1968ragtop

Any recomendations for a nice sounding dual exhaust system. Its a 68' cutlass with a fresh 455, factory 442 ex. manifolds. I want to put a new ex. system on I'm thinking of walker dyno max mufflers. Or should I look at magnaflow or borla?? I don't want to spend a fortune on this but want a real nice sound.

Rickman48

Most aftermarket manufacturers now have videos with sound that'll get you close, but realize compression ratio makes a big difference!
Personally, I don't like attracting donut eaters, and have found a good mandrel bent system with Walker 'hemi' mufflers give a nice sound at idle, and get fairly loud when on it!

1968ragtop

Thanks for the info. This motor is about 9.5:1 compression

Wraythe

Are you looking for mufflers only or a complete exhaust system?


I just posted this reply to another post:

1. Is your 442 original, go with OEM or reproduction OEM exhaust.
2. Are you looking for power? Go with headers, cutouts (manual or auto), x or h crossover & larger diameter pipe.
3. If keeping your 442, replace exhaust once using stainless steel.
4. Is sound important, listen to sound samples of different mufflers currently on the market.

Personally speaking, I would go with:

1. Stainless steel exhaust
2. Diameter of pipe is dependent upon engine upgrades. Stock is 2 1/4" however 2 1/2" is a common upgrade. Don't go too large or you will hurt performance, you need back pressure.
3. X or H crossover pipe. This balances exhaust pressure.
4. High quality muffler otherwise you will replace frequently.
5. Get clamped exhaust not welded so you can repair your own exhaust.
6. Most important, purchase exhaust created by Mandrel bend machine.

I hope this helps

Aron Nance

Know I'm old school, but STILL L-O-V-E the sound of steel pak Smithy mufflers. Got 'em on all ours, and fixin' to but them on the '94 3.1 Cutlass convertible. Can't beat 'em!

Wraythe

Agreed. I have them on my '67 442 and love the sound however, they don't last long

1968ragtop

This car is not a 442 but the drivetrain does resemble a 442. Its a 455 and I'm running 442 exhaust manifolds. I'm going to go to an exhaust shop and have a new dual system put on and was looking for a great sounding muffler. I'm thinking maybe dynomax, I would consider magnaflow too. I've never heard of "smithy mufflers".

Run to Rund

I like round Thrush; I have a 35 year old pair on the shelf to use next time. My findings don't agree with the idea of smaller pipes are better, but I was running the 328 deg. W30 cam when I tried stuff.