Looking ahead to next spring, I'll need to replace my exhaust. What options are out there for a complete system and what are your experiences with them? My car is mostly stock so not looking to do an X-Pipe or anything. Full exhaust off manifolds. Engine mostly stock with a Comp Cams 280H. I'd like some sound to it but nothing crazy & as little drone as possible Names I know out there;

• Gardiner - sounds like the gold standard but $$
• Waldren
• Pypes - not stock in appearance with down pipes going into their header system but all stainless.
• In-Line Tube - IDK about the quality of it but they do appear to sell a very complete system (hangers, clamps, etc)

Any feedback on these or any other options i'm missing?

Thanks

 

The system that I liked best was Torque Tech. Full mandrel bent, and fit W/Z manifolds perfectly. The 2.5" system also placed the trumpets in a perfect spot.

Unfortunately, they went out of business a while ago.

The only system that I know that fits perfectly that you can install on jack stands is the Gardner system. Buddy put one on his 70 ragtop and it fit like a tailored suit.

The other systems will probably require a lift and some tweaking.

Factor that into your cost calculations.

 

Gardner fits like it is supposed to and sounds great if you get the W30 mufflers. Their hangers and clamps are better than originals by a long shot.

I have installed 5 or 6 of them and never had an issue, quality control is high and in this case you get what you pay for.

 

I have pypes stainless with dynomax mufflers it's a great fit with x pipe, and there 21.5 in trumpet tips, it's on the stock manifolds now. I want to upgrade.but it's not too loud/ doesn't drone like flow masters do

 

Gardner is the way to go
Alain

 

https://www.gardnerexhaust.com/exhau...nd-hurst-olds/

 

I like that Pypes is stainless & mandrel bent but I didn't care for their mufflers. Def not doing an X Pipe. It would look out of place on my car. Thanks

Gardiner seems to be a popular option. I'm not doing the install so less shop time would help offset some of the higher cost.

 

I used the 2.5 inch ILT system in my recent 442 convertible build. As you note, their system is complete, it went on with no issues at all and the sound is incredible.

 

How much does one of the Gardner systems cost for a 442 ? Can't find prices.

 

There is the most important part next to ground clearance, sound. I moved an amazing sounding system from my G body to my 70S. Went from slightly loud but amazing to droning and just too loud even with full length tail pipes. Going with different mufflers for the spring.

 

You have to call them. The guy rattled off a lot of #'s but it was about $800 to $1050 depending on the options you pick (ceramic coated flanges, etc)

 

Mine was alittle under $1400.00 shipped to the door for my 65 from Gardner. Fits beautifully!

 

For something that fits that well and sounds that good those prices don't sound unreasonable.

 

I'd like to get some more feedback on the ILT system. If it as good as they describe it its a bargain & $670 complete

 

Not sure if this will help but here are a few pics of my ILT installation.


I have had some fitment issues with a few things from ILT but not this exhaust. The head pipes fit the exhaust manifolds perfectly and do not leak. The pipes have no clearance issues anywhere under the car. They were easy to line up with the bumper cutouts. The only surprise (and it was a pleasant one) was that the mufflers were a little louder than i expected. I think the are the perfect sound. The only thing I can't comment on yet is drone because I just don't have enough miles on the car. At half the cost of the Gardner system, I would absolutely buy them again.


Just be aware that their trumpets are designed to be used on their 2.5 inch pipes. If you use the smaller 2.25 inch exhaust, you will need to do some mods to make the trumpets fit.


Randy

 

That is def helpful. Thanks. Any chance you could send me a video so i can hear the sound? Web site says they are like a turbo muffler, not a flow master. I don't like flowmastres on an Olds engine so that is fine by me.

 

I will try but it may take a few days. Leaving on vacation shortly

 

Ron

ILT Exhaust

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/major-builds-projects/93905-finally-442-4-me-5.html

Post 215-219 for a short video.

Troy

 

Thanks

 

I did have a set of 4 NOS front and back pipes for dual exhaust
Heart throb exhaust lazer scanned them and built me 5 sets

! custom set with tooling would be expensive
5 or 10 sets brings price way down

 

What's a good full exhaust system to use on 1971 cutlass 455 with headers? Is there any bolt-on type? What do you have on your 455 with headers?

 

Pypes makes some nice systems for use with headers. Stainless & mandrel bent

 

Ordered a set from Gardner systems last week. They are very professional, and will walk you thru a complete system. They had the system built and arrived at my door yesterday. Can't wait to install them. The cost was right at $1100 with all the mounts and hardware.

 

Ordered ILT yday. Will be about two weeks since they build to order. They sell a very complete system. They said it is everything that's needed. Since I live in NY with Gardner I'd have to pay tax. ILT was about $500 cheaper. I'll report back once its on.

 

Congrats, looking forward to your feedback on the system.

 

A couple of positives so far for ILT re Customer Service - Their web site kinda suck (IMO) and their EBay store didn't have my system listed. I called their 800#. The guy gave me the EBay store pricing including the flat rate shipping. I was told it could take up to two weeks. I ordered Friday afternoon. YDay (three BD later) I came home to two huge boxes on my front steps. It was like Christmas morning. One box was 7 1/2' long. IDK how they can ship this for $60.
I didn't open the boxes yet. I'll follow up once I do.

 

Following along Ron. These pipes are for the W-Z's back, correct?

 

Yes. One piece head pipes (hence the 7 1/2' box). I'm told some of the other suppliers ship them in two pieces.

 

All hanger hardware and trumpets included?

 

Wrapping this up. Had the car in the shop for the install. Everything went really well. The installer has a Gardiner system on his own 70 W30 and he said this was definitely in the same league. He said everything fit well and was nicely finished. Car has a nice sound too. I crawled under to have a look around. All their hangers seemed really solid. No rattles and plenty of clearance around the starter and over the rear axle.

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158535685@N07/, on Flickr

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158535685@N07/, on Flickr

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158535685@N07/, on Flickr

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158535685@N07/, on Flickr

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158535685@N07/, on Flickr

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158535685@N07/, on Flickr

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158535685@N07/, on Flickr

 

Hopefully this works - video clip

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158535685@N07/, on Flickr

 

 

Just a little humor here.


Is there any problem with the 2' tailpipe ground clearance?

 

Ground clearance no. Everything tucks up really nice.

 

I host on Flickr. This site is a little finicky with the links. If you notice it posts all the pics twice.

 

Any opinions on the Year One exhaust?

Pat