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1969 SS 350 exhaust ...

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7.2K views 28 replies 17 participants last post by  Pacecarjeff  
K
#1 · (Edited)
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
 
K
#7 ·
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
 
U
#9 ·
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.
 
M
#10 ·
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
 
#14 ·
myty said:
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!
Click to expand...
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.
 
K
#13 ·
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 ...
 
K
#16 ·
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 ...
 
#18 ·
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.
 
#21 ·
A few years back, I bought D&R's aluminized transverse system, single pipes, and correct muffler for my SS350. I used VHT High Heat Clear for the pipes, and it still looks and sounds great.

I almost went the chambered route, but neah.......:noway:
A friend of mine has it on his 68 327 / 275 Camaro....it's too dern loud.

Stainless is nice, and if your going to get one....get the Gardner system.
 
T
#23 ·
I installed a D&R 2.25 Z28 dual traverse system on my 69 Vert that has a mild 350. I was told by D&R the 2" would have been correct but I went a little larger since the 2.25 would fit. It came complete with all the hangers, clamps, studs, heat riser and gaskets. It sounds great and was a breeze to install. The most difficult part was my exhaust manifolds. Not too loud and has a nice rumble. Great value in my opinion.

Good Luck,
Ted
 
N
#26 ·
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#27 ·
I put a stainless tranverse system on my 69 L48 SS and I bought it all from Rick's (now Ecklers). It was a direct bolt up system complete with clamps, just like the factory. It also has the polished angled tail pipes. I love it and put it on myself. I bought it in 04 for about $800.
 
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#29 ·
From what have heard recently -
the SD Pontiac guys were having problems with Gardner also.
Their customer service experience was similar to mine.
IMO - Family Business + 3 times the price + poor service = NOT A GOOD VALUE

A direct quote from those guys over there on the Pontiac forum....
"Gardner and my 74 SD did not like each other. I could not get it to fit at all without compromises.
A guy near me had the exact same issues that I had on his 74. I know I'm in the minority on this but I would not choose Gardner again.

And of course when talking to Gardner about the issues, their answer was that there must be something wrong with my car. LOL"
 
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