There is a saying I have heard ... "There are expensive lessons learned cheaply, and there are cheap lessons learned expensively ... Well, as I have been restoring my 1969 Camaro SS, I feel I have learned both lessons well ... Most importantly, I have learned that if I do NOT know, turn to Team Camaro Tech FIRST !!! ... So here I go (I can't afford to make this decision incorrectly and pay for the parts twice, ahummm) ... I have been restoring my Camaro back to it's originality, which is important to me, it is now time for the exhaust system ... The car was built in Aug of 1968 at the Los plant ... I have read a few of the past forums and threads, but many seem to go off track before an answer has been established ... The chambered exhaust system I believe was designed for the Z/28(?) and maybe I also read (a few years ago so memory fading), the 396 SS as well(?), and I also understand the chambered exhaust was faded out of production because of noise issues, but still ... What would have been correct my car the 350 SS ?, can anyone help me with what may have been the original style exhaust system for my car ? built in Aug 1968 ... And what about the traverse system ???? ... I also understand that Gardner builds a quality system along with others, I may consider a stainless steel type reproduction (just cause) but still suggestions are always welcomed by me from the members of this here great site of information ... Thanks Kevin 1969 SS
1969 SS 350 exhaust ...
kmg1969ss
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There is a saying I have heard ... "There are expensive lessons learned cheaply, and there are cheap lessons learned expensively ... Well, as I have been restoring my 1969 Camaro SS, I feel I have learned both lessons well ... Most importantly, I have learned that if I do NOT know, turn to Team Camaro Tech FIRST !!! ... So here I go (I can't afford to make this decision incorrectly and pay for the parts twice, ahummm) ... I have been restoring my Camaro back to it's originality, which is important to me, it is now time for the exhaust system ... The car was built in Aug of 1968 at the Los plant ... I have read a few of the past forums and threads, but many seem to go off track before an answer has been established ... The chambered exhaust system I believe was designed for the Z/28(?) and maybe I also read (a few years ago so memory fading), the 396 SS as well(?), and I also understand the chambered exhaust was faded out of production because of noise issues, but still ... What would have been correct my car the 350 SS ?, can anyone help me with what may have been the original style exhaust system for my car ? built in Aug 1968 ... And what about the traverse system ???? ... I also understand that Gardner builds a quality system along with others, I may consider a stainless steel type reproduction (just cause) but still suggestions are always welcomed by me from the members of this here great site of information ... Thanks Kevin 1969 SS
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2,361 Posts
Transverse is correct for your car, get it from Ground Up or Ebay plenty for sale. If performance is an issue, then a transverse from another vendor (Gardner). I beleive you answered your own questions...
Jeff G.
69 Verts
69 Z/28
Jeff G.
69 Verts
69 Z/28
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582 Posts
Kevin, As previously stated by Jeff, the transverse system is correct, but if you are restoring back to original, then the gardner exhaust is the only way to go. The other systems are not as exact as the gardner systems. Be prepared to pay big $$.
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10,721 Posts
Have the problems with part accuracy a member encountered with Gardner been resolved?
I like the traverse ...
For the early Aug 1968 built 1969's 350's ?, (am I repeating myself ?, why yes I am now it even looks like I am typing to myself now too) ... Probably have a little twitch in my neck too, or maybe it's my eye, nope, yep it's both... Most likely from all of those earlier lessons I had the opportunity to learn ... $$$ ooopppsss, okay I can fix that $$$, there how's that ? $$$ ... ("yep", Hank Hill of King of the Hill) ...
I reviewed a few exhaust sound clips, anyone have a link to a '69 350 SS traverse sound track ??? ...
Thanks Kevin M G 1969 SS
For the early Aug 1968 built 1969's 350's ?, (am I repeating myself ?, why yes I am now it even looks like I am typing to myself now too) ... Probably have a little twitch in my neck too, or maybe it's my eye, nope, yep it's both... Most likely from all of those earlier lessons I had the opportunity to learn ... $$$ ooopppsss, okay I can fix that $$$, there how's that ? $$$ ... ("yep", Hank Hill of King of the Hill) ...
I reviewed a few exhaust sound clips, anyone have a link to a '69 350 SS traverse sound track ??? ...
Thanks Kevin M G 1969 SS
Yes, chambered (RPO NC8) was only offered for Z/28 or the B.blocks. RPO N10 would be correct for your car.
Thought I heard some good words about the D&R systems ?....at a fraction of the cost of Gardners....
Thought I heard some good words about the D&R systems ?....at a fraction of the cost of Gardners....
The chambered was standard on early Z and b/b, but, I think, was available on 350SS under NC8. No need to have an RPO for a standard inclusion, so it makes sense. I think it was removed from the stock offering around the end of the year, and eliminated as an RPO around April. You might nose around CRG for confirmation of my recollection, and exact dates.
I think thr D&R system has the extra pipes for where the resonator would go if so disired. Most people wont use the resonator so the pipe will need to be in place with the two clamps. Not good! Heartbeat and ricks sell the systems with the SINGLE front pipe as original. About $350.00. A fraction of gardeners price but haven"t compared them side by side.
Any thoughts from those who have Heartbeats system
Any thoughts from those who have Heartbeats system
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OK - Many options are available before spending over $1K on a system from Gardner. Both www.drclassic.com and www.ss396.com make systems for 1/3rd the price and are every bit as suitable.
Before choosing a exhaust vendor you should read this thread --> http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=168582
Standard ??...hmm, didn't know that.....
I'm just going by the White Book, NC8, "dual chambered (available only when Camaro SS with 325 hp, 350 hp or 375 hp engine, or Z/28 Special Performance Package is ordered)."
No mention of the 300 hp L48.....
Yeah that was rather (ahumm), "exhausting" reading all of that (previous exhaust forum) ... I believe that is part of what I meant when the answer never gets answered ... 1969 SS 350 for a Aug 1968 built car, chambered or transverse ? ... I think someone mentioned that the chambered could still be possible ...
I was worried about this problem also....so I talked with D&R about what type of front pipes they had.....short for resonator or long without resonator. They stated that they had both lengths.....just state on your order which length you preferred. They said that they normally don't advertise the longer pipes due to the fact that the freight cost were somewhat higher and most people seemed to prefer to go the cheaper route and use the resonator replacement pipes.
This was some time ago and I still have not ordered my system so it might be advisable to call them and check to be sure.
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1,961 Posts
Depends what you want...
Chambered exhaust is louder.
With an SS350 - the performance aspect is not much different between the two.
If you are still in stock configuration, I can't think of any good reasons to put a chambered exhaust on a L48.
Yes - www.Drclassic.com will do the one piece pipes - just ask when you order.
Chambered exhaust is louder.
With an SS350 - the performance aspect is not much different between the two.
If you are still in stock configuration, I can't think of any good reasons to put a chambered exhaust on a L48.
Yes - www.Drclassic.com will do the one piece pipes - just ask when you order.
What about you 1968 Camaro SS 350 car restorers, what are you guys using ??? ... I also understand it could be quite possible on the earlier runs to go ahead and use up some of the other parts available ... Just a thought ...
Also another question occurred to me with the last statement "I can't think of any good reasons to put a chambered exhaust on a L 48 350", well how about any bad reasons then, got any of them why not to ? ...
What about you Pacecarjeff, what engine and exhaust do you have in that Pace car of yours ??? ... What does the original "69 Pace car come with ? ... Anyone else ??? ... This second I am leaning more towards chambered again ...
Also another question occurred to me with the last statement "I can't think of any good reasons to put a chambered exhaust on a L 48 350", well how about any bad reasons then, got any of them why not to ? ...
What about you Pacecarjeff, what engine and exhaust do you have in that Pace car of yours ??? ... What does the original "69 Pace car come with ? ... Anyone else ??? ... This second I am leaning more towards chambered again ...
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My 67 L35 has an all original steel system except for aluminumized tail pipes.
I was foolish back in the 90's and I didn't like the surface rusted tails - so now the tailpipes are pretty.
My 69 L48 has an aftermarket dual system. (was that way when I bought the car).
As soon as I can find the time, I will be installing an original configuration transverse system.
I can tell you which company's system I am NOT going to buy.
An L48 with chambered reminds me of one of those little Toyotas with the glass packs - all show, but no go. just annoying LOL
The Chambered is just louder, and won't help with performance - the L48 is a dog.
My L79 has chambered system - that is something to talk about.
My old 69Z had chambered - after taking the compression up to 12-1 - it was way too loud.
If I had kept the car - would have gone with the transverse for that car also.
I was foolish back in the 90's and I didn't like the surface rusted tails - so now the tailpipes are pretty.
My 69 L48 has an aftermarket dual system. (was that way when I bought the car).
As soon as I can find the time, I will be installing an original configuration transverse system.
I can tell you which company's system I am NOT going to buy.
An L48 with chambered reminds me of one of those little Toyotas with the glass packs - all show, but no go. just annoying LOL
The Chambered is just louder, and won't help with performance - the L48 is a dog.
My L79 has chambered system - that is something to talk about.
My old 69Z had chambered - after taking the compression up to 12-1 - it was way too loud.
If I had kept the car - would have gone with the transverse for that car also.
Call it what you want. My L48 was running high 9's low 10's when I pulled it off the road to store it till I got ready to restore.
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1,961 Posts
:bow: VERY NICE!! But just like a fad diet - those results are not typical.
Yes - the L48 can be built to be very fast - yours obviously was not still in stock configuration - obviously.
They were 14-15 second cars back in the day.
Today, when still in original spec, it is like driving a Camry.
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