True dual and balance pipe on '81

[smithjw]

Does anyone have a true dual exhaust from Mid America and also have the balance tube from Summit installed on an '81? If so, where did you install the balance tube? It seems that with all the bends that are in the system, the only straight area where the balance tube can be installed is too close together. It's like only 5 inches apart from center of left pipe to center of right pipe. You need at least 8 inches to fit the balance tube in.

 

[81Batmobile]

Balance Pipe

I just installed the Corvette America True dual exhaust system on my '81. My exhaust guys did no use an aftermarket X or crossover pipe but cut holes and addes one straight pipe ( about 16 inches long ) justbehind the bell housing close to the recessed area that is between the tranny and bell Housing. Just so you know, I have a 4-speed Vette. This is only about two weeks old and I am still trying to sort out heat issues. I don't know for sure what the heat impact will be with that pipe running that close to the tranny and clutch assembly. More to follow as I work it out.
Ron

 

[spikebot 81]

I have the mid america system. I'll agree the store bought H pipe wont fit unless holes are cut and pipe welded. I just installed a X pipe. Purchased a X without any bends and fabed my own to fit. Boy did it change the sound of the magna flows.

 

[Peer81]

I would say leave the H and go for a X

Groeten Peter

 

[smithjw]

OK, here is what I did. I took the summit kit and took each of the 'T' pieces that it comes with and cut off the part that the balance pipe fits into until it was only one and one quarter inches long. I then took the balance pipe and cut off a 2 inch long piece. I then put that 2 inch piece between the 2 'T' pieces and clamped with 2 clamps.

What I ended up with was an 'H' configuration with that actual balance tube being only 2 and one half inches long. The 'H' is then placed where the true dual pipes run side by side. I did have to cut out a small portion of the true dual pipes equal the the length of the 'H' so everything would fit nicely together. The result is an 'H' that is so small it may actually act like an 'X' configuration. I haven't had time to take it out for a test run yet.

 

[Chiller]

I have the mid america system. I'll agree the store bought H pipe wont fit unless holes are cut and pipe welded. I just installed a X pipe. Purchased a X without any bends and fabed my own to fit. Boy did it change the sound of the magna flows.

How did it change the sound of the Magnaflows ?

 

[spikebot 81]

How did it change the sound of the Magnaflows ?

The mufflers had a raaaaaaaaappppp sound at WOT in the 3000 rpm range. That went away with the new x pipe. Also toned down at idle. The car still has a good throaty sound but not quite as loud as it was. Over all I like the magna flows better than the flowmasters.. As always no droans at any rpm with magna flow