Oh the dilemma. 69 Olds Cutlass Supreme, 350 4 barrel all stock including the single exhaust with the resonator by the rear bumper. I have a 455 to go in but the 350 runs so good Id like to get to its real potential without holding it back with single exhaust. I stomped on it this past week and it blew the resonator from the pipe after the muffler off. Id like to know if anyone has a cheap alternative to rig up a dual exhaust to see what the car will do compared to swapping a 455 I have in it. The muffler shop wants 900 bucks to put in dual exhaust but Id rather not do that until I know the potential of the current motor. Suppose to be 310hp, Id like to feel some of it before making major changes or a permanent dual exhaust. Cutting the pipes behind the exh manifolds? Add ? Id like to keep them somewhat level or get there to use some cheap mufflers temporarily keeping it all on the cheap until I can open it up and test. Im also guessing my neighbors wouldnt like the open exhaust alternative.... Weirdos.

 

I assume your going to run dual exhaust with the 455? If so, just have the exhaust shop do the exhaust on the existing 350. Just make sure it’s big enough for the future 455 swap. The small block exhaust will fit the 455 with minor modifications.

 

thought about that and when I called them I asked how much to change and they estimated $300. Id also have to run open exhaust back to the shop again if I swapped a 455 in because if I hardwire the 350 in, it wouldnt line up for a 455. Id have to tow it there adding to the 900 then 300 plus the tow bill. Would rather just rig just long enough to see any difference then make a decision. I thought about just driving somewhere and cutting off the exhaust but want to get back in a semi stealth mode.Crazy day, last Sept I paid 600 for a full exhaust, now its 900 and they dont supply the reducers if Im running headers. Another 300 for changes in the configuration or muffler change if I supply the mufflers. They use China made generic flowmaster or magnaflow only and only two choices. I got a 800 estimate for both the headliner and vinyl top with me supplying the items so Im trying to save and make decisions based on what I know Ill be paying even before starting body and paint. Its getting stupid for the prices to fix up a car now days. I like doing it but buying one in top condition is making sense more and more every day if I want to stay in the hobby. Well..of course I do, just saying.

 

Bare minimum you're going to need a set of downpipes and a block off plate for your current stock manifolds, then a couple cheap mufflers and some pipe and clamps.Dump it in front of the rear tires to avoid buying tailpipes and you be in it for a little over 200 would be my guess.I did this with my 455 exhaust as a temporary setup and after 3 years its still there but im going to change it up this year its was too loud on the ears coming out just behind the drivers door.you are right prices to do all this stuff is getting ridiculous.Good luck with your project.

 

I always suggest that folks use local exhaust shops. You might consider shopping around. Surely there's another exhaust shop in your area. Good luck..

 

900 bucks sounds like a lot of money for duals on that car. Sounds to me Ike the shop really doesn’t want to do it, but if your wiling yo pay their price they would be willing.

if your handy with a welder there are aftermarket kits. For 900 bucks, you can buy pre bent ready to bolt on reproduction systems. I’d get another estimate from a different shop.

 

$900 does sound high,i usually charge around $600 for that

 

When i put a 455 in place of my 350 the dual exhaust used on the 350 bolted right up to the 455, after i loosened the pipes and bumped them around a bit. Both engines had factory manifolds.

 

As suggested above, header mufflers are probably your cheapest temporary solution.

 

I'd wait until you install the new engine. I drove mine a few miles with open headers to the exhaust shop.

 

I'm not convinced it's worth the trouble. Sounds like you're expecting some big, night and day difference between the stock exhaust and a dual set-up. I'd be surprised if you get any real seat of the pants benefit. It'll sound better for sure, but performance? Just stick the 455 in it with a good system and be done with it if you're looking for that big performance jump.

 

^^^^this

 

Well. Onto the BB.

 

I agree with acavagnaro. If you definitely plan on putting in the 455, any $ you throw at the 350 is spending permenant money on a temporary situation. Here's a possible solution- get a 2.5" dual kit that you'll eventually use with the 455, and just install one muffler and tailpipe to replace the blown out pipe and resonator. Just use an adaptor to connect the existing pipe to the muffler. When the 455 goes in, install the rest of the system. No money wasted on the 350. Muffler choice is very important, not so much for performance but for getting the right sound you're after and living with it day in, day out. Those 2-chamber knock-offs may sound cool when you start it up for the first time, but gets real old real fast after 20 miles on the highway. Buy a system that you can customize to your liking. For instance, a Pypes system can be had in X, H, or True Dual configuration and can even be ordered without mufflers so you can use whatever you want. Drone is also a consideration. It rears it's ugly head in the 1700-2300 rpm range (+/- 200rpm) so guys with 2:56-3:08 gears will be right there at 45-65 mph. Chambered or straight-through mufflers have a greater tendency to drone vs a Turbo type muffler. Food for thought there. Check out the A-Body page here - Classic Muscle Car Exhaust and listen to some sound clips to get an idea what's right for you. Feel free to call too.