getting exhaust done is SO much more expensive now than it used to be. BUT, there are plenty of DIY systems on the market now, bolt on, no modifications required.
1978 Camaro pics
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Originally Posted By: mpvue
getting exhaust done is SO much more expensive now than it used to be. BUT, there are plenty of DIY systems on the market now, bolt on, no modifications required.
This sounds encouraging. I need to learn more about it today.
getting exhaust done is SO much more expensive now than it used to be. BUT, there are plenty of DIY systems on the market now, bolt on, no modifications required.
This sounds encouraging. I need to learn more about it today.
Originally Posted By: mpvue
getting exhaust done is SO much more expensive now than it used to be. BUT, there are plenty of DIY systems on the market now, bolt on, no modifications required.
I agree and disagree. "Some" places are way over priced and always have been and vice versa there are places that have never cost to much but do quality work. I have bought a few DIY kits and was not completely happy with them so I took them in and for $50 had the problems fixed and the system fully welded by these guys.
http://www.automufflerking.com/home.nxg
Even though they are not local for me I will drive the distance and have the work done in about 1 hour even without an appointment.
getting exhaust done is SO much more expensive now than it used to be. BUT, there are plenty of DIY systems on the market now, bolt on, no modifications required.
I agree and disagree. "Some" places are way over priced and always have been and vice versa there are places that have never cost to much but do quality work. I have bought a few DIY kits and was not completely happy with them so I took them in and for $50 had the problems fixed and the system fully welded by these guys.
http://www.automufflerking.com/home.nxg
Even though they are not local for me I will drive the distance and have the work done in about 1 hour even without an appointment.
As a starter, you have three kinds of kits - Ones that attach to the stock manifolds, ones that attach to headers (aftermarket tube manifolds), and ones that attach to the catalytic converter, replacing the muffler and rear pipes, called a cat-back system.
If the converter is stock, and in the stock location, a cat-back system would be cheapest and easiest. If not, a dual system to connect to the stock manifolds would be easiest. This is in the context of a prefab system. If you knew a good muffler shop (not Midas, etc) they might well quote you a cheaper price for a custom dual system than for a prefabbed cat back.
Whatever you do, ignore any suggestions that involved headers. They just add expense and problems (leaks mainly, and noise), and aren't necessary for what you are doing.
If the converter is stock, and in the stock location, a cat-back system would be cheapest and easiest. If not, a dual system to connect to the stock manifolds would be easiest. This is in the context of a prefab system. If you knew a good muffler shop (not Midas, etc) they might well quote you a cheaper price for a custom dual system than for a prefabbed cat back.
Whatever you do, ignore any suggestions that involved headers. They just add expense and problems (leaks mainly, and noise), and aren't necessary for what you are doing.
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
Originally Posted By: mpvue
getting exhaust done is SO much more expensive now than it used to be. BUT, there are plenty of DIY systems on the market now, bolt on, no modifications required.
I agree and disagree. "Some" places are way over priced and always have been and vice versa there are places that have never cost to much but do quality work. I have bought a few DIY kits and was not completely happy with them so I took them in and for $50 had the problems fixed and the system fully welded by these guys.
http://www.automufflerking.com/home.nxg
Even though they are not local for me I will drive the distance and have the work done in about 1 hour even without an appointment.
I wish I didn't live on the opposite end of the country. I see they opened up shop 52 years ago. They're obviously doing something right.
I've been asking around locally for advise on the best places to go. I've been getting conflicting info. For example, this weekend one person told me not to get anywhere near a particular garage and then another person named it as one of his favorites. Another person told me they fully trust a particular garage, but a couple years ago my 74 yr old x-mother-in-law took her car there and then told me this story; "It was only there for an oil change but then it died while they were pulling it into the garage and the ONLY way they could move it out of the doorway was by doing the repair so they could get it started again. I wasn't available to approve the repair but it was an emergency so they had no choice but to fix it, after all they couldn't have it blocking the only entrance to the garage all day." I asked her why they couldn't have just put it in neutral and pushed it into the garage. She said she didn't know that could be done.
Anyway, my daughter and I got the car insured and registered this morning. We chose to pay for 5 years. The rates are supposed to shoot through the roof this July, but Becca will be able to avoid paying the inflated fees until 2014. We chose collectors plates, which means even if Becca ends up moving to one of the 7 counties in CO that have emissions laws, her Camaro will be exempt.
Originally Posted By: mpvue
getting exhaust done is SO much more expensive now than it used to be. BUT, there are plenty of DIY systems on the market now, bolt on, no modifications required.
I agree and disagree. "Some" places are way over priced and always have been and vice versa there are places that have never cost to much but do quality work. I have bought a few DIY kits and was not completely happy with them so I took them in and for $50 had the problems fixed and the system fully welded by these guys.
http://www.automufflerking.com/home.nxg
Even though they are not local for me I will drive the distance and have the work done in about 1 hour even without an appointment.
I wish I didn't live on the opposite end of the country. I see they opened up shop 52 years ago. They're obviously doing something right.
I've been asking around locally for advise on the best places to go. I've been getting conflicting info. For example, this weekend one person told me not to get anywhere near a particular garage and then another person named it as one of his favorites. Another person told me they fully trust a particular garage, but a couple years ago my 74 yr old x-mother-in-law took her car there and then told me this story; "It was only there for an oil change but then it died while they were pulling it into the garage and the ONLY way they could move it out of the doorway was by doing the repair so they could get it started again. I wasn't available to approve the repair but it was an emergency so they had no choice but to fix it, after all they couldn't have it blocking the only entrance to the garage all day." I asked her why they couldn't have just put it in neutral and pushed it into the garage. She said she didn't know that could be done.
Anyway, my daughter and I got the car insured and registered this morning. We chose to pay for 5 years. The rates are supposed to shoot through the roof this July, but Becca will be able to avoid paying the inflated fees until 2014. We chose collectors plates, which means even if Becca ends up moving to one of the 7 counties in CO that have emissions laws, her Camaro will be exempt.
Where are you in CO again? I totally spaced on the Father-in-law being in CO and an ASE certified mechanic who "was" working at a dodge dealership. You know how that went.
Just found out he's in Hillrose, CO.
Just found out he's in Hillrose, CO.
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Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
Where are you in CO again? I totally spaced on the Father-in-law being in CO and an ASE certified mechanic who "was" working at a dodge dealership. You know how that went.
I live in Montrose
Where are you in CO again? I totally spaced on the Father-in-law being in CO and an ASE certified mechanic who "was" working at a dodge dealership. You know how that went.
I live in Montrose
Only 391 miles.
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Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
As a starter, you have three kinds of kits - Ones that attach to the stock manifolds, ones that attach to headers (aftermarket tube manifolds), and ones that attach to the catalytic converter, replacing the muffler and rear pipes, called a cat-back system.
If the converter is stock, and in the stock location, a cat-back system would be cheapest and easiest. If not, a dual system to connect to the stock manifolds would be easiest. This is in the context of a prefab system. If you knew a good muffler shop (not Midas, etc) they might well quote you a cheaper price for a custom dual system than for a prefabbed cat back.
Whatever you do, ignore any suggestions that involved headers. They just add expense and problems (leaks mainly, and noise), and aren't necessary for what you are doing.
So you wouldn't recommend Midas either. I've heard more than one person say Midas isn't the place to go. We have 2 other muffler shops in our area, which are privately owned. I haven't heard good or bad things about either of them.
Thanks for the advise, I will avoid suggestions involving headers, because the last thing we need is more expense or more problems than we're already going to be dealing with.
As a starter, you have three kinds of kits - Ones that attach to the stock manifolds, ones that attach to headers (aftermarket tube manifolds), and ones that attach to the catalytic converter, replacing the muffler and rear pipes, called a cat-back system.
If the converter is stock, and in the stock location, a cat-back system would be cheapest and easiest. If not, a dual system to connect to the stock manifolds would be easiest. This is in the context of a prefab system. If you knew a good muffler shop (not Midas, etc) they might well quote you a cheaper price for a custom dual system than for a prefabbed cat back.
Whatever you do, ignore any suggestions that involved headers. They just add expense and problems (leaks mainly, and noise), and aren't necessary for what you are doing.
So you wouldn't recommend Midas either. I've heard more than one person say Midas isn't the place to go. We have 2 other muffler shops in our area, which are privately owned. I haven't heard good or bad things about either of them.
Thanks for the advise, I will avoid suggestions involving headers, because the last thing we need is more expense or more problems than we're already going to be dealing with.
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
Only 391 miles.
Oh of course :-(
We couldn't be fortunate enough to find anyone through this forum who's any closer.
Only 391 miles.
Oh of course :-(
We couldn't be fortunate enough to find anyone through this forum who's any closer.
And he only has 30+ years of experience and does upholstery, furniture and automotive.
You could try Carquest or Napa if you have either. Each store is independent though, a good service center here may not be worth a dime somewhere else. I've had good luck with Carquest myself. Allot of shops have good mechanics but so-so service. Mieneke and Midas not so much, prices are terrible.
Remember quotes are free.
You could try Carquest or Napa if you have either. Each store is independent though, a good service center here may not be worth a dime somewhere else. I've had good luck with Carquest myself. Allot of shops have good mechanics but so-so service. Mieneke and Midas not so much, prices are terrible.
Remember quotes are free.
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
Remember quotes are free.
I've been calling garages this morning. One told me quotes for everything on List #1 will be $200!!!!!
I just scheduled an appointment tomorrow at 8am at a garage called Good Shepard, which my neighbor just suggested. No-one else has said anything about the place, good or bad, but I've got to start somewhere. If I'll have the oil and trans fluid changed there, they'll do the quotes at no extra charge and look for things I may have missed. Uh-oh, that could be good or bad, depending on whether or not they're as honest as their Christian advertisement claims.
Remember quotes are free.
I've been calling garages this morning. One told me quotes for everything on List #1 will be $200!!!!!
I just scheduled an appointment tomorrow at 8am at a garage called Good Shepard, which my neighbor just suggested. No-one else has said anything about the place, good or bad, but I've got to start somewhere. If I'll have the oil and trans fluid changed there, they'll do the quotes at no extra charge and look for things I may have missed. Uh-oh, that could be good or bad, depending on whether or not they're as honest as their Christian advertisement claims.
Originally Posted By: Aspen7
Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
As a starter, you have three kinds of kits - Ones that attach to the stock manifolds, ones that attach to headers (aftermarket tube manifolds), and ones that attach to the catalytic converter, replacing the muffler and rear pipes, called a cat-back system.
If the converter is stock, and in the stock location, a cat-back system would be cheapest and easiest. If not, a dual system to connect to the stock manifolds would be easiest. This is in the context of a prefab system. If you knew a good muffler shop (not Midas, etc) they might well quote you a cheaper price for a custom dual system than for a prefabbed cat back.
Whatever you do, ignore any suggestions that involved headers. They just add expense and problems (leaks mainly, and noise), and aren't necessary for what you are doing.
So you wouldn't recommend Midas either. I've heard more than one person say Midas isn't the place to go. We have 2 other muffler shops in our area, which are privately owned. I haven't heard good or bad things about either of them.
Thanks for the advise, I will avoid suggestions involving headers, because the last thing we need is more expense or more problems than we're already going to be dealing with.
although headers right now may not be the right thing for you to do, good quality headers are not a problem. cheap-o pipes do warp/rust/cause problems, but there are SO many on the market you can fine trouble free ones. the benefits (large performance gain w/ the right combination) outweigh any 'trouble'.
Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
As a starter, you have three kinds of kits - Ones that attach to the stock manifolds, ones that attach to headers (aftermarket tube manifolds), and ones that attach to the catalytic converter, replacing the muffler and rear pipes, called a cat-back system.
If the converter is stock, and in the stock location, a cat-back system would be cheapest and easiest. If not, a dual system to connect to the stock manifolds would be easiest. This is in the context of a prefab system. If you knew a good muffler shop (not Midas, etc) they might well quote you a cheaper price for a custom dual system than for a prefabbed cat back.
Whatever you do, ignore any suggestions that involved headers. They just add expense and problems (leaks mainly, and noise), and aren't necessary for what you are doing.
So you wouldn't recommend Midas either. I've heard more than one person say Midas isn't the place to go. We have 2 other muffler shops in our area, which are privately owned. I haven't heard good or bad things about either of them.
Thanks for the advise, I will avoid suggestions involving headers, because the last thing we need is more expense or more problems than we're already going to be dealing with.
although headers right now may not be the right thing for you to do, good quality headers are not a problem. cheap-o pipes do warp/rust/cause problems, but there are SO many on the market you can fine trouble free ones. the benefits (large performance gain w/ the right combination) outweigh any 'trouble'.
When you go to any mechanic with this car see if his face lights up with positive memories etc. Some like their jobs and will think your car parked out front for the remainder of the day would be "good advertising". Others will be mad b/c they can't plug their computers in or parts take longer to show up/research. Skip them. I like your series of lists. Let them know the car will be a steady stream of work and they shouldn't try to oversell you off the bat.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
When you go to any mechanic with this car see if his face lights up with positive memories etc. Some like their jobs and will think your car parked out front for the remainder of the day would be "good advertising". Others will be mad b/c they can't plug their computers in or parts take longer to show up/research. Skip them. I like your series of lists. Let them know the car will be a steady stream of work and they shouldn't try to oversell you off the bat.
Very good advise, thank you!
When you go to any mechanic with this car see if his face lights up with positive memories etc. Some like their jobs and will think your car parked out front for the remainder of the day would be "good advertising". Others will be mad b/c they can't plug their computers in or parts take longer to show up/research. Skip them. I like your series of lists. Let them know the car will be a steady stream of work and they shouldn't try to oversell you off the bat.
Very good advise, thank you!
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Originally Posted By: oilboy123
I believe the intake manifold you have is a single plane type which won't give as good a vacuum for the power brakes to work as good as they should. The stock intake is a dual plane intake. Also as mentioned the car will not perform well with an intake that is not matched to the rest of the engine.
As mpvue mentioned it is not modified as much as messed with. Things need to be sorted out for the car to be functional and safe.
I just noticed that the left muffler support is welded straight to the frame which is not good. It looks like the muffler/extension pipe goes right under the driveshaft? The exhaust probably needs to be totally redone.
AFAIK, that's actually how the F-body exhaust was stock; single 3" down the centre near the DS.
As far as the manifold, the Performer RPM IS a dual-plane, just a "higher performance" version. It's not going to hurt performance, but won't add much with stock heads and cam.
I believe the intake manifold you have is a single plane type which won't give as good a vacuum for the power brakes to work as good as they should. The stock intake is a dual plane intake. Also as mentioned the car will not perform well with an intake that is not matched to the rest of the engine.
As mpvue mentioned it is not modified as much as messed with. Things need to be sorted out for the car to be functional and safe.
I just noticed that the left muffler support is welded straight to the frame which is not good. It looks like the muffler/extension pipe goes right under the driveshaft? The exhaust probably needs to be totally redone.
AFAIK, that's actually how the F-body exhaust was stock; single 3" down the centre near the DS.
As far as the manifold, the Performer RPM IS a dual-plane, just a "higher performance" version. It's not going to hurt performance, but won't add much with stock heads and cam.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
When you go to any mechanic with this car see if his face lights up with positive memories etc. Some like their jobs and will think your car parked out front for the remainder of the day would be "good advertising". Others will be mad b/c they can't plug their computers in or parts take longer to show up/research. Skip them. I like your series of lists. Let them know the car will be a steady stream of work and they shouldn't try to oversell you off the bat.
Becca (my daughter) and I just got home from dropping off the car at a garage. I don't think this guy has positive memories about anything. He was about as human as a fence posts. He was as cool and unfriendly as a cold fish. He didn't even bother to force himself to crack a half hearted smile and "Hello" when we walked in. I explained all my concerns about the car, but honestly, I got no comments at all until I finally said, "OK...so that's it...that's what we need you to look at." Then he mundanely said, "OK, i'll call you later in the day. Keys?" Gosh, I got the impression he hates his job.
The garage is changing the oil, which is the only way I can get a free estimate on the other things. Based on the owners attitude, no matter what the quotes are, we'll take it somewhere else. We need a garage where the head mechanic talks to his clients about their cars.
When you go to any mechanic with this car see if his face lights up with positive memories etc. Some like their jobs and will think your car parked out front for the remainder of the day would be "good advertising". Others will be mad b/c they can't plug their computers in or parts take longer to show up/research. Skip them. I like your series of lists. Let them know the car will be a steady stream of work and they shouldn't try to oversell you off the bat.
Becca (my daughter) and I just got home from dropping off the car at a garage. I don't think this guy has positive memories about anything. He was about as human as a fence posts. He was as cool and unfriendly as a cold fish. He didn't even bother to force himself to crack a half hearted smile and "Hello" when we walked in. I explained all my concerns about the car, but honestly, I got no comments at all until I finally said, "OK...so that's it...that's what we need you to look at." Then he mundanely said, "OK, i'll call you later in the day. Keys?" Gosh, I got the impression he hates his job.
The garage is changing the oil, which is the only way I can get a free estimate on the other things. Based on the owners attitude, no matter what the quotes are, we'll take it somewhere else. We need a garage where the head mechanic talks to his clients about their cars.
Last night in the automotive problem section I made a couple posts about a fuel line problem I was having, but for some reason I don't understand, they were deleted. The camaro wouldn't start last night, so we used jumper cables to charge it's battery from my Mustang's. Once it started I knew I needed to let it run for a few minutes to charge up. Too bad I didn't notice that fuel line I've complained about had broken completely off and gasoline was pumping out in a steady stream making a huge lake in my carport with a stream running down the sidewalk. :-(
My neighbor came to the rescue by jury rigging a temporary solution so I could get it to the garage this morning. It was too late to buy line at an auto parts store so he got some line off one of his old compressors and put it on there. Very much a temporary bandage just to get the car where it was going this morning. He's in his 70s and said he doesn't like crawling under cars in his old age, (especially not at 9pm in a dark carport on a plastic tarp thrown over spilled gasoline.) He wouldn't take money, so I owe him a lot of home made pies!
My neighbor came to the rescue by jury rigging a temporary solution so I could get it to the garage this morning. It was too late to buy line at an auto parts store so he got some line off one of his old compressors and put it on there. Very much a temporary bandage just to get the car where it was going this morning. He's in his 70s and said he doesn't like crawling under cars in his old age, (especially not at 9pm in a dark carport on a plastic tarp thrown over spilled gasoline.) He wouldn't take money, so I owe him a lot of home made pies!
Pies? You make homemade pies? I'll be right there to help with kids or cars.
Originally Posted By: Johnny
Pies? You make homemade pies? I'll be right there to help with kids or cars.
Yeah you bet I make pies. One of my hobbies is entering pies - LOTS of pies - in our county and state fair. I have over 200 blue ribbons under my belt (brag, brag)
Pies? You make homemade pies? I'll be right there to help with kids or cars.
Yeah you bet I make pies. One of my hobbies is entering pies - LOTS of pies - in our county and state fair. I have over 200 blue ribbons under my belt (brag, brag)
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