I have a '69 Pace Car 350 4 speed and want to change the exhaust. I don't want resonators but I don't want resonator elimination pipes either. I want the transverse muffler and I like the look of the polished tips even though they are not technically correct. I was going to order it from Rick's but they don't offer the polished tips.

How about stainless? Anyone have good luck with the stainless exhaust? I heard it has a tendency to turn blue.

I put a new exhaust from Gardner on my Z/28 when I bought it 2 years ago. I ordered it without the resonators so the exhaust pipes to the axle are one piece. It also has polished tips (correct for my car). I'd recommend them to anyone if you want to spend a little more money.

Do they have a web site or a phone number and contact? Thanks in advance.

http://www.gardnerexhaust.com/homepage.html

...Garder exhaust is located in my area. I'll simply add, they have one of the best systems out there.

Kevin

Has anyone ever used Rick's exhaust either aluminized or stainless?

I am using Ricks aluminized on mine. It fit great, no problems whatsoever! Mine is a stock 2 incher with the dual inlet/outlet right behind the rearend. It's quiet, but it's original.

Since mine is a convertible and it has the floor x brace, the exhaust needs to fit in between the floor and the brace.

I bought the 2¼” system from Rick’s. I would rate it as just fair. The muffler hangs way to low. I used Rick’s repop dual exhaust hanger kit which is the same length as my original hanger. I ended up cutting and welding the new forward hangers to shorten them 1”. This tucked the muffler up but it is still hanging lower than the original. I am not done with it yet because after reworking the hangers the left head pipe is now kissing the transmission cross member when I downshift. The top picture was taken this spring before I shortened the hangers. The bottom picture was taken 20 years ago when it had the original single transverse muffler.
http://geocities.com/sdampier@sbcglobal.net/Before_and_After_copy.jpg

Wow! It does hang low!

I have the 2 1/4 aluminum from Ricks and I too would rate it fair. Took a lot of work to get tucked into place. I had to shorten the hangars too. It is the rubber that is too long. I compared the hangars to originals and the metal is perfect. I had to weld mine closed due to leaks around muffler connections. The tailpipes also exit at a strange angle (69 version only). out to the side, not straight back. I am going to talk to Gardner for my SS.

Gardner's aren't aluminized are they? They are going to rust right away I'm assuming. Do they make theirs in stainless steel?

Gardner's is aluminized? And, if you plan on driving car they probably will not recommend stainless. Will sell it to you, but if you talk to Eric he'll give you his opinion.

go with the gardner exhaust. you won't be disappointed. just look at all the positives for all our fellow members.

I have the stainless system from Ricks and it came with the polished tips. It fit perfect and I used NOS hangers for the muffler and tailpipes. It does not hang low at all and looks just like the factory did it. It has a nice muscle car sound. I would highly recommend it! Farm Boy, you must have the wrong hangers or something there.


http://hobbystage.net/camaro/media.cgi?site=jonesy&folder=*&group=2&page=*&id=1097785115-004756

It's not nearly OEM I'm sure, but I just ordered and received the Flowmaster (correction!) 2 1/2" header back system. I ordered it from Summit. $339. Free shipping and it's 72 lbs! I thought you couldn't beat that deal. Directly from Flowmaster it's about $500. Very well put together and it came with 40s, not 50s like was advertised. I'm actually glad about that. I think the 40s have a deeper/louder sound. I laid it out in the garage next to my SS and it really looks like it will be an easy install tonight. Looks like it will be pretty sharp too... Anyone else have this system?

Jonesy - Farm Boy, you must have the wrong hangers or something there. The problem is the intermediate pipes that go over the rear end are bent wrong. I compared my new hangers to my original hanger and they were the same. After I shortened the forward hangers 1" and adjusted the tailpipes to place more of the load on the rear hangers the muffler fits somewhat better. I now have a slight clearance problem at the trany cross member. I would like the muffler to ride another inch higher but the pipes will need to be modified to get it any higher.
This is how it currently looks:

http://geocities.com/sdampier@sbcglobal.net/Summer_2005_007_copy.jpg

Farmboy,

Is it possible that the muffler isn't tilted towards the rear at the bottom and forward at the top? If not, maybe this could solve your problem.

I have the same system from Rick's and it isn't too low. When I put it in I used the info from the factory assembly manual showing how it's tilted and this tucked it up pretty good.

Brian

My vote goes to Gardner also, cant beat the fit. Mines been on 2 years with no rust if thats your concern.

The 2 1/4 system from Stainless Works (the aluminized pipe) has the polished tips. I ended up with the chambered system (long story). The fit was mediocre. The price was right from Summit. Looking back now I should have bought Gardner.