Dual exhaust recomendations - 1964 Buick Wildcat convertible

Hi all - I just picked up a 1964 Buick Wildcat convertible, auto with 401. It has dual pipes back to large muffle that sits transverse under the car. I'd like to install true duals back to exit under the rear bumper or sides.

I found one on ebay for a 1965 that looks like what I want, but not sure it will fit.

Looking for any suggestions for off the shelf exhaust. I can always take it to an exhaust shop but would like to save some money if I can.

Thanks!

 

Waldron Exhaust makes the system.

http://www.waldronexhaust.com/

 

See my post for a custom exhaust solution. I am very happy with the sound and tone.

 

@64 wildcat conv, thanks for the info! That looks nice. I was originally looking for a true dual exhaust, from the mani's to the outlet. I'm not sure that will fit or if it's more work that it's worth. This is purely for sound and not performance enhance, although that would be an added bonus.

I'd like something throaty at idle and that barks when I get on it, but reasonable at cruise. Maybe the huge transverse muffler can let that happen?

@flynbuick, thanks for your suggestion too. I called Waldrons, the don't offer a true dual exhaust and advised I visit a local exhaust shop. Before I do that I'm hoping to get some more advice on if this is reasonable or fruitless

 

How do you define "true" dual exhaust system? Waldron's site says:

1962-64 LeSabre, Invicta, Electra, Wildcat Dual Aluminized Steel
Starting at: $580.00
Dual exhaust system includes (2) front exhaust pipes, (2) front mufflers, (2) front extension pipes, (2) rear connector pipes, 1 transverse muffler & (2) tailpipes.




Having a traverse style muffler does not eliminate the system from being dual exhaust.

 

@flynbuick my definition of true dual is each engine bank being separated and no crossover or x pipe. Mainly this is a sound benefit but that's sorta why I'm asking. I don't have the benefit of comparing these old car exhaust setups side by side.

 

The Waldron system fits your definition. The exhaust paths in the traverse muffler are separate. In effect, the one large case hold two distinct mufflers.

 

@flynbuick ahhh ok I gotcha. That's great information. Thank you.

Does anyone have a sound clip or link to a YouTube video where I can hear the exhaust? Guess. Guess I could just order it and hope for the best

 

some of the best money i spent was having the system made for my Apollo. it was 500 cash and it fits like a glove. I've never been happy with a mail order system. go talk to your local exhaust shop. they can hook you up quick and cheap

 

I have to say that my experience is just the opposite. I have seen some very poor custom exhaust jobs. One thing I see is welding attach points to the frame where nothing factory appeared. Starting with a good reproduction system with the clamps has been the best solution I have seen. Obviously, the better the custom shop worker, the better the outcome. This car is an X frame car and outside the experience of most shops. I would try to keep the factory layout myself.

 

I'll agree with Jim in principle, but the exhaust system in my Buchev is custom made SS and I couldn't be happier with it. It looks factory. I have told this story before, but I used to base my airplane at the Taunton (MA) airport. Taunton has a large Hispanic and Portuguese population. These kids play with Japanese cars and are very picky about exhaust systems. I talked to a number of local kids and at their recommendation took the Buchev to a shop in a Portuguese section of town. The guys there bent up a stainless system while I waited and within about two hours (I supplied the Magnaflows) the system was done and I haven't touched it since. To get back on topic, I understand the reason for keeping the transverse muffler, but I also remember that it's about the most expensive muffler installed in an American car. We put straight-through glasspacks on several of these Buicks. This was years ago, and it was possible to get quiet glasspacks then. I believe that some of the late 40's and early 50's Buicks came stock with them (but they were huge).

 

My system is wife approved and is comfortable with the top down. It has some bark when getting on it but nothing objectionable. As far as performance goes, it is as good or better than the single 2-1/2" (from the Y-pipe) back that it replaced. It certainly sounds more powerful, LOL
I've done exhausts abut every way possible from installing pre-bent kits (which often times don't fit quite right), to fabricating my own from mandrel bent tube sections (better have a lot of free time), to going with a custom exhaust shop such as in my Wildcat. It took the guy 6 hours to complete so I had to get a ride home after an hour or so once we had it laid out like I wanted. I provided the muffler and the shop everything else. The reason I stayed with the transverse muffler was that I was afraid the sound would be too loud with smaller individual mufflers on each side.
Thankfully my rear suspension, axle, and fuel tank have all been rebuilt/reconditioned as getting to some of these components would be a real PITA now
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

I should buy that and make it out of Mandrel bent tubes instead. I am the owner of a mandrel bending company!

 

Aren't you the one who made headers for your '62???

 

Yes I did... but shortly after I did, and they were made by Columbia River Mandrel in St. Helen's Oregon.... they "misteriously" became available from another company and they are nearly the same! so, After paying $4500 for R&D and $700 a set (3 of them) I walked away VERY disappointed and felt raped...

 

Yeah, I know what you mean.

Had it happen to me also.

Tom T.

 

Yes!

 

I built my own transverse muffler and it nails the muscle car sound.... The main problem with the factory system is their habit of reducing the size of the pipes as they go back to the back bumper.... I made mine the same size as the header pipes all the way through.... that said it is "talkey" if you get on it hard.... but ,,, not the blat blat blat like glass packs.....

 

I second the waldron's. You can eliminate the resonators and get more sound and rumble, also they had three different level sound mufflers. I ran resonators and the middle sound. It's not loud nor does it burble. If you go without resonators and the loudest muffler it probably would give you quite a bit of sound.

 

While the points here are valid the OP has not been here since 2017 sometime... Waldrons does a nice job for sure...
one possibility to replacing the transverse is 2 round magna flows (shape of glass pack) in the transverse position.
It requires a little plumbing skill but will keep them separate.

Dad did this on his 78 Chevy - first exhaust had a transverse muffler that must have combined in the muffler housing. It sounded terrible and we tested the back pressure - it had a lot! We took it out and it was just a terrible looking design.
He replaced that with 2 ultra flow welded and the backpressure was gone, sound was strong. Crate 2001 Z06 LS6 in a 78 Malibu 4-door, 12.5 1/4 mile - he did the swap early! He is 87 and still working on them.