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When it comes time to replace your Corvette’s exhaust system you have a
few different choices. You can install a stainless steel, original
steel, or aluminized system. Which system you choose depends on how you
use your Corvette. Is it strictly a show car? Do you show and drive it?
Or is it strictly for pleasure? The system I recommend mostly for ease
of maintenance, longevity and good looks is a stainless steel system.
Our Project 73 Corvette needed a complete exhaust system and we decided
that a stainless steel system was the only way to go. We contacted Zip Products, Inc.,
8067 Fast Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (800) 962-9632., and they were
able to supply a complete exhaust system. Everything that they sent not
only looked good, but it fit properly, making our installation much
easier.
A properly made exhaust system is not hard to install. You
do not need a lift. Four quality jack stands and a hydraulic jack will
work nicely. A cutting torch or air muffler cutter will help remove the
old system, but a good hacksaw and chisel will work just as well. It
will just take a little longer. The only other things you will need
besides some hand tools is a friend to help. The most important thing
to remember when installing an exhaust system is to always check for
clearance. Nothing is more annoying than a vibrating or banging
exhaust. With this in mind, let’s get started.
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01: Start by placing the car up securely on jack
stands. The higher it is, the easier it is to work on. After you have
removed your old exhaust system, lay the new one out on the floor
loosely assembled. This way you will get an idea how it will have to go
together. |
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02: Install all of the correct hangers. The right
muffler hangers and clamps makes the whole assembly go together easier.
Do not use any universal fit-all hangers or clamps. Here are two new,
correct muffler hangers. |
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03: If your Corvette has exhaust tip bezels, it is a
good idea to remove the old ones and install the new ones now. With the
exhaust system out of the way, removal and installation is much easier.
In most cases there is a right and left bezel which is evident in this
picture. |
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04: It is a good idea to also install a new heat riser and gasket whenever you are installing a new exhaust system. |
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05: Start your pipe installation by putting the header
pipes on first. Install them loosely. Do not tighten them. You want
them to be able to move so that you can install and align the exhaust
pipes. It is also a good idea to install new exhaust header pipe studs
and brass nuts. These studs and nuts come in different thread sizes and
lengths, so be careful when selecting the fasteners. |
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06: Now install the exhaust pipes and mufflers. Here
is a helpful hint: Use a bungee strap to hold the muffler in place at
the rear while you insert and align the exhaust pipe into the header
pipe. This is like having an extra pair of hands during the
installation. |
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07: Slide the header pipe into the exhaust pipe and loosely tighten the stainless steel clamp. |
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08: Now install the muffler and pipe to the muffler hanger. Again, loosely tighten the muffler clamp. |
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09: Working from the rear of the car, start to align
the system. Make sure the exhaust pipe outlet is in the middle of the
exhaust cutout area. If the Corvette has an exhaust pipe extension such
as this 73, you will want it to be centered in the opening. When you
get the outlet centered, check the muffler and pipe for clearance. Make
sure it will not interfere with the rear springs, frame, suspension,
etc. as the body moves. Also make sure the exhaust system is not
hanging too low. You do not want it to hit the ground when you go over
bumps. Nothing looks worse than a low hanging exhaust. After the rear
system is aligned and set, work to the front of the system. Tighten the
header pipes and flange to the exhaust manifold studs last. When one
side is done, repeat the whole process on the other side. Remember to
keep checking for clearance and low hanging pipes. If you feel you have
everything aligned properly, tighten everything to factory specs. (The
torque specs are listed in your shop manual or assembly manual.) Now
comes the true test. Take the car out for a ride. Listen for rattles,
vibrations or banging pipes. If you hear any of these sounds, place the
car back up on jack stands and re-align the pipes. When everything is
right, you will only hear the sweet sound of Corvette exhaust. |
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10: Here is our Project 73 with the exhaust system in
place. New exhaust extensions and bezels installed and no low hanging
pipes. Just the way a Corvette exhaust system should look. |
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AN EXHAUSTING SOLUTION:
HOW TO INSTALL YOUR CORVETTE'S STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST
SOURCE:
Zip Products, Inc.
8067 Fast Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(800) 962-9632
PARTS LIST:
EX-2071 • 68-69 427 With 4-Speed Stainless Steel Exhaust System
EX-2072 • 68-69 427 With Automatic Stainless Steel Exhaust System
EX-2069 • 68-74 327/350 Manual Transmission Stainless Steel Exhaust System
EX-2070 • 68-69 327-350 Automatic Transmission Stainless Steel Exhaust System
EX-2073 • 70-74 454 With 4-Speed Stainless Steel Exhaust System
EX-2074 • 70-74 454 With Automatic Stainless Steel Exhaust System
All Stainless Systems
The Author would like to thank Scott Coral of Greg Donahue Collector
Car Restorations, Inc. for his assistance with this article. |
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