-30-04, 09:09 PM

I am just finishing a major upgrade on my 64. I dropped in a new 420HP small block and the chambered package from Mid-America. I got the car back on the road a couple of weeks ago and have only had the chance to take it out on a couple of short drives. IT IS LOUD. I have Hooker Super Comp headers running into the chambered system and it is loud up to 3k and then gets very loud after that. I am looking forward to Spring so I can really put some miles on her. I am sure that one of our local law enforcement officers will soon be suggesting that I add some mufflers. I am going to run it the way it is until that happens. I do figure that I will eventually have to add a pair of small Flowmasters to keep the man off my back. I was after the sidepipe sound and these are much louder.

tigernut · 12-30-04, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucy64

... to keep the man off my back.

Lucy64, try and just idle by "the man" when possible.

Favorite movie quote (with apologies to Mac)
"There used to a way to stick it to The Man—it was called rock 'n' roll. But guess what. Oh, no! The Man ruined that, too, with a little thing called MTV!"

Vetsvette2002 · 12-31-04, 03:16 PM

Right after I installed main I went for a drive and a balst theough the gears a few times. Went past a local in 2nd at 5500 and banged it into 3rd at 6000.

He met up with me a few lights later and asked " Don't you think you're getting a little too old for that?"

With a hearty laugh, all I could say was "Hell no". He chuckled at that and turned away.

Just 'cause there is snow on the roof doesn't mean that the fire is out!

paul67 · 12-31-04, 07:46 PM

If you want loud, they are loud. I got very tired of them very quickly. Just bloody annoying at any speed. They are basically straight-pipes. Dumped them and went back to stock mufflers.

wiscane · 01-17-05, 10:26 PM

Go with Allen's ...

easy to install. email me at waltdisney@cfl.rr.com if you have any questions.
...Ed

Vettewine · 03-04-05, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brumbach

I'm interested in installing an undercar chambered exhaust on my 65 vette. My motivation is two fold. First & foremost, I don't care for the appearance of my existing exhaust system from the rear viewpoint. It just doesn't have a slick look with mufflers and exhausts hanging below the rear panel. Second, I like the sound of sidepipes but can't afford the expense to convert mine. I'd like to achieve the sidepipe sound but maybe at a slightly lower db level. There seems to be a number of sources offering the this product. Any suggestions? Also is stainless steel preferred over aluminized? Certainly costs more but wonder if the expense might be worth it. Thanks

I have the Mid America/Walker system in my '65 roadster and love it! It's just a nice rumble at idle to around 3k but when you get on it it's just like straight pipes! I have the original 327 engine in my Vette but have rebuilt it to around 400 hp with 11:1 comp KB hypereutechnic (sp?) pistons, roller rockers, 292 cam and a bunch of other s__t and it really comes alive over 90 mph! The only complaints about the sound being too loud is from the car behind me! ;<)
It's not that loud in the cockpit and is definitely quieter than the sidepipes that a friend of mine has on his '67 roadster. He can't even begin to hear his tunes!

As far as SS vs. aluminized, I don't think Mid America offers theirs in SS (at least not when I bought mine about 4 years ago) and others I've talked to that have bought different systems in SS have said that there is a lot of expansion/contraction in them and they are harder to keep from leaking at the joints.

Good luck and keep the shiny side upright!!!

Lucy64 · 03-04-05, 04:36 PM

I have been running the same system from Mid-America for a couple of months now and they are down right loud....but I like that. I know it is just a matter of time before I am stopped and at least warned by the man, they are that loud. I will be sure to let you know when that day comes.

Vettewine · 03-04-05, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucy64

I have been running the same system from Mid-America for a couple of months now and they are down right loud....but I like that. I know it is just a matter of time before I am stopped and at least warned by the man, they are that loud. I will be sure to let you know when that day comes.

Lucy64...

I've gone right by the man at about 40 mph in 2nd (fairly loud) with no problems, yet! It most likely will depend on how good you look to him or if you're doing anything else wrong (like draggin')!

Is your Vette a roadster (like mine)? 'Cause the sound is behind you mostly and not right beside you like the sidepipe systems are...

67HEAVEN · 03-04-05, 05:11 PM

When I pull into CruiseFest on June 9th, after 11.5 hours of driving with Hooker sidemounts, I'll be downright disappointed if my ears aren't bleeding.

No, really.

I just love the sound of a healthy Chevy small or big block.

74bigblock · 03-04-05, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67HEAVEN

When I pull into CruiseFest on June 9th, after 11.5 hours of driving with Hooker sidemounts, I'll be downright disappointed if my ears aren't bleeding.

No, really.

I just love the sound of a healthy Chevy small or big block.

Are you gonna run 'em with inserts or no??