I got a 71 442, engine is stock, exhaust manifolds are stock, exhaust is 2,1/2 with magnaflow turbo mufflers. I don't like the sound ( boring and no tone change) and it is leaking, so I'm going to work on it anyway.
I'm trying to see what people think and use for a stock 455.
Headers?
Type of muffler?
I'm looking for aggressive but not straight pipe aggressive. I would rather not use headers.
Thanks

 

I used Torque Tech 2 1/2" headpipes with W Z's into Magnaflow Ultraflow welded mufflers. Also used TT 2 1/2" tailpipes. Great sound, good fitment.
Now I run ARH stainless headers from Smitty275.

 

I use Walker 2.5 Dynomax super turbo's. Can I suggest you go to some car shows and listen to what others are running. When you find the sound you're looking for ask what they are running.

 

Just want to say that your car is awesome looking!

 

Have you considered Gardner Exhaust? They make the closest possible to OEM that came with the car. On their web page you can also listen to some of the product sound clips for various cars.


So close to identical aren't they?? Both cars looks spectacular.

 

Thanks, yes they do look like twins.
I have tried looking at car shows, but it is odd to find a 442 with a 455 in it around here..
I hope to find a few at a bigger car show next month.

 

X2 I really like the sound of them. Fairly quiet at idle, but you can really hear them when you open it up.

 

Always scary to me when they don't show prices on their website.........

 

What, they look nothing alike! His is together lol. I'm running 2.5" Pypes, with Spintech Super Prostreet mufflers with American Racing Headers. I'm guessing it would be a bit more noise than what your after, but i couldn't tell ya cuz i don't have mine running yet!

 

Try going in to YouTube and enter 442 Exhaust Sounds into the search. There are pages of videos where you can see/hear various muffler sounds. I don't have a 455, but I can second the above mentions about American Racing Headers. You can contact Nick directly about their headers. They also have Pure Thunder Series mufflers which are fairly mild until you get on it. And he can give you opinions on X-Pipe, H-Pipe, etc. to help you achieve your goal. Just be aware that ARH are slightly spendy.

 

I recommend going through Nick at ARH ONLY!

 

I understand that. I noticed that too and when I was in touch with them about my car they wouldn't give a price unless I gave them specs and almost an order to buy. I know folks who have bought the Gardner system and they say it's fabulous but pricey.

 

I think exhaust is a matter of personal preference. What I like you may not.
I have Flowmasters, Hooker Headers, 2.5" pipes right now and I don't like it I think it's too loud it resonates too much, my buddy thinks it the best thing he ever heard. With the new engine I will be going with big case Dynomax and 3" pipes.

 

Interesting. I ran into the same issue with my exhaust when I went to duals. What I did to correct that was add resonators to each side after the mufflers. Not stock but it doesn't have any sound problems and still has a nice rumble at idle.

 

How much did the car pick up with the ARH V WZ manifolds?

 

The first three Oldsmobiles I've owned had different exhaust. Although its not the best coverage, I have video of the three running. Hope it helps

1970 Cutlass SX with 2.5" Flowmaster American Thunder exhaust. Had stock 455.

1968 Before and after getting 2.5" Magnaflow exhaust

1972 Cutlass Supreme with Hooker Headers and 3" Pypes exhaust

My favorite was the Pypes exhaust. It was the loudest but definitely had the right attitude.

 

Thanks for all the information, the pypes did sound good.
I'll figure something out soon,.... I hope