Which 2.5" exhaust system should I get? 1976 A-body with a mild 455, W/Z manifolds. Looking for quality and also best fit/ease of installation.

 

I'd find a good local shop and have a custom exhaust fabricated.

 

I would go to a local shop as well. I had a local exhaust shop do the pipes on my 71 98 and they did a top notch job. Plus, the price was decent.

 

Good advice. You may want to pick your mufflers and take them with you.

 

I paid $350.00 for a top notch duel exhaust for an Impala last year at a local shop. Great price and they left the car on the rack for me to inspect before taking it home. I was also told to bring it back if I didn't like the sound.

After I figure out what mufflers to use on my 442 I'm going back.

 

I spent $200 for a Summit, header back, 2-1/2" kit, thinking I'd save some money. I ended up spending another $200 to have my local shop straighten all the parts and weld the joints together, not to mention the 6 hours of grief and frustration laying on my back. The sad part is their original quote for the whole deal, parts and labor, was $400.00. Live and learn. (See quote below for reference)

 

For some reason around here, local shops always wind up over $1K by the time they are done putting a basic crimp bent system on w/ mufflers....

I've installed 2 flowmaster mandrel bent 2 1/2" systems in my driveway with the car up on jackstands (purchased w/o their mufflers as i don't like them) They go together great, nice hw & hangers included. Great fit. Clamped it togther with the provided clamps, then drove it to one of those muffler shops and they charged me $50 to weld up the seams, although i probably could have just left it alone, the factory never welded theirs...

I'll never have a shop do one again. At least not for an A-body.

 

Installing a well designed exhaust system is a fairly easy process. It's those darn, pesky, badly bent systems that create the issues.

It's nice to know there is a well designed exhaust that can be easily installed on an A-body. Where did you buy it?

 

Appreciate the input, guys. I am leaning Torque Tech because I have never read a bad review regarding fit. Every post I've seen indicated they went right in and their customer service is said to be top notch. They also have a different part number for 73-77 applications, which makes me think it's more likely to fit without modification. Other companies sell the same kit for all 64-77 A bodies.

I have read mixed reviews of Pypes. Most say they fit great, but a few had to beat/cut/bend and that defeats the purpose of buying a pre-fab system.

I've read a handful of reviews saying the Summit systems fit pretty poorly, so I'll probably stay away from those.

I guess I've kind of drunk the mandrel-bent Kool Aid, otherwise I'd probably just go to a muffler shop. Most places around here will do a typical 2.5" exhaust for $200-300. The other hang-up for me is getting it to the shop. If I had headers I'd just drive it up there with open exhaust. But with manifolds that doesn't seem like a good idea, based on where they exit. Thoughts?

So from a convenience perspective, I'm inclined to spend a few extra bucks on the Torque Tech system. However, if the Flowmaster system fits well and I can get a better price, I might be tempted to go with the no-muffler kit and a set of Dynomax Super Turbos.

 

Too bad Gardner doesn't make an exhaust system for 76. I'm with the guys who think press bent from local shop

 

That's what i did to mine. I went to a Muffler shop (Meineke) and they custom bend my 2 1/2" pipes from headers back. I supplied the Flowmaster (40 series) mufflers.

 

Well, I twisted off and ordered a Torque Tech. More than I really wanted to spend, but after Keith spent 20 minutes chatting with me to help me make up my mind, I decided it was the way to go. The most common complaint about other systems is a lack of customer service. I get the impression Keith will do whatever it takes to help me out in the unlikely event there is a problem. Also I could not find a single bad review of the TT systems online. Will post a review after it's installed. Thanks for everyone's input.

 

Keep us posted on how the install goes. With pictures. I might follow suit by ordering my exhaust through them as well..

 

I installed a Torque Tech system on my 442 in about an hour in my garage, with the car on jackstands.

Fit was perfect, and the trumpet tips were perfect as well.

Great product.