vette442

Hi all -
I have a stock '71 LT-1 with original exhaust manifolds. The previous cheap-o owner put a standard <2" system on it at some point. I know that 2.5" systems are correct (it's my second LT-1). Is there a good mandrel-bent 2.5 or 3" system out there that will wake it up more while retaining the original manifolds? I haven't seen anything from Torque Tech, Flowmaster or any others for C3s. I had a set of Allen's Stainless chambered pipes on my '96 LT4 and loved them, but not seeing mufflers in the back of my shark would make my purist side go crazy. Thanks for any input.
Terry

L79vette

Corvette Central, Paragon, Long Island Corvette Supply. All sell correct mandrel-bent systems. You need 2.5" pipes that neck down to 2" at the manifold.

Gordonm

I have headers on mine and a custom mandrel bent 2 1/2 system from the headers on back. Running 50 series delta flow Flowmaster mufflers. It added quite a bit over the stock system. The stock 2 1/2 system has horrible bends and is flattened out. If you want performance go with headers and a custom bent system. It fits much better than stock and looks much better.

vette442

Thanks for the responses, guys. I saw this vendor mentioned on another section of the forum and they have several options to choose from as well - just thought I'd share what I found.
http://www.stainlessworks.net/Corvette%2053-03.htm

Terry

tonyk72

I'm lookin' to redo the exhaust on my '72 LT-1...still have the original manifolds right down to the tips. I'd like to toss everything and try to pick up some more HP with headers but would also like to stay as close to stock as possible. Is it possible to have the best of both worlds?

gdh

I went with headers, 2.5" into Ultraflows, works great and sounds great at WOT. THey are not as loud as Flowmasters but they are much more effiecient. I put 69 style sidepipes on for 2 weeks and couldn't get them off fast enough, looked nice but just too noisey with performance drop I went back to true duals.

jm1gic

do you have links for what you used?

jm1gic

do you have a link for what you used?

n2h2o2

The stock manifolds are the restriction...If you don't care about originality, get some headers and Magnaflow or Flowmaster exhaust.
Corvette Central seems to have the best selection I have found...
Here is a complete 2-1/2" system with headers...
But don't throw away those stock manifolds!
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...f%3fcount%3d27

speedreed8

Almost 20 yrs ago

n2h2o2

lol…
Everything old is new again!

jm1gic

is there a market for stock manifolds???
and it mentions that’s for a 4 speed. Mine is auto, so I guess it wouldn’t work!