Guys,
Getting ready to order up an exhaust system for my 1968 442. I found these set ups, and would like your thoughts on them. Good, bad, ugly. OR any other suggestions.
Thanks ahead for all your help.

https://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/pro...r-bumper/50068

https://www.oldsparts.com/product/68...xhaust-system/

How about these head pipes from Jeg's?
https://www.jegs.com/i/Pypes-Perform...OF10S/10002/-1

 

Forgot to mention this one. It appears to be factory correct, yet most likely way above my budget:

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

 

I would go with Gardner exhaust .A little bit more money
But you will not be disappointed.
Alain red W-31

 

Have you priced exhaust at your local shop?

 

x2, Gardner all the way, it's worth the wait, the stuff is done r-i-g-h-t.

 

I hear Gardner is fantastic, howeverI went with Waldon Exhaust, they advertise in Journey WithOlds mag. They built a factory exhaust for my 66 442, well done and much less expensive than Gardner..they custom build so there is a couple month wait time..Great folks to work with

 

x2 on Waldron also.

They make a nice set up for the 1979 Cutlass Supreme. Single in, single out or single in, dual out muffler............I snagged one from them on a special order a long time ago and they now are making them again.

After 20 years My Hurst-style exhaust in my blue 79 Calais is tired, looks like I'll need to re-do. No big deal when you have 105 horses to start with on a 260.

Anyway, enough of my rambling, 2 good choices here are Gardner & Waldron, you can't go wrong with either.

 

I ordered a Gardner as well. Still waiting to put it on until after the carb and ignition are set right - another story. If using factory type manifolds, Eric Gardner says that if everything isn’t bolting into place without modification there’s something wrong, it won’t be with his exhaust, and to call him to discuss it. He is the one answering the phone usually.

I spent more knowing this rather than having to take some other system to a shop for modifications. I haven’t heard of the Waldon system before now.

 

Found this thread. Lots of good info on all of this.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...st-inc-114480/

 

While the Gardner system is dead nuts on 'correct', its way above my price point for a car that will never be a judged show car. Mine will be a driver/fun/cruise night/see an occasional drag strip use. Thanks guys for all the advice!

 

It's not a question of being judged, it's a question of being right. If you don't want to be right, just go to Midas. I have a Midas exhaust on one of mine, been there 20 years, no issue. Exhaust is still something done by normal shops, just go there.

 

It isn't possible to provide useful info to your question without knowing more. Is this intended to be a stock restoration or not? Is the engine modified or not? Personally I use 2.5" mandrel bent exhaust systems on my BBO cars. I prefer Walker Dynomax Turbo mufflers. Your desires and taste will vary.

 

Joe,
Your thoughts are more inline for my intentions/use for my car. I'm into performance. Also, as for the previous comment, I won't go to Midas for any exhaust work. As for "whats right", that is more for a correct car. Like I mentioned, I don't mind slight deviations. I will not ever accept any hack job/back yard stuff for any of my cars.

 

I've used the Pypes 2.5" mandrel bent system.

 

Joe,
That was my original intention. You and I think alike.

 

I used Waldron for duals on my 54 with power steering. %4's never came with duals and the exhaust fit perfectly. The left side exhaust pipe had some weird trwsts and turns due to the power steering. They are good folks to work with.

 

Joe,
Is this the system you are referring to?
https://www.jegs.com/i/Pypes-Perform...BILE&model=442

 

Even if you don't go to Midas a local exhaust shop is going to provide you with a product that's far superior to anything that you can buy in a catalog or online. Might save some money too.

 

I mean, no offense, but that Midas system I mentioned on one of mine is on a nicer car than yours, so I wouldn't call it hack or back yard.

 

I agree with Koda. What I would do is canvass the local muffler shops in your area (doesn't have to be Midas, although I did get a very nice 2.5 custom mandrel-bent system from them with their house brand "turbo-type" mufflers on a SBC '68 Camaro SS some years back, which served very well for a long time). See who gives you the best combination of price, experience, referrals and enthusiasm and give them a shot.

A high-end Gardner system is way overkill for your purposes.

 

No offence taken. I did not mean in any sort of way your car was that. I should have been more careful on my choice of words concerning muffler shops. Thats all.