Need a mail order exhaust system that actually fits

Not sure how you can pin that on Pypes if you or your mechanic were trying to install the wrong system.o No:

 

I put a Waldrons exhaust on my Stage 1 beginning of the year to replace the 25 year old system buddy and I bent up 25+ years ago (with stocker mufflers that got replaced under warranty every two years or so ...LOL). The fit wasn't too bad actually, 2.25 head pipes were great, mufflers stock style, 2.25" rear pipes (stock is 2") to my N25 exhaust... needed a bit of tweaking (pipes were a bit long easy enough to cut off, and using repro tips with incorrect diameter as well didn't help) but in the end system is in, lines up ok, sounds decent. Certainly not a Gardner system, but will carry me until its time for the frame off.

Was going to put a review on my website but not sure its worth the effort (should redo the whole website but yeah...LOL) I do have pics of the install and video of car running if anyone is interested, can e-mail. Only real issue was needing to shim up one N25 bracket 1/4" so the tips fit perfect in the bumper hole as tailpipe angle was off a touch (could have made the tip fit perfect but then pipes wouldn't line up by axle). Could have run to muffler shop and got it touched up but passed on that. For the price the system was pretty good IMHO, pipes tuck up tight (deep T400 pan is lower), side to side lines up pretty nice, fore and aft over the axle is close enough and without the N25 I'm sure it would be even easier to line up. I'd buy them again (unless doing serious resto)....Gardner is the best of course and simply unbeatable if you can afford it.

One thing, I had planned on using walker band clamps for easy replacement of the mufflers in the future but with the way the stock systems are bent this is impossible as they come out of the mufflers and instantly the bends start so no straight section to use band clamps on. This would apply to all stock systems, just something I forgot about until I went to install, something you might wish to think about as well if local shop bends it up....

BTW, I had a TA system on my convertible to start but found it too loud for my taste, the system was mandrel 2.5 and it fit great.

 

Did you see where I mentioned that I bought a new system and still had issues? I bought a new system, correct for the 455 that's in the car now, and it still didn't fit right. The bends in the downpipes and intermediate pipes were incorrect such that the downpipes were pressed up against the transmission crossmember in order for the pipes to attach.

 

Yeah, I must have been distracted thinking about how someone could try to install an exhaust system made for a 455 on to a 350 and then try to change it back again. Carry on. ou:

 

They custom bend to original specs. They fit perfect and the best price I could find.

 

I've since taken the Reagan approach when dealing with all mechanics: trust, but verify.

I trusted that he knew what he was talking about, but in that instance, he was wrong (and of course charged me for the time spent to modify the system that he said didn't fit correctly). But, it did go on the car with the 350. If I knew then what I know now, I would have had the exhaust replaced when the engine was swapped and saved some hassle. There were also some issues with the install, too: the intermediate pipes were cut by the installer incorrectly so that the bends were too far forward, and the included correct muffler hangars weren't used (generic ones were used instead). The install issues surprised me because the installer owns a Chevelle (either 71 or late 60s... It's been a while since I've seen it) that he's done a lot of work to himself. I expected him to know GM A-Bodies pretty well.

So, I blamed the poor fitment on the 350/455 mishap and installer error. But I had some of the same fitment issues when I went to install the new system myself on my 455 with all the correct hardware, which is why I passed some blame on to Pypes.

 

Could get ta downpipes with the flow master kit that doesn't have mufflers then get walker long case muffs.

 

TA Performance, is ware I got my 3 in mandrel bent with Walker dynomax muffs, amazingly perfect fit. 1968 Riv GS with the x frame. Kit even comes with a box of clamps and brackets, and i will say more clamps then necessary, being I welded all the connections. I even checked the tail pipe placement with a digital manometer, they actually ended up at the ideal location with the most negative pressure drop. Just below and back from the rear bumper on my car.

 

Jason, let us know how that works for you. I'm curious about that system for my 67.

 

With your luck...Classic is making it! lol

 

​how about a mail order bride that actually cooks

 

Nope, custom made local, that's all they would tell me. Here's what it looks like

 

Just need a rosebud to heat the pipe and make it right...

 

You aren't kidding!!! I'm 19 years younger, and hanging the exhaust on my 72 still sucked big time! But glad you got it, post some pics!!