Ok, I’m next in line, is the Gardner exhaust worth the expense? I’m not afraid to spend the money, but if there is a better option, I’d like to hear some opinions please.

thanks

 

Yes it is worth it
Alain red W-31

 

Their product is very nice, about as good as it's going to get. Used it on a '69 442.

 

Worth every penny. I have the 455 Turbo system on my H/O and love it.

 

I have Gardner on my W31, yes it's worth it.

 

Worth what, $1200-1500? Not for me!

 

The best, had a set of their stuff on my 1972 Cutlass S, they are 2nd to none.

 

I think I paid $1100 three years ago. There is nothing truer than the old adage "you get what you pay for".

 

I am with you!

 

If you want the "pinch pipe" tailpipes, I think Gardner is the only source. Talking with folks that have Gardner on their cars, they have all been very pleased with the product. If you want a high flow exhaust there are other options out there with mandrel bent pipes.

 

I think you are right 65-67 chambered and tipped tailpipes and that's where they got us guys by the sack if looking for correct tailpipes. I called them once about just selling me the 67 tailpipes and they said...well, when you are ready we will work up a price on a complete system for you. So no dollar amounts were given, I should just wait until I was ready. This alone scared me away from Gardner.

 

Agree the price is high. Their systems aren't for every car but if it is a high-end resto or refurb they are quality.

 

That's my only beef, not so much the price, but the attitude. The only worse attitude seems to be Just Dashes.

 

Whether or not it's 'worth it' is up to you. Depends on your goals for the car. If you're planning on a factory correct resto than, yes, it would be hard to argue they're worth it. If you're doing a street build that will get driven, I'd definitely go somewhere else. Mandrel bends, stainless option, larger diameter (2.5", 3") will all yield better performance - and likely for quite a bit less $$. Your calll.

 

Sometime in early 90's I met Eric while he was bartending at the Hyde Park Brewery in Hyde Park, NY. We got chatting because he spotted my Olds in the parking lot. During our chat he mentioned that he was starting up a company that was going to build OE exhaust kits for classic muscle cars. I was dubious but did wish him luck. Years later I heard about Gardner Exhaust and realized that he had succeeded. Kudos to him for doing this and taking it to a high level.
I can somewhat understand not wanting to sell individual parts of the exhaust system because you are unable to control what the rest of the exhaust system looks like. By selling the complete setup, it always looks good.
By not selling individual parts you are losing market share/sales and so it ends up hurting Gardner Exhaust.

 

As you stated, you're not afraid to spend the money so I'd recommend Eric's exhaust systems.

 

I wish I could give feedback on the Parts place exhaust system I bought about a month ago for my 69 442 . It was in the low $500 range for headpipes,tailpipes , clamps and mufflers with shipping . I had to add tips and flange bolts to the order . My hangers are perfect . Ran out of time to install it . Hope to do soon and report on it . Couldn’t swing a Gardner kit right now budget wise .

 

You could always look around and ask about finding a set of tips to use with an aftermarket exhaust system.
I'm thinking about using a pypes 2.5" system($525) and then tapering it down to the factory diameter and using these.
From what I've read a reduction in diameter at the rear doesn't interfere with flow due to it cooling a bit and losing volume.
Just a thought.

 

Koda, I think what you may have experienced is Gardner's reticence to sell partial systems. A few years ago I inquired about just head pipes and they weren't interested. Earlier this year I ordered a complete system for a1969 and went there this summer to pick it up. A very nice, professional operation. The few employees were extremely friendly and were anxious to show off their operation. A very positive experience.

 

Nah, I was reacting to the comments in the conversation above about not quoting prices until you were going to order right then. Sell what you want to sell, that's fine, but quote your price when asked.

 

I second this. I drove out to pick up my system as well. Got a nice tour of the shop, great guys.

 

I've always wondered if Gardener makes their exhaust systems in-house, or do they source them from some manufacturer like Walker ?

 

The pipes are fabricated in house. They have multiple bending machines and they start with aluminized tube. The hangers are probably made outside to their specifications/drawings. They have a wall populated with NOS and good used hangers they use for reference. Same for mufflers.

 

Thank you Briane !

 

I went with the gardener system.

 

You won't be sorry!

 

Gardner exhaust on my 1968 Cutlass S.

 

Dry fit, waiting on new manifolds from Thorntons to torque everything. Almost time to put the body back down one last time.