Mid-America Dual Exhaust Conversion

[MaineShark]

Does anyone have an experience with these kits?

I'm sort of sick of waiting for the weather to clear so that I can get over to the exhaust place to have an exhaust bent and installed, so I figured ordering something like this would allow me to do the work myself.

Plus, stainless for $250 seems a good deal - the local guy wants that much for plain steel.

Joe

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

Hello Joe: -yes I also like the notion of S/S instead of the'ol rusty-stuff (although s/s would probably have a higher resonate-pitch quality owing its inherent temper), do you know if they have also done anything to improve the dreadful routing of the exhaust-pipes/mufflers.cat.-unit; --really looks terribly mickey-mouse when you get under and look at it, :eek --as though they noticed just before production that Yiiikeees, -we forgot to provide for a sanitary exhaust-system (very amaturish GM!) :eyerole Somebody should come-up with a really nice pair of low-profile s/s-pipes well heat-insulated and uniquely 1/2"-thick x 8"-wide, inverted-U shaped as to possibly enable routing above the half-shafts? ----There just has to be a better solution than the sorry-mess the factory devised...
-Bob vH ('80 C3)

 

[Dave L.]

MaineShark - I installed that system on my car and am very pleased with it. I used the 40 series flowmasters,also. The in- stallation was fairly easy but I did take the car down to my buddys muffler shop for tweaking mainly because of the curved muffler inlet pipes. I always get comments on how well the car sounds. I would go with the stainless pipes if you decide on this setup.

Dave

 

[Shawn's 78]

Joe,
I am ordering my MA Chambered exhaust set this week (good winter project). For $250 you can't go wrong!

I went back and forth with the other option (true duals w/mufflers) and decided for the money, chambered was a good deal. My budget was tight this month so the chamber got the nod.

I contacted MA and they were very helpfull. You can't go wrong with either.
It might be a bit louder than Flowmasters (I want to draw a little attention when i step on it ), and you don't have those big cans to look at (from the rear). If I wanted, I'm sure i could tack mufflers on the end if it is too loud (has anyone ever done that??)

Can't wait to get that old 2-1-2 off the car (so it can breath) .

Run a search, there are lots of topics/posts on this one.

Shawn

 

[MaineShark]

If I hadn't already bought the mufflers, I would probably have went with the chambered system. Originally, I was going leave on the dual exhaust that the previous owner had installed, until I got the mufflers and found that they would not line up (the exhaust was custom-bent, not stock). So, new pipes, too.

I ordered the exhaust a few minutes ago. Should be here in a week or two...

Joe

 

[mst]

I just bought a s.s. system w/ offroad mufflers from Paragon. Haven't installed it yet but it was recommended from a very reliable source. I hate the look of rusty pipes when everything else underneath is clean. Wasn't cheap but I've been assured I will like it. No turning back now.

 

[Glensgages]

BURGLAR, did you get the #603-860 or #603-862 kit? I'm thinking of the 603-866 (SS) 2.5" kit and Delta Flow 40's for my stock '82 that 'sounds' like . Would you recommend them to me? Besides 'sounding' better, can you notice better performance? Did the 40's fit properly? If so, which 40's did you install? In addition to the 'straight-pipes', I'm considering a pair of Dynomax ceramic-coated headers. In your opinion, can the M-A kit be 'modified', without :bang :bash :CRASH :duh , to connect with the header collectors? If you, or any Forum member can advise me on the headers/exhaust/mufflers/etc. on my '82, I'd be forever grateful;worship :BOW !!!

 

[Dave L.]

MA exhaust

Glensgages - I installed the 603-862 stainless system. Defintely noticed a performance gain,they say 20-30 hp and I would testify to that. The forty-flowmasters fit nice,I can try to take a digital picture and post here. I could also check the stock numbers off the mufflers for you. This system is designed to fit your stock exhaust manifolds. If you are going with full length headers I would NOT buy this system. This Mid-America kit is designed as a 'bolt-on' replacement to replace the original system. For the money,its a great setup,but like I said if you are going the full length header route,you would want to get the proper collector to muffler pipes.
If I can help with any other info let me know.

Dave

 

[Glensgages]

Hmmm. Was hoping the M-A kit would 'work' w/ headers. I like the fact it comes in 'kit' form, 'fits' thru the single-hole x-member, up against the floor-boards, and went to OEM muffler location. SS made it even MORE tempting. I'm working, with others, on getting this Cross-Fire into the 13s, maybe 12s w/ nitrous. Headers would DEFINITELT make this project easier. In your 'best guess' opinion, how much would need to be 'clipped-off' the front pipes to fit w/ headers? In your opinion, can the 'clipped-off' pieces be used to connect with the headers? I'm REALLY hoping this kit can be modified in conjunction w/ headers.

 

[Dave L.]

Glensgages - In my opinion,your going to be hacking off about 1/4 - 1/3 of that pipe,then take the pipes to a muffler shop where mating flanges would have to be welded on to meet the collectors. Thats if the pipes would 'lineup' with the collectors! I would try to talk to someone (the header manufacturer?)about getting the proper pipes or just taking the whole car to a reputable muffler shop and putting it in thier hands( have them fabricate there own pipes) I would say you would be wasting your time and money trying to get those pipes to fit your full length headers.

Dave

 

[Dave L.]

Just something else I was thinking about,you already have nice factory headers on that car with the desirable 21/2 " outlets. You could just get the MA system and be done with it. I would have to admit full length headers would be nice!!

Dave

 

[Glensgages]

If I HAVE to choose between pipes or headers, 'pipes' win. SS will last until I'm worm-food, the 2.5" pipes will help more than headers & 'small pipes', and headers would 'give it away'. Besides, a dude I talked w/ runs WELL into the 12s, withOUT headers! I'll try to keep you posted..... Thanks for the info; 'preciate it!:J ;worship :BOW If you have ANY other advice,.....

 

[Dave L.]

I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised with the results!! I have had those pipes on my car for 2 years and they look as good as new. You made a good choice........

Take Care..........Dave

 

[Glensgages]

See ya on the Pa. Pike sometime. I'll be in the Black '82, sittin' in the PASSENGER seat! MY girl-friend ALWAYS wants to drive!

 

[Dave L.]

Thats cool,your girlfreind drives. Lori very seldom rides in the vette,it messes her up and she looks like cousin it from the Adams family. I see your from western PA. My sister lives in Allison Park(north of P-burgh)Maybe I will see you on the 'pike'when I drive out for a visit. Later-on

Dave

 

[81' Corvette Guy]

Burgler...

Hiya Burglar,

Had a question here. I have an 81' with the stock exhaust on it. Live in Texas and want a legal set up. Would love to have tru duals..even if it ment with 2 cats. Is there a kit for this application? How do you get around state inspections for cats if you have a tru dual exhaust? Would love the better breathing and xtra horsespower from the mod. Any info would be greatly appreaciated.
Thanks,

Joe..peace <*)))><

 

[MaineShark]

The only thing that is actually legal, is a direct replacement of the stock setup, on both intake and exhaust. Any change from stock is illegal. Even something simple like replacing the air cleaner with an open element. That's Federal.

Now, the question is how often those laws are actually enforced. Generally, the cost of prosecution is larger than the fine they can hope to get out of you.

Local laws vary. Enforcement also varies. Technically, we are supposed to have all factory-install emissions equipment intact. However, no one actually enforces it.

Joe

 

[Glensgages]

'Technically', MaineShark is correct. However,....., if '81Corvette Guy DOES decide to modify his exhaust, I can add this story. In '81, I wanted to 'modify' the exhaust on my '79 Z28. I, too, thought about running dual cats. I was told, before I proceeded, that a cat running only one bank of exhaust wouldn'y get hot enough to function properly. I ran 'straight pipes' from my headers, to the OEM resonators (STILL on the Z28 today!). By 'leaning-out' the Holley 650 dbl pumper, I could, in fact, pass the Pa. 'sniffer test'. I'm not sure if the 'not hot enough' story was fact or bogus; before investing in another cat, check it out! Save yourself the $$$!!!

 

[Dave L.]

81corvette guy - Thats a good question. I have never seen a kit available for C3's with a true dual cat setup. BobChad had one installed on his C3 http://home.attbi.com/~jchadwick/exhaust.htm
but he had it profesionally installed.
In Pennsylvania,I have my car registered as 'Classic',so my car is exempt from emission testing(which we don't have here anyway)
What are your local emission laws? Do they have some sort of exemption for classic cars in Texas? Technically in PA, a repair garage is not allowed to remove a catalytic convertor from ANY car. The way to get around it is to remove the convertor and install the true dual system yourself. It's a gray area for sure,but I know many inspection mechanics and all would pass the car for inspection as long as the system is installed properly and has no leaks. Every state is different,and the local laws vary on emissions. Federally the law officially is not to remove the convertor from any 75 or later car. I am sure there will be others with different thoughts and opinions on this subject. We have hashed this out before on this website.

Take care..........Dave

 

[MaineShark]

Well, the box arrived on Friday. Ordered Jan 20, delivered Jan 24. Not bad at all.

Joe