Chambered Exhaust Option - 69 Z

[jmcbeth]

Here are promised pics of Gardner exhaust with resonators.

[jmcbeth]

And a couple more. (Will post link to video once I figure out how to upload to youtube.)

[jmcbeth]

And, here's what it sounds like:

http://youtu.be/8PMF8311ACA

[red69]

I have a set of resonators which I purchased in 76 from GM with my chambered system I mistakenly believed they went with that system. Having no use for them I welded  a set of header reducers on the inlets and used them a couple of times to test an open header car on the street. I'm pretty sure that the reducers can be cut off without hurting the resonators. If anyone can use them, I'll dig them out and take a look to be sure. Send me a PM or e-mail if you can use them.

[Dave69x33]

jmbeth,

Thank you for posting the pictures of your exhaust system and YouTube sound clip.  Your car looks and sounds great!  This is the first time I have heard a ’69 Z28 with stock exhaust and resonators.

I just played your YouTube sound clip side-by-side with my system and they are very similar.  Your system with the resonators is a bit quieter than mine without resonators, but not by much.  If we were to run our cars side-by-side, I am sure the tone would be more noticeable.

My idle characteristic is slightly different due to my recent motor rebuild and cam selection.  My car is not a numbers matching Z28, and has a replacement "DZ" engine, so I decided to update the valve train to a full mechanical roller Comp Cams #12-770-8, "XR274R.  The cam's 110 deg lobe separation, lift, and the intake and exhaust duration allow for very nice and usable RPM range of 2200 - 6200.  I am very happy with the power this cam provides and it is very drivable.  My goal was to retain the stock mechanical lifter sound, and keep the stock valve covers, so the engine look and sounds very stock. 

Again...great job with your car!

Dave

[jmcbeth]

Dave,

Thanks. How about posting a link to your sound clip? I'll bet the idle sounds very different with oyur cam. Mine is all correct factory components and hence the "smooth" sound.

Best,

John

[Dave69x33]

jmcbeth,

I had planned to do that, and I will try to get this done this weekend or very soon.  I have several sound clips but I did them solo and you see me walk from behind the camera to start and idle the car, pull into the garage, shut off the engine and then walk back to the camera to shut it off.  I am not able to edit the sound clip and I need to get an assistant to help as you did.

Prior to rebuilding my engine, I searched and searched but could not find a sound clip of a Camaro Z28 302 with this cam.  Your "stock" set-up and my "modified - stock" set-up will provide a unique side-by-side comparison!

Regards,

Dave 

[mickeystoys69RSSS]

Quick question about the chambered exhausts. Do they have part numbers stamped on them anywhere including the ones for the big blocks. Mine has a chambered exhause system installed and the build date is 11C so it is before the change. I am just trying to document my car as much as possible thanks.

[69Z28-RS]

The chambered pipes I purchased have the standard GM 'paper labels' wrapped around the pipes (with Part numbers).. the PN's are not stamped into the pipes (to my knowledge)..

Gary

[mickeystoys69RSSS]

Mine are installed in the car so there are no paper wrappers. Thanks.

[Dave69x33]

jmcbeth,

I finally was able to take and edit a sound bite of my '69 Z28 with stock exhaust w/o resonators.  My 302 is "relatively" stock but as I mentioned earlier in this discuss thread, I decided to upgrade the valve train to a full roller cam and roller rockers from Comp Cams as I had specified. 

I just posted the sound bite on You Tube: http://youtu.be/bSGjLtTmmls

I'll submit another post on CRG titled "Stock 1969 Z28 Sound Bites" with links to both our sound bite so it will be easier to find in the future.  If some else has Gardner Exhaust’s chambered system on a stock '69 Z28, please post a similar sound bite.  This will provide an interesting side-by-side comparison with jmcbeth's stock transverse muffler system with resonators.

Thanks!

Dave

[jmcbeth]

Dave,

Very, very nice sound. I love the cam! I think it sounds very different from the std cam and resonators. It would be great to have these sound bites in one place so everyone can listen to the difference.

Best,

John

[oldcat]

My 1969 Z that I purchased new in Tionesta PA , had chambered exhaust. Yes several times the state police questioned them and issued tickets , but told me that they would check with the Chevy dealer and if they were stock they would withdraw the tickets. They did and that was the end of it. I never went to a LICKem and STICKem inspection station, the chambers and headers always passed. The only other exhaust noise problem arose when I removed the rear over the axle part of the exhaust and directed the pipes to the side. It was OMG loud and I was busted, I had to put them back on.

[firstgenaddict]

Here is a link to a Gardner Chambered system on the car I am finishing up right now.
10D (Early) 1969 Z28, std bore, NOS cam, honed for new rings and crank polished new bearings.

Only change is using JOHNZ's distributor and carb settings.
Idling at 900 RPMs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=-wX9IZQiVh8&feature=endscreen

[restore-z28]

Great videos Dave and James, gotta love the sound of Chambered exhaust. James it looks like the car is almost complete, you need to update your TC thread with some pics.