Exhaust line for a small block: which one to buy ?

[lemarin]

I'm looking to replace the complete exhaust line from the manifolds to the tail pipes. My main objective is to stay the closest as possible from the factory look. I don't mind much about the sound....My car is an LM1 350, RS 1969 with dual exhaust

Which one would be the best to buy ? Aluminized, stainless ? 2" or 2.5" ?

I've found those one:

https://www.camarocentral.com/1969_Exhaust_System_Small_Block_Aluminized_2_p/fue-108.htm

or

http://www.rickscamaros.com/camaro-original-style-exhaust-system-kit-2-1969.html

or

http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/store/product/13890/1969-Camaro-Exhaust-System-SB-302-307-327-350-High-Quality-With-2-1-4-Headpipes-Made-In-The-USA%21/

Thanks to all !

[69Z28-RS]

Just one man's opinion...

The 2" is more than sufficient for your LM1..
I prefer aluminized over stainless (for the sound), as stainless pipes/mufflers always sounds 'tinny' to me...

[lemarin]

thanks for the reply, I appreciated. I want it as much as possible close to the original, in shape and in size.....so 2" is the smallest I could find, so far.

[MO]

thanks for the reply, I appreciated. I want it as much as possible close to the original, in shape and in size.....so 2" is the smallest I could find, so far.

Google Gardner Exhaust.

[lemarin]

I searched Gardner Exhaust. Just one word: wow !

Anyone has experience with this company ?

I asked them a quotation.

[MO]

Yes. Costs a little more than aftermarket, but they are as close as you can get to original.

[BillOhio]

Friend of mine got his at D&R and was happy with it. Had to rub it in that it was alot cheaper than my gardner

[jeff68]

I have a Gardner deep tone exhaust (with concours show package) on my 68 convertible.  It fits beautifully, looks perfect, and sounds very nice.  As noted, not cheap.  The guys at Gardner were excellent to work with.



PS:
My only issue is regarding the sealant they supply for the exhaust joints.  The sealant that came with mine was an acid-cure clear silicone sealant.  This means that it reacts with moisture in the air and produces an acid when it cures.  IMO, not what you want in a $$$$$ exhaust system.  I used non-corrosive Permatex Ultra Grey at the slip joints instead.  They guys at Gardner say the original sealant was clear, but I'm OK with the grey as it isn't noticeable at all.

[69Z28-RS]

Jeff,

Is your exhaust from Gardners stainless steel or aluminized?? or ??

[jeff68]

It's aluminized steel.  I don't think Gardner does stainless systems. 

Hint:  Wear gloves when installing the system, then wipe down with lacquer thinner after it's all in place.  This will eliminate those nasty little fingerprints.

[Mike S]

  As mentioned earlier I would stick with 2". My car is for local shows and cruising so I made an exception for not having an exhaust like Gardners. I put Rick's BB factory style exhaust system on my '67 L35 convertible. It is made by D&A Old School Automotive in Oklahoma (Ricks doesn't disclose who makes them). D&A have a reputation for making excellent fitting exhaust pipes for stock and custom so I was happy to know they were making it.
  The 2 1/4" pipes are 14 gauge aluminized steel and the bends are smooth vs. the OE wrinkle style. I was very concerned about the convertible floor brace clearance and these pipes fit perfect and stay within the tunnel so as not to look like a pregnant guppy when viewed sideways. The mufflers are AP6555 for resonators and AP709114 for the rear. The resonator has a 2" ID but were swagged for the 2 1/4" in/out. I don't worry about that causing any loss of power because the loss will certainly be way upstream with stock exhaust manifolds, the first pipe bend, the flat spots to clear the transmission cross member and the floor brace. The main muffler is the same size as the original and has very good clearance between the differential cover and fuel tank.
 With a cam slightly hotter than a stock L35 (more lift and slightly longer exhaust duration) the sound is still a strong low rumble at idle and no 'peaky' resonating sounds at any RPM I put the engine through. As for clamps I used the guillotine style for the lower muffler and the OE style sold by Camaro Central that have a small 'bump' on the bottom, though not as accurate as Gardner.
  I'll post some pictures later if interested.

Mike

[69Z28-RS]

It's aluminized steel.  I don't think Gardner does stainless systems. 

Hint:  Wear gloves when installing the system, then wipe down with lacquer thinner after it's all in place.  This will eliminate those nasty little fingerprints.

as I said earlier, I don't like the sound of stainless steel exhaust; the metal is thin and I think that's why it sounds 'tinny' to me.  I'm glad that Gardner is making aluminized systems now...

[mlc48]

my opinion is Gardner exhaust is the best and Eric is a great guy to work with.  Highly recommend them
Mike

[lemarin]

I'm sure Gardner is the best....but I have to be honest: my Camaro is only an RS, so doesn't worth as much as a Z or SS......and also it's very clean under, but not Showroom....

I believe that an aluminized 2" from any supplier (heartbeat, Rick's or Camaro Depot) should do a great job.....

I will not go stainless for sure.

[MO]

There are plenty of good aftermarket options out there; I'm sure you won't be disappointed. But that is not what your original objective was.