CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: mdz on July 13, 2022, 12:48:16 AM

Title: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: mdz on July 13, 2022, 12:48:16 AM
Looking for good recommendation for a complete exhaust system for a 1969 z-28 camaro, was looking at the 89021 Thrush Turbo system, but a lot of negative comments on how it fits, any experience with this system. Or if you purchased an another brand and are pleased with it chime in, don't want to break the bank, thanks.
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: x66 714 on July 13, 2022, 01:03:24 AM
Gardner is the one to go with....Joe
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: camaronut on July 13, 2022, 01:05:01 AM
Gardner is good, but pricey.  Fits like a glove - just like GM meant it.
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: 169INDY on July 13, 2022, 02:58:27 AM
Waldron might be an option if you can not manage the Gardner, For basic Stock restoration type, I have no clue for performance version except Pypes might be a nice set.
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: David K on July 13, 2022, 03:08:33 AM
I’m a fan of the Chambered system. Available in 69…no mufflers…..just pipe. I recommend hearing it on a comparable car before swiping the card, just like very other muffler/system. This will bolt directly to stock manifolds too. Everyone has an opinion, but yours is the only one that matters. All the Camaro suppliers sell them.
Gardner exhaust has sound files to perk up your ears.

https://www.musclecarexhaustsystems.com/soundclips.html
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: tomstiel on July 13, 2022, 03:38:54 PM
Waldron might be an option if you can not manage the Gardner, For basic Stock restoration type, I have no clue for performance version except Pypes might be a nice set.
You get what you pay for,,,you wont be disappointed with gardner
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: 169INDY on July 13, 2022, 04:08:45 PM
Waldron might be an option if you can not manage the Gardner, For basic Stock restoration type, I have no clue for performance version except Pypes might be a nice set.
You get what you pay for,,,you wont be disappointed with gardner

So VERY Correct- I have Three Sets!
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: Sauron327 on July 13, 2022, 04:37:48 PM
Lot of bad reviews about Gardner on this site. Maybe they resolved their issues. I found D&R had good reviews. Do your homework on this site. Chambered is a very restrictive system. Depends on your goals. My 2.5 Flowmaster system was plug and play.
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: usa1ti on July 13, 2022, 07:37:11 PM
I have had Flowmasters on my last 2 Camaros. The 68 427 car had a 3" system. My 69 Z has a 2.5" complete system. Both sound really good and are average for fit. I had a really good shop do the system on the 68. I think it fit better than the Z but the Z has more of a stock look other than muffler location. Find a good shop for any of it that will take their time and measure the fit and spacing on both sides.
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: Stingr69 on July 14, 2022, 02:02:13 PM
I have a D&R repro Chambered system with the chromed tips.  It sounds good for what it is and looks good.  We did have an issue discovered at assembly which D&R took care of so no big deal.  I already had some of the special hangars as my 10A '68 car was originally a chambered equipped car so I used some rubber parts from a few repro hangars to put the whole thing together.  Fit was fair but maybe a pro could fit it better than I did.  It needed to be all welded as the clamps were useless against the thick aluminized pipes.  On a later build car I would choose the deep tone setup for sure. 

My opinion - A "factory" chambered car should stay that way, but any other car should probably use the conventional deep tone system.  Deep tone is just better for HP and sound. 
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: Jerry@CHP on July 14, 2022, 03:52:44 PM
Gardner, the one and only correct systems and only one accepted in "Legends Certification" at the Camaro Nationals.  Absolutely the best. 

Jerry
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: BillOhio on July 14, 2022, 05:22:28 PM
I have a gardner exhaust on my Z and I doubt the car has 300 miles on it.  Sits by dehumifier or in car bag in the winters. I noticed 2 weeks ago that the muffler has about a 2 inch long place in the bottom that it looks like it has rotted through.  I am hoping I can just find a muffler some where
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: camaronut on July 14, 2022, 06:08:02 PM
Ehhh, get some good ol exhaust pipe wrap - good as new!!!!  LOL!

Seriously - I'd call them and send some pics - that ain't right.

Good luck.
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: cook_dw on July 14, 2022, 07:38:44 PM
If you only have 300 miles on the car and you aren't running it long enough to burn all the condensation out of the exhaust system then I can see why the muffler rotted as its just a catch basin for moisture.  If there is any advice I can give anyone that doesn't drive their cars much is if you decide to fire them up at least leave them running for 30 mins at minimum or take them for a decent drive before putting them up for long periods of time as that moisture is just gonna sit in the lowest location which is usually the muffler (especially a transverse one).  My worthless $0.02
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: 169INDY on July 15, 2022, 12:20:14 AM
When your purchase a Gardner you can or are eligible to purchase individual service &  repair parts to MAINTAIN your installation.
Tires-Batteries-Exhaust, some of the fastest wearing consumable in automobile. R-U-S-T Never sleeps

Call Eric he will sell you a service part to match, I have gone thru 2 different mufflers, I drive my Cars, if you want "Willy Wonka Everlasting Mufflers" try stainless systems.

Claims of "lots" of Poor reviews is Baseless in my opinion.  What folks Don't care for is the 'Costs of Quality' compared to inferior Systems.

My Child helped me install the system on my SS396 Decades ago. When Buddies have purchased lesser system only to have to take the car to a Exhaust shop for "Adjustments"

LoL
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: BillOhio on July 15, 2022, 01:32:37 AM
I remember that picture with your daughter!! 

I need to give them a call.  Usually when I start the car I go some place.  I do like to listen to it but usually fumes up the garage lol
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: 169INDY on July 15, 2022, 02:24:14 AM
I am Sorry if I sound Like a FAN-BOY of this vendor, but it just based on my experiences and I fully support this product.

She is 25 Now and they grown up fast, & the Car has been in my possession since Nov 1983

Gardner has a production lead time (For Systems) like ALL supplies these days, be ready for some delay.

I think Scott is echoing the dreaded Muffler "Crimp" debate of a few years ago.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,FWIW
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: camaronut on July 15, 2022, 11:40:15 AM
You could drill one very small hole on the bottom-sides of the transverse muffler to let the condensation out. 
I just installed an NOS GM (circa 1975) muffler on mine, and it had those holes.  Blows the condensation right out - but an earlier post had a good point on running the engine / going for a ride to clear the water out.
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: BillOhio on July 16, 2022, 03:38:52 PM
I think I read where the gardner mufflers had those holes at one time but mine did not. 
Title: Re: 1969 exhaust system
Post by: crossboss on July 16, 2022, 09:40:22 PM
Guys,
FWIW, a few back I installed a system from MagnaFlow called 'Muscle Car exhaust' on a brand X car. Its a very nice quality mandrel bent 2.5" stainless pipes with their mufflers. Fitment was good. The only issue I encountered, the tail pipes were tight on one side because of the staggered shocks. Maybe worth looking into, IF you are not interested in a 'correct' system...