I am trying to decide to go with the Inline Tube exhaust or splurge on the more expensive Gardner system. Everywhere I read says the Gardner are worth the money but, I was wondering if any of you have chosen between the two. Appreciate the advice.

thanks
Sean (69 442)

 

I still have the choice. If you want to know about Gardner I have a friend who put one in a 69 vert concourse restoration he did. It's the premier exhaust that matches factory and has the original rumble. If you want to talk to him PM me your email address and I'll pass it along to him.

Gardner is pricy, no question about it. From what I understand though they have excellent fitment and followup for anything you have questions or concerns about.

 

For exact oem quality and fit, Gardener is as close as you can get. Eric Gardener keeps original pipes as benchmarks. I know this because I've sent him original pipes from two cars we've restored. It was fun because he was so excited when I told him I had original takeoff's. ~BOB

 

Guys,

Thanks for the recommendations. This morning I pulled the trigger on the Gardner kit. I think it will be money wells spent.

Pictures to follow in about a month when it is rigged up.

Sean

 

Okee dokee,
I just sent you an email a short while ago before I saw this. Honestly I don't think you're going to be disappointed. A little cash poor maybe, but happy in the long run.

 

Would like to know what that Gardner ran. It's real hard to get a price out of them.

 

Pricing starts out at $699 for their basic kit from manifolds to the trumpet tips. You add $65 for original-style hangers, add $150 for their concourse package (includes all of the exact replicated brackets and fasteners, etc,...). Finally shipping is between $100-200 (depending on your location from NY).

In other words, as little as $800 and as much as $1100. Still pretty much worth it when comparing to ILT or any of the other custom shops. From what I hear they are the most accurate. You can also chose stock or turbo muffler but both have the same external appearances.

Sean

 

Thanks Sean you made my decision easier, I was trying to decide on which one to go with also.

 

I bought (2) head pipes, (2) tailpipes and hangers from ILT in April during the Englishtown swap meet. I supplied my own Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers and it fits like a glove. The only downfall is the mufflers is a little short so I have to get a 4" connector to extend the muffler so it can connect the hanger by the rear axle.

 

I used Gardner twice once on my 67 GTO about ten years ago and on my 67 442 both cars sound exactly like factory.I bought the complete system including all hardware Fitment was perfect shipping was a few days ahead

 

Thanks for the info. Perfect answer.

 

Gardner is tried and true. A tad expensive, but no regrets here.

 

GARDNER all the way if you want original. He developed a software program for a laser to follow the original pipe and then reproduce it in a automated bending machine. He has the only NOS w31 tail pipes and head pipes. I got his system with Show upgrade (correct plating on hangers, stainless steel clamps, and Jet Hot coated head-pipe to exhaust manifold flanges).


Even has the correct "scalloped" end to the tail pipe ends!


When I won "Best Restored Stock Car Award" out of 438 entered at the 2011 Hot August Nights in Reno, NV the judges from the famous Harrah Collection noticed that feature.


Also, Gardner is great to deal with!

 

I run Gardner exhaust, also. Installed myself on jackstands, it's a perfect fit and look. I don't know about ILT, but I definitely would be hesitant on buy ing an exhaust system from them. If they can't get the small parts right, how can they get an exhaust system right?

 

I just wanted to update this thread with my experience with dealing with Gardner. I ordered my system last Nov 2014 and finally had a chance to install it today. The system came with all new u bolts and hinges. Gardner also included the Exhaust Block-off plate for the passage side manifold. The final price of the system was $1,100 including shipping. Everything mounted perfectly without cutting, welding or bending any pipes. The system sounds great!

 

I always use Classic Exhaust and never had a problem, 66 Delta with duals 66 Sfire duals, 67 442 with Walt V tailpipes, and the 67 Turnpike cruiser with duals. I would say a perfect fit and priced right.

 

I wouldnt do business with gardner. I sent them an email for a ballpark estimates for an exhaust for my car ...no deal, they wanted me to call them and speak to them directly before they gave me a quote. I dont care how good they are they wanted to do business on their terms not mine.

i'm going with ilt when i'm ready

 

Same here, am glad others found their product and service to be great but I was TRYING to price a system for the 442 by phone. They would not quote me a price because I was not ready to purchase. They told me that when I "was ready" they would put together a package for me. I wrote them off forever.... but that is just me.

 

I went with Gardner. Perfect fit. Well worth it. Pretty much an exact copy of my factory exhaust, chambered pipes with the stainless tips on my 67 442. You made an excellent decision. As a bonus they through in a really cool beer glass with their logo. Drinking a cold one out of it now!

 

When I had my '71 Supreme, I called Gardner and had quote within minutes.

 

Got the best option they had(aluminized concourse with original reproduction hangers) with the Turbo sound. Could not be happier. They even hooked me up with an installer that I remember from the past as he was A+ on quality. I knew his work on restoring corvettes so I did not hesitate on their recommendation for him to install.

 

I went with Torque Tech.


Fits like a glove.