Factory Chambered Exhaust-69’ 396

[DuWayne Ladner]

I’m in a little dilemma right now, I need help on determining the size on the exhaust from the factory for 396 Camaro’s. Purchased a Chambered Stainless Steel set back in 2019’ from 1 of Vendors, to be stocked for install at conclusion of its restoration. Here I am, ready to install, and my installer just ask me if I was sure I wanted this 2”  behind my mildly built L78, factory spec’d! Is all Big Block system’s at least 2.25 inches or 2.50 inches, is I guess my question? Only have owned car for 51 years, and very slight memory of Day 2’d removal of complete exhaust, and slight memory of all the dimples in the system. May be also could be dreaming of long ago. Thanks in advance for the help.

[william]

Chambered is not a performance system; cost almost 80 hp on a ZL-1 dyno test back in the '90s.

Four mufflers, small tubing, many bends.

[cook_dw]

Here is more info by using the search function.


Exhaust Thread

[69Z28-RS]

The OP's memory is likely about like my own..      but I'm pretty certain I recall correctly that the bigblock chambered pipes were different (1/4-1/2" Larger dia) than the small block chambered.   

John Z told me once that the chambered exhaust for a small block on a Z28 in '69 produced 7 hp less than the std transverse muffler system.  I'm sure it would be more on a big block engine than that.

PS.  Only the early cars received the chambered system, as due to noise tickets in various states, the factory changed from the chambered stock system to the transverse muffler initially, and then ADD dual resonators by May or June of '69...

[DuWayne Ladner]

Ok my Camaro brethern, thanks for ya’s comments, from BertFM to 69Z28-RS, ya kinda clarified my questions about the diameter issue from SB to BB exhaust. 2” to 2.25”. Now can I get ya’s thoughts on 2.5” to the chambered section, and 2.5” out pipes from chambered section. This will be Stainless Steel head section, and out pipes. Remember this is behind a L78 mild performance build factory like! Engine is .60 over, hyd roller cam, #840 heads, #163 alum. intake, 4346 Holley. Or just eat a 900.00 dollar system and spend a bit more for a say Gardner  transverse system, and hope it’s at least 2.25” system. Any thoughts and help would be appricate. Bout to just put a couple glass packs on to be able to finally drive the Camaro, lol, it’s only been about 36 years since it’s chewed asphalt. Thanks.

[maroman]

Just an opinion. You already paid for this system. I don't doubt the claim of losing a few HPS with it. BUT 99% of your driving you will never know. Put it on and drive it. Have fun.

[william]

Not true. All '69 Camaro dual exhaust systems were the same with the exception of the front exhaust pipes. Vintage photos of ZL-1 #3 show it was built with the same single muffler/dual resonator system later used on the Z/28.

No factory-type system can compare to a modern X-pipe system. Can't have your cake and eat it too.

[Stingr69]

How fast do you need it to go?

I have an original chambered exhaust car with a reproduction system and it probably costs a few HP.....BUT its loud, and cool to talk about at the drive-in so, I just need to have it.  I might be down a few HP but who cares?

[DuWayne Ladner]

Thanks William and Stingr69’, kinda the direction I’m headed. Waiting on a call back from the vendor about a 2 1/4 system! Loss of hp is note a concern for me, but seems to be for my engine builder! Ultimately it’s gonna be my final decision and it will be final. Not about how fast it goes, but simply all about sound and driving the darn thang. Again thanks to this forum and all you faithful CRG encouragers!

[Sauron327]

Chambered sound reminds me of kids who slice off their mufflers on a Honda. Fart pipes. Lot of people like it because of bragging, whatever that means.

[camaronut]

Chambered sound reminds me of kids who slice off their mufflers on a Honda. Fart pipes. Lot of people like it because of bragging, whatever that means.

I had a chambered system on my car - not my cup of tea also.  I was rather disappointed with it really.  I went back with my original setup of one muffler.

I will say that I heard a chambered on a Z28 at the Camaro Nationals two years ago and it sounded awesome.  A 302 vs a 350 L48 made a world of difference in the sound.

[Kelley W King]

My brothers 302 Z has chambered exhaust . Looks cool but sounds like crap to me. When you back off the gas sounds like 2 4 cylinder Hondas with straight pipes.

[red69]

Personal preference, but I have a GM over the counter chambered system, and I love the sound. Does not have a harsh deceleration rattle. I've had Z's with transverse and chambered and much prefer chambered. i have heard that the aftermarket chambered systems do not sound the same.

[DuWayne Ladner]

Thanks Red69, but I think I have my answer, from 1 of the nations, and top end exhaust suppliers of factory correct  systems, about repro chambered exhaust systems for BB Camaro’s. I have a repro stainless steel system that is 2” system. My initial question on this was, initiated by my engine builder, “ Do you really want this 2” system behind your Stainless Steel headers, 2 1/2” collectors, and 2 1/2” E-cut outs”? Have not gotten a clear answer from anybody about the difference in 2” to 2 1/2”, as far as suppression, hp loss, sound, behind my freshly re-done L78. Of course the above exhaust expert, response on the chambered with cut outs, why cut outs, cause the chambered was going to be very loud. And off course no response from vendor on the od’ issue, and yes I ordered as BB set, paid for BB set, will not answer my return calls. Last conversation was they would check with manufacturer to get these answers. Hum, wonder where the manufacturer is! Not going to name the vendor as I know the policy of this forum and CRG in general! Again Thanks.

[x66 714]

Gardner Exhaust is the best in the business...Joe