Chambered exhaust

[Bjv69ss]

Hi all!!!  I'm currious to know how loud a chambered system is.  I know they were discontinued because they were too loud but the enthusiests idea and the authorities idea of loud are two different things.  Also were they an option that could be had with any V8 and did that V8 have to have headers?
Thanks, Joe

[Jerry@CHP]

The only one to buy is the Gardner Chambered system.  They are louder than the GM chambered.  Have no idea why.  I've talked to both Eric and Tom Gardner and was told they are making this from the original GM specs.  They do build the best exhaust systems in the Camaro market.

Jerry

[x77-69z28]

i second that jerry. i put their system in my 67 rs/ss 350 and it literally fell together. unbelievable fit. i cant say enough about those guys.

[Mark]

The chambered exhaust was only available on Z28's and big blocks.

[Bjv69ss]

Thanks!
Joe

[VI009DZ]

For another opinion....the previous owner of my Z put a chambered system on that he got from Year One; the fit is pretty poor, and one of the pipes had to be bent by hand to fit.  I have to loosen up all of the brackets and hangers every couple months, realign the tailpipes, shim it with wood to keep it steady, then retighten.  One of the tailpipes will occasionally bang against the bottom of the passengers quarter panel, and its very difficult to get the rear resonators to sit parallel with the ground.  Of course they welded most of the joints, so adjustment is minimal.

I've heard nothing but great things about Gardner's stuff.....

[Jerry@CHP]

We went through all of these "issues" years ago.  That is why I share all of our experiences from CHP with CRG.  So all can learn.  Unfortunately, there is only one good quality vendor making the chambered and that is Gardner.  They are expensive but in this hobby you get what you pay for.  We have tried all of the other chambered systems and they all have issues. 

Most have to be welded in place and that can be a problem if you're working on the rear axle and setting up an ring and pinion. 

Gardner systems are the best for any Camaro.......case closed.

Jerry

[Bjv69ss]

Does someone have a web address for Gardner?  The only system I've heard of is the ones from Ricks.

[Steve68]

Here you go!

http://www.gardnerexhaust.com/gardnermovie.html

Steve

[Bjv69ss]

Thanks Steve!!  Are these systems real loud?
Joe

[Steve Shauger]

To my ear, the Z's are louder than big blocks in general. There are many variable that contribute, such as compression, chamber and exhaust manifold configuration and camshaft profiles.

[Jerry@CHP]

For what ever reason, the Gardner system is louder than original GM chambered.  I have talked with both Eric and Tom Gardner about this.  We don't seem to know why.  In the car, it will be fine though,

Jerry

[Bjv69ss]

  I'm thinking of using one on my car but am afraid to end up with an exhaust that sounds like open headers.  I don't know what the Gardner system costs but I'd guess more than the Ricks system .  I'd hate to have to change it out for being too loud$$$$

[x77-69z28]

if i am not mistaken, if you go to their website, you can listen to the different exhaust sounds.

[Jerry@CHP]

It's not like open headers.  It's just louder than a GM system.  If you want chambered, then you have to go with the Gardner.  That's the bottom line.  What you spend in extra costs you will save in aggravation.  $1000-1200, I think.  Call them.

JM