1971 442 convert

One of my mufflers is starting to rattle so may be time for new exhaust.
(that's my story and I am sticking with it)

I have searched on the site and read alot and know it comes down to personal preference.

I was thinking about going to 2.5", however my local exhaust guy tells me that I will loose back pressure and that these cars have two different sizes coming off the manifold.
Can anyone clear this up?


I was thinking about going with Magnaflow but would be open to your suggestions. I do not want anything to radical and want to stay way from anything that gives off the dreaded drone sound. I was thinking Flowmasters till I read all the posts.

My car is a 455 stock.

Anyone got any sound clips?

Thanks for your help you wise Oldsmobile people.

wolfman98

Got no sound clip for you but I just had duel exhaust put on my 69 Olds 98 and went with 2 1/2 inch exhaust with the magnaflows. Really like the way it makes the 455 sound , at idle there is just a very mild rumble but the more pedal you give it the more of a beast she sounds. I don't find any problem with a drone when cruising so I am happy with it.

dc2x4drvr

When I had the W-Z manifolds the Torque Tech headpipes were a perfect fit. Now, the tailpipes from most of the vendors might need at least minor tweaking to line up with our cutout bumpers. The Dynomax welded ultraflows sound great. This forum has tons of exhaust info.
http://forums.performanceyears.com/forums/

ELECMAN

I did alot of research on the exhaust its alot lot of money for headers on a car and if you buy the cheap ones there are alot of modification.i went with the w & z exhaust headers that where factory on w-30 and some 442 the size of the pipes going to the rear are 2 1/4 i used flowmasters have a beautiful sound a freind of mine has the magnaflow they much louder but any way the w & z i bought from throntons repro on e-bay for about $275 with shipping gaskets where $15,locking exhaust tabs $12 and the pipes i had bent but they have them pre bent on e-bay to hope this helps you deside

1971 442 convert

I know there is probably more comments coming but thanks for the input thus far.

Olds64

I have 2.5" pipe with an X pipe and 45" Thrush glasspacks. I had W and Z manifolds on it and it was quite loud. I changed over to Hedman Hedders and it mellowed out considerably.

nonhog

Hedman Hedders and it mellowed out considerably ?
It sounded mellower with headers ? Seems odd usually it sounds raspier.
Am I reading this correct ?

Olds64

Yes you are. I like the sound better with the Hedman Hedders.

Although, with the W and Z manifolds I did have a little exhaust leak. Perhaps this contributed to the "raspy loudness" I experienced with the manifolds. Then again, exhaust leaks usually cause a puffing sound.

FWIW, it lopes really good now and isn't overly loud IMHO.

nonhog

Good to hear your opinion, I have a new set of Hedman's for my Cutlass
and have been on the fence as to run them or get W/Z's .
No matter which way I go I am looking forward to hearing my Pypes racepro mufflers !

Olds64

AWSOME! I would suggest putting the Hedmans on your car. They should give you a bit more power than the W/Z manifolds. Then again, you will change fewer exhaust gaskets with the W/Z manifolds. Keep us posted.