I'm looking for exhaust pipes for my 71 GS 455 with stock exhaust manifolds. Does anyone know of a supplier or does anyone here have a new set? Thanks Harvey
Gardner, Torque Tech, and TA. The only ones with correct tailpipe cuts that I have seen are Gardner and TA.
Exhaust systems ........and here's the other http://www.gardnerexhaust.com/middle.html Have fun! (And turn down your speakers)
I just had a TT system put on my 72 with 455 and cast manifolds. It fit very nicely. They are very nice people to deal with as well. I can't say for the other 2 companies, and have never heard bad about thier exaust systems. I figured I would let you know that TT definately has a good product. And they will give a discount for Buick stuff. At least they knocked about 10% off of my cost. Maybe for V8BUICK people. Mike
I checked out these three suppliers and it seems that Gardner is the only one with one piece head pipes. From what I gather the others supply separate turn downs from the manifolds to the header kit. I'm tempted to order from Gardner for this reason. The complete kit including mufflers, clamps, hangers and N25 tailpipes is $535.00 plus shipping. I talked to Tom Gardner and he said he and his son have 3 GS 455's so they know. Thanks Harvey
So they are one piece from the manifold to the muffler, right? Any type of crossover? Who makes the mufflers? What are you after, performance, sound or originality? What size pipe?
Harvey Check again. I am pretty sure that is not correct. I have installed a TT set and I think they have them and they are listed on their site. Gardner makes originals but I recall they are not mandrel bent as the originals were not. Since they originally were 2 1/4 inch I presume that is their diameter . Perhaps they sell 2.5 inch too? Both TA and TT are mandrel bent but of the two only TA has the correct cut on the tips which are parallel to the ground.
What am I after???? Basically just a new exhaust system that is loud enough to say "Here comes a performance Buick" but not so loud you can't year yourself think. Gardner said because the N25 comes with 2 1/4" tailpipes they will only make the exhaust system in the original size. He said the mufflers are custom made for them and they look like originals. I will check with TT again and ask them about their system. Thanks for your input! Harvey
I really like my set up in my convertible. TA down to Dr gas X into Dynomax mufflers and out TA pipes. Pretty tame over all. Loudest at about 45mph. Cruising on the freeway it is VERY quiet. Decent rumble at idle. I think it was about $500.
Thanks for your input. I made a decision and ordered my pipes from TT this morning. I phoned them and they have the proper custom made head and tail pipes. The head pipes are in two pieces for convenience of shipping. They also give Buick enthusiasts a 12% discount which was almost enough to pay for the shipping. :beer Parts were in stock and will be shipped tomorrow. Excellent service so far. If the parts are nearly as good as the service I'll be one happy boy. Harvey
No worries - you'll be a happy boy Are the down pipes/head pipes separate (2 pieces), or are they one piece? I guess my question is... Do the down pipes go from the exhaust manifolds to the mufflers?
Marco, The head pipes are in two pieces and they go from manifold to muffler. The tail pipes are one piece. The kit price also includes all the clamps and hangers but not hanger set up for the N25 bumper. All of my N25 stuff is good anyway so that's not an issue. I bought the 2 1/2 inch kit because of the tailpipes matching up with the N25 exhaust tips. I'll let everyone know how they look when I get them. Harvey
Harvey, You will be very pleased with your TT system. I just had mine put on and it fit very well. The shop I had put it on said it went quite easy. Easy enough to charge me only $50 bucks to weld it all up. I was even happier with that part, trust me... It sounds very nice, I got the X system with the longer Dynamax's. Awesome mild rumble that is very serious sounding when accelerating. My buddy told me it sounded serious when driving away. I am curious how your N25 stuff will go. I have a 72 N25 bumper sitting next to my garage, awaiting the day to send it off to have it done up. I would like some info on how you are going to connect to the exaust and go thru the bumper. Any line on tips? I thought someone was making some, I would like to have some made as well... Thanks for any tips you can share. Mike
Keith at TT said that the straight tailpipes will work with the existing N25 bumper and hangers. I'll find out when they arrive and let you know how easy/difficult it was. I'm glad to hear there is such good response to TT products. Harvey
My pipes arrived from TT on Friday. I haven't tried to install yet because my engine is still out of the car. However, the pipes look great. Very nice fit and workmanship. However, the proof will be how easy they are to install. Will keep you posted. Harvey
