OEM Exhaust system
#21
CanadianRover
YES.... I was gonna get regular 2.5" ramhorns and do the preservation but there was some amazon deal about applying for a credit card and they gave me 50 bucks off (something like that). I'll find the link
When I put the stock Corvette Central 2.5" (with the parts I mentioned above) I had a Richmond 6-speed in it. I was able to squeeze the stock pipes around that by changing a drain plug on the tranny and wrapping the passenger side section of exhaust next to it (and I HATE wrap).
When I installed the 200-4R -- it was just too damm fat back there ...so I modified my existing crossmember to make it pass under..... and then later I made my own pass-under crossmember. I'll find the post so you can see.
If you are SERIOUSLY considering going to an OD transmission you should consider just going pass-under on the tranny crossmember.... it all around better for removal and installation and the exhaust drops right out.
Let me get some pics/links.
YES.... I was gonna get regular 2.5" ramhorns and do the preservation but there was some amazon deal about applying for a credit card and they gave me 50 bucks off (something like that). I'll find the link
When I put the stock Corvette Central 2.5" (with the parts I mentioned above) I had a Richmond 6-speed in it. I was able to squeeze the stock pipes around that by changing a drain plug on the tranny and wrapping the passenger side section of exhaust next to it (and I HATE wrap).
When I installed the 200-4R -- it was just too damm fat back there ...so I modified my existing crossmember to make it pass under..... and then later I made my own pass-under crossmember. I'll find the post so you can see.
If you are SERIOUSLY considering going to an OD transmission you should consider just going pass-under on the tranny crossmember.... it all around better for removal and installation and the exhaust drops right out.
Let me get some pics/links.
Thanks for the feedback carriljc, appreciated.
2.5" Smoothie Ramhorns are aftermarket I assume?
Also, a fatter transmission would be a 5 gear or 6 gear? Something I'm also considering. When I get up to highway speed the engine is loud and revs high like it wants another gear or two.
Cheers,
Mike
2.5" Smoothie Ramhorns are aftermarket I assume?
Also, a fatter transmission would be a 5 gear or 6 gear? Something I'm also considering. When I get up to highway speed the engine is loud and revs high like it wants another gear or two.
Cheers,
Mike
#22
Intermediate
Thread Starter
#23
CanadianRover
These are the 2.5" smoothies that I got
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Smoot...ver,94196.html
my post about installing 2.5" Corvette Central exhaust system ( modified).
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1598185200
latest version of pass-under crossmember that I fabricated last year.... https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1606937076
It would have been smarter & faster (and cheaper too since I bought a plasma cutter to play with) to buy a Bowtie Overdrives pass under crossmember and just modified the ends to bolt into the "stubs" leftover from cutting my welded-in manual crossmember....
These are the 2.5" smoothies that I got
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Smoot...ver,94196.html
my post about installing 2.5" Corvette Central exhaust system ( modified).
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1598185200
latest version of pass-under crossmember that I fabricated last year.... https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1606937076
It would have been smarter & faster (and cheaper too since I bought a plasma cutter to play with) to buy a Bowtie Overdrives pass under crossmember and just modified the ends to bolt into the "stubs" leftover from cutting my welded-in manual crossmember....
#24
#25
Melting Slicks
If you feel that the present system is loud then don't get the Magnaflows. With a 3.70 rear that you have, 70mph is about 3200 rpm, so you would not be happy.
Last edited by BKarol; 03-13-2024 at 08:25 AM.
#26
Team Owner
I get a bit hexed when I hear people suggest that removing the catalytic converter will increase horsepower. It is against Federal Law to remove the catalytic from the system. Here in Northern Virginia they look for the cat and if it is supposed to be there they will require you to re-install one or pay a fine. My C3 doesn't need one and my C4 has a High Flow catalytic converter feeding the chambered exhaust spewing clean(er) exhaust. The C4 has all of it's emissions equipment and it is still functional. Between the new catalytic and the Chambered Exhaust the car gained something like 12 hp
A C-3, with the OE exhaust, has ONE catalytic converter, therefore the car essentially has a single exhaust system. Your C-4's OE system has two catalytic converters, therefore it's a TRUE DUAL exhaust............Big difference!
#27
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2007
Location: Omaha NE
Posts: 5,050
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2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
It's louder than stock, but just right IMO.
Remember that '78 was the last year for the big "round" style muffler. GM switched back to the pre '73 oval style in '79.
Magnaflows are the oval style & are also known as a hide-away because they're a lot less noticeable...
The following users liked this post:
BKarol (03-13-2024)
#28
Burning Brakes
You realize, don't you, that you're talking apples and oranges, here???
A C-3, with the OE exhaust, has ONE catalytic converter, therefore the car essentially has a single exhaust system. Your C-4's OE system has two catalytic converters, therefore it's a TRUE DUAL exhaust............Big difference!
A C-3, with the OE exhaust, has ONE catalytic converter, therefore the car essentially has a single exhaust system. Your C-4's OE system has two catalytic converters, therefore it's a TRUE DUAL exhaust............Big difference!
I happen to also have a 78 like the OP. The real issue with the exhaust is the pancake catalytic converter design, these were notorious for restricting flow, and easily clogging. I have had all three types of exhaust on my 78; OEM when I first bought it in 2004, True duals with no cats using 2.5" RAMS horns (78 L-82 has 2.25" rams horn outlets) and now long-tube headers with x-pipe. I believe the performance is better with the long tubes, but for sound, I think the config where I ran 2.5" rams horns, 65 fuelie front down pipes and 73 big block intermediary pipes without a crossover sounded the best. The X-pipe takes some of the thump out of the sound by smoothing the flow.
The following 2 users liked this post by SLVRSHRK:
CanadianRover (03-15-2024),
carriljc (03-14-2024)
#29
Team Owner
This is incorrect depending on the year of the C4. The C4 from 84-91 had a Y-pipe configuration into a single cat. This would have been the X-fire and L98 TPI engines (I do not know about LT5 (ZR-1)). In 92 with the introduction of the LT1 a dual cat configuration was adopted. My 86 and other poster's 88 have a y-pipe config like the original poster's 78.
#30
Le Mans Master
#31
Team Owner
The following users liked this post:
SLVRSHRK (03-15-2024)
#32
Intermediate
Thread Starter
This is incorrect depending on the year of the C4. The C4 from 84-91 had a Y-pipe configuration into a single cat. This would have been the X-fire and L98 TPI engines (I do not know about LT5 (ZR-1)). In 92 with the introduction of the LT1 a dual cat configuration was adopted. My 86 and other poster's 88 have a y-pipe config like the original poster's 78.
I happen to also have a 78 like the OP. The real issue with the exhaust is the pancake catalytic converter design, these were notorious for restricting flow, and easily clogging. I have had all three types of exhaust on my 78; OEM when I first bought it in 2004, True duals with no cats using 2.5" RAMS horns (78 L-82 has 2.25" rams horn outlets) and now long-tube headers with x-pipe. I believe the performance is better with the long tubes, but for sound, I think the config where I ran 2.5" rams horns, 65 fuelie front down pipes and 73 big block intermediary pipes without a crossover sounded the best. The X-pipe takes some of the thump out of the sound by smoothing the flow.
I happen to also have a 78 like the OP. The real issue with the exhaust is the pancake catalytic converter design, these were notorious for restricting flow, and easily clogging. I have had all three types of exhaust on my 78; OEM when I first bought it in 2004, True duals with no cats using 2.5" RAMS horns (78 L-82 has 2.25" rams horn outlets) and now long-tube headers with x-pipe. I believe the performance is better with the long tubes, but for sound, I think the config where I ran 2.5" rams horns, 65 fuelie front down pipes and 73 big block intermediary pipes without a crossover sounded the best. The X-pipe takes some of the thump out of the sound by smoothing the flow.
#33
Burning Brakes
Original:
Comp Cams XE268 Cam (flat tappet)
1969 GM camel hump head equivalent
Edelbrock Performer 2101 Intake Manifold
Holley 6150 Quadrajet Replacement
2.5" RAMS horn cast iron manifolds
65 2.5" fuelie downpipes (non-mandrel bent)
73 Big Block intermediate pipes (non-mandrel bent, and if you have seen these, they have PLENTY of crimps and dents)
Walker Dynomax turbo mufflers (not-straight through)
Newer Setup:
Comp Cams 280 hydraulic roller cam
AFR 195 Eliminator heads
Weiand TeamG single plane intake
Holley Sniper EFI
1 3/4" stainless long-tube headers w/about 15 inches of 3" header collectors
2.5 Inch mandrel bent exhaust system w/x-pipe (I custom fabricated and welded it up. Jet Hot coated inside and out)
Walker Dynomax straight-through mufflers
It's definitely got more go now, but that's a LOT of changes, that's why I only commented definitively on the sound. Doing it over, I don't think I would go through the trouble of the X-pipe. A true dual system definitely has more thump due to the distinct pulses, but the X-pipe does eliminate the drone.
If you aren't going to go full length headers and are staying with the stock L-82, I would not overthink this too much. Like every modification, the benefit depends on the other components E.G. Headers and a big exhaust are gonna make more of a difference the higher performance the engine is, and the stock L-82, while built with really good bottom end components, is pretty mild overall.
Your best best are the tried and true basics, just get to true dual exhausts, and adjust your timing as per Lars papers.
Best of luck
#34
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I would not be fair of me to compare performance just based on the exhaust as my change included the following:
Original:
Comp Cams XE268 Cam (flat tappet)
1969 GM camel hump head equivalent
Edelbrock Performer 2101 Intake Manifold
Holley 6150 Quadrajet Replacement
2.5" RAMS horn cast iron manifolds
65 2.5" fuelie downpipes (non-mandrel bent)
73 Big Block intermediate pipes (non-mandrel bent, and if you have seen these, they have PLENTY of crimps and dents)
Walker Dynomax turbo mufflers (not-straight through)
Newer Setup:
Comp Cams 280 hydraulic roller cam
AFR 195 Eliminator heads
Weiand TeamG single plane intake
Holley Sniper EFI
1 3/4" stainless long-tube headers w/about 15 inches of 3" header collectors
2.5 Inch mandrel bent exhaust system w/x-pipe (I custom fabricated and welded it up. Jet Hot coated inside and out)
Walker Dynomax straight-through mufflers
It's definitely got more go now, but that's a LOT of changes, that's why I only commented definitively on the sound. Doing it over, I don't think I would go through the trouble of the X-pipe. A true dual system definitely has more thump due to the distinct pulses, but the X-pipe does eliminate the drone.
If you aren't going to go full length headers and are staying with the stock L-82, I would not overthink this too much. Like every modification, the benefit depends on the other components E.G. Headers and a big exhaust are gonna make more of a difference the higher performance the engine is, and the stock L-82, while built with really good bottom end components, is pretty mild overall.
Your best best are the tried and true basics, just get to true dual exhausts, and adjust your timing as per Lars papers.
Best of luck
Original:
Comp Cams XE268 Cam (flat tappet)
1969 GM camel hump head equivalent
Edelbrock Performer 2101 Intake Manifold
Holley 6150 Quadrajet Replacement
2.5" RAMS horn cast iron manifolds
65 2.5" fuelie downpipes (non-mandrel bent)
73 Big Block intermediate pipes (non-mandrel bent, and if you have seen these, they have PLENTY of crimps and dents)
Walker Dynomax turbo mufflers (not-straight through)
Newer Setup:
Comp Cams 280 hydraulic roller cam
AFR 195 Eliminator heads
Weiand TeamG single plane intake
Holley Sniper EFI
1 3/4" stainless long-tube headers w/about 15 inches of 3" header collectors
2.5 Inch mandrel bent exhaust system w/x-pipe (I custom fabricated and welded it up. Jet Hot coated inside and out)
Walker Dynomax straight-through mufflers
It's definitely got more go now, but that's a LOT of changes, that's why I only commented definitively on the sound. Doing it over, I don't think I would go through the trouble of the X-pipe. A true dual system definitely has more thump due to the distinct pulses, but the X-pipe does eliminate the drone.
If you aren't going to go full length headers and are staying with the stock L-82, I would not overthink this too much. Like every modification, the benefit depends on the other components E.G. Headers and a big exhaust are gonna make more of a difference the higher performance the engine is, and the stock L-82, while built with really good bottom end components, is pretty mild overall.
Your best best are the tried and true basics, just get to true dual exhausts, and adjust your timing as per Lars papers.
Best of luck
Cheers, enjoy your ride!
#35
Melting Slicks
A forum member decided to change his original exhaust with the 2-1-2 system to a true dual exhaust system with flow thru mufflers on his 32K, 78, L82. He used a RWHP dyno to plot the change, no guesstimates. Original reading was @175hp to the rear tires, but within the general range for the 78 which might have been about 180rwhp from the factory (depending on what % you want to use for the loss).. Engine compartment was stock. After the change the RWHP was more toward the 200rwhp mark so about a 20hp gain. Add LTH for another 10hp and you will be in around 30 extra horses. If you do not plan to make any changes in the engine compartment than no need for 3 inch exhaust.
His chart:
His chart:
#36
Intermediate
Thread Starter
A forum member decided to change his original exhaust with the 2-1-2 system to a true dual exhaust system with flow thru mufflers on his 32K, 78, L82. He used a RWHP dyno to plot the change, no guesstimates. Original reading was @175hp to the rear tires, but within the general range for the 78 which might have been about 180rwhp from the factory (depending on what % you want to use for the loss).. Engine compartment was stock. After the change the RWHP was more toward the 200rwhp mark so about a 20hp gain. Add LTH for another 10hp and you will be in around 30 extra horses. If you do not plan to make any changes in the engine compartment than no need for 3 inch exhaust.
His chart:
His chart: