Exhaust: headers and chambered?

[Stallion]

It's looking like in the near future with a little time and money that I'm going to start putting some extras on her. First off I'm thinking exaust. Not so much for performance, but for that unleashed classic Chevy sound. Performance is considered, but loud and bassy exaust is what is wanted. When I start getting into the (expensive) performance areas for her it'll be in the form of a new engine and goodies like that.

So the first thing would be to get rid of these exaust manifolds. Put headers on, no? What kind of headers for a '78 that requires no modification at all for fitting?

What would you do for exaust for what I'm after? Does chambered exaust sound like what I'm looking for?

Thanks.

Stallion

 

[photovette]

I have had chambered exhaust for 3 years. After about 3 months, I put some mini-mufflers in the rear to quiet it down a bit; it was just too damn loud. I swear, when you pulled into a shopping center, people at the far end would turn and look at what was causing the noise--car alarms would go off everywhere.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I love my loud chambered exhaust and wouldn't change it for the world! She has a nice rumble at idle and a throaty roar at WOT and even slightly spirited acceleration.
However...I had an opportunity to drive Nut's nutmegbronze '81 last night, and she is peppy, responsive and has a WONDERFUL sound! The 81 has headers and FloMaster (Dynomax? I think FloMaster...) 50s. I can't recall the brand name for certain, but I remember the series was the 50 series. Bob said that series closely resembled the stock mufflers so fit was not a problem and I'm sure you could send him a PM and ask what setup he has. He is driving today from GA -> DC and will be home late this evening.
The idle was a nice low burble and acceleration had a pleasing deep rumble. I felt it definitely had a 'muscle' sound, just not as aggressive as the chambered exhaust. Decide if you want to be subtle, or not. Chambered really sounds like a "race track"...nothing subtle about it.
Heidi

 

[Bender]

I have flowmasters on my 81 vette and I will rev it through parking lots to set off all the alarms. Hahahah people get so ****ed off.

 

[81 Corvette]

I've got Dynomax headers and flowmaster 40's. My gf can hear me coming from a ways a way.

 

[Stallion]

I think the chambered exaust is what I'm after. But a couple of questions. I was looking at www.madvet.com and their setups. I didn't see any sign of it, but the chambered exaust needs no modifications right? It should bolt right onto my '78...?

And what headers would be the same deal for my '78, good sound and good flow, and no cutting or any customization in my '78? What exact headers am I after?

Thanks!

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I'm unfamiliar with headers/Corvette applications but my used chambered exhaust bolted right up with no modifications at all. It was no time before I was on the road and grinning ear-to-ear!
I kept the rams horn exhaust manifolds because I felt the perfomed adequately. However, I did replace my cracked '78 ones for a pair from 76? 73?...before the air tubes for smog, anyways...
Heidi

 

[ed_in_pa]

I still have the stock manifolds and I installed a true dual chambered exhaust. After a couple weeks, like Photovette, I had some glass packs put on to tone it down a little. It was just a bit to loud for my liking. Now it sounds great, it has the chambered growl but is toned down.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Some info from when I put my headers on.

 

[Stallion]

Bob,

So it seems to me that from that thread the only difficulty you had was with the A/C, but that was only the passenger side that you did there...? All in all, did you need to move anything? I'm looking for a direct fit that doesn't require any cutting, fabrication, or preferably moving. I just want to slip the headers in there and throw on the chambered exaust.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Stallion,

They were as direct fit as you are going to get. The spacer for the a/c was the only change. Everything else went back exactly as it was.

Bob

 

[74bigblock]

There's always side pipes, and a number of inserts you can put in for different sounds. Of course... the insert I like best is the one that isn't inserted! OMG is it LOUD... but also music to my ears. Every once in a while I will "air guitar" the starting of my Vette! Yes, I prentend to step on the gas twice... yell out "FIRE IN THE HOLE"!!!! Then turn the fake key in mid air, and make exhaust noises with my mouth.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Every once in a while I will "air guitar" the starting of my Vette! Yes, I pretend to step on the gas twice... yell out "FIRE IN THE HOLE"!!!! Then turn the fake key in mid air, and make exhaust noises with my mouth.

You made me LOL!
Dammit. Now I have to get a tissue to clean the monitor of soda pop. TG I missed the keyboard! :L
Heidi

 

[Stallion]

I don't think side pipes would look good on my Vette.

Bob,

I'm having a hard time picturing this a/c spacer. Where exactly does this go? I don't know what you are talking about. What's it spacing the compressor out for?


Stallion

 

[JohnZ]

To make up for the difference in thickness between the header flange and the original iron manifold where the compressor bracket attaches.

It's highly unlikely that you'll find any "simply bolt together" combination of headers and chambered exhaust (or any other kind of exhaust); plan on spending some time and money at a muffler shop to get the connections fabricated.

 

[Lucy64]

I added a set of Hooker SuperComp headers and the chambered header setup from MidAmerica. The headers are a great fit and the chambered pipes are LOUD. I have only had her out a few times with the new exhaust but love the sound....so far. I can see that it may get old, it does turn every head on the street....including the man. I am sure I will eventually be 'suggested' to get something to tone it down some....but I am going to drive it as is until that day comes.

 

[Stallion]

I think I see what you mean, John. Where would I get this spacer??

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I think I see what you mean, John. Where would I get this spacer??

Stallion,

You can't buy the spacer. Take a look at the link I gave you and it will tell you how to make it.

Bob

 

[Stallion]

I got my spacer built. I went to Lowe's Hardware section and found a 3/8 inside diameter x 1/2 outside diameter x 1 1/2 length spacer made by Hillman. I cut the spacer, about 1/4 inch, to make up the difference between the header flange and the thickness of the ram horn. The spacer slid right over the 3/8 inch bolt and allowed me to torque it down to the requisite 30 pounds. The only thing I would do differently is try and find a spacer with a larger outside diameter but I'm not taking the whole thing apart now.

Do you have any pictures of how you made this? I can't picture this at all.

 

[JohnZ]

It's a steel tube (or iron pipe) that's 3/8" inside diameter (for the bolt), 1/2" outside diameter (preferably 5/8" or 11/16" for more wall thickness), and 1-1/4" long; it goes between the ear on the compressor bracket and the header flange, taking the place of the thickness of the original cast iron manifold.