$50 for the solution to this problem. I

chromebumpers

solid fixture here in the forum
Staff member
$50 any way you want it, donate it, split it between 2 or more with workable solutions, it doesn't matter. I have a problem with the exhaust on the Cataline and I need someone to present a solution (the problem in a moment) without just throwing money at it, I can do that! I want it done so I can put it to bed and move on.

Pictures will show that there is presently an already intact working system that is ugly, very restrictive and has a very bad drone while cruising, it even sounds loud at idle.

Ideally I desire to clean up the look by balancing the dual exhaust, install an "X" pipe and 2 DynoMax VT-17156 mufflers and either copy what's there now going over the rear axle and straight up the sides of the gas tank to stopping at the bumper - or terminating the exhaust just behind the rear wheels. And last but not least, to improve upon what is there now I want the new work in 2.5" pipe.

I already have the 2 mufflers, VT-17156 in 2.5" I really want to use these mufflers. Although I came very close today, I haven't bought anything else yet.

You will see in the pictures - on the driver's side it's really a tight fit with the first pipe connected to the cast iron manifold and just within a fraction of an inch away from the starter motor. This pipe is less than 2" already.
I was planing on getting a down pipe set from Pypes though Summit (2.5" in size) 2 people, 1 from Pypes another from Summit state this down pipe fits.
Then with a Pypes "X" Kit and connecting the 2 mufflers on the X ends, and then having a shop fabricate a set of pipes looping up and over the rear axle using some straight pipe to the end all in 2.5" stainless steel.

The problem as I see it-
How can I get the exhaust pipe, AKA "The down pipe" in 2.5" fit when the non-OEM much smaller pipe is so close now to the stater?
 

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Try these. Look closely and you can see how I turned the front wheels and the drag link or idler arm (not sure if that's the right names) turns almost touching the pipe - perhaps just a 16th between the two.

I don't know if it can be seen but if you look a little higher a different sharper angle of the driver's side manifold exhaust pipe could put the pipe up higher above the steering and starter.
 

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first Id say , thank you for posting great pictures it helps people see what your dealing with
looking at the pictures heres what I see,


http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?attachments/image-jpg.6006/
rear trans mounts loose or partly un bolted?
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?attachments/image-jpg.6018/
looks a bit too close to starter?

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?attachments/image-jpg.6003/
sure looks like its vibrating against the rear floor sheet metal at times?

now it seems rather obvious that the previous owner had the current exhaust repaired at some point and older parts welded in place without much thought concerning the exhaust design.
ARE YOU going to instal/weld in the exhaust?
or are you looking for a bolt in deal?
do you own and or have access to a decent welder ? and are you willing to fabricate the exhaust?
 
Last edited:
$50 any way you want it, donate it, split it between 2 or more with workable solutions, it doesn't matter. I have a problem with the exhaust on the Cataline and I need someone to present a solution (the problem in a moment) without just throwing money at it, I can do that! I want it done so I can put it to bed and move on.

Pictures will show that there is presently an already intact working system that is ugly, very restrictive and has a very bad drone while cruising, it even sounds loud at idle.

Ideally I desire to clean up the look by balancing the dual exhaust, install an "X" pipe and 2 DynoMax VT-17156 mufflers and either copy what's there now going over the rear axle and straight up the sides of the gas tank to stopping at the bumper - or terminating the exhaust just behind the rear wheels. And last but not least, to improve upon what is there now I want the new work in 2.5" pipe.

I already have the 2 mufflers, VT-17156 in 2.5" I really want to use these mufflers. Although I came very close today, I haven't bought anything else yet.

You will see in the pictures - on the driver's side it's really a tight fit with the first pipe connected to the cast iron manifold and just within a fraction of an inch away from the starter motor. This pipe is less than 2" already.
I was planing on getting a down pipe set from Pypes though Summit (2.5" in size) 2 people, 1 from Pypes another from Summit state this down pipe fits.
Then with a Pypes "X" Kit and connecting the 2 mufflers on the X ends, and then having a shop fabricate a set of pipes looping up and over the rear axle using some straight pipe to the end all in 2.5" stainless steel.

The problem as I see it-
How can I get the exhaust pipe, AKA "The down pipe" in 2.5" fit when the non-OEM much smaller pipe is so close now to the stater?


Not factory setup, as you know. Came with a Y-Pipe from the cast iron manifolds to a single exhaust pipe that crossed over to passenger side of car. Look how it crosses under tranny pan.

Hard to change what you have now, as something will hit at the steering/starter/frame with larger pipe. I"ll sell you the Brooklyn Bridge, if you come get it, sells men attitude to get you to buy the larger pipe.

Carry the car to a muffler shop and see if they can make a new down pipe that turns up/sideways/over the steering arms and starter, without it costing you a fortune. If not, keep what you have,install x pipe, add mufflers and tail pipes to suit you looks. A car like this should have the pipes all the way out the rear. GOOD LUCK!!
 
I have the exhaust parts needed found.

Can't post now.
Driving to work in Chicago in my 87 C4 Vert.
 
I'd love to see in person how GM installed the original pipe!

I can take as many photos as needed just let me know!
Not factory setup, as you know. Came with a Y-Pipe from the cast iron manifolds to a single exhaust pipe that crossed over to passenger side of car. Look how it crosses under tranny pan.

Hard to change what you have now, as something will hit at the steering/starter/frame with larger pipe. I"ll sell you the Brooklyn Bridge, if you come get it, sells men attitude to get you to buy the larger pipe.

Carry the car to a muffler shop and see if they can make a new down pipe that turns up/sideways/over the steering arms and starter, without it costing you a fortune. If not, keep what you have,install x pipe, add mufflers and tail pipes to suit you looks. A car like this should have the pipes all the way out the rear. GOOD LUCK!!
.

Thank you T-Test, but I have too much proof that this car was born with dual exhaust. Going to a muffler shop is at the heart of the problem. I would get a piece that was crushed and squeezed at every bend, it would be so restrictive I could go to the local plumbing supply and put together steampipe and work just as well.

It's funny how things can be so tight on such a large car - how the hell could the set of headers from doug's ever get in there?
 
PS, I really don't like any idea of pounding the down pipe flat or spending $360 or more on a compact starter.

Wouldn't the current situation create a heat-sink with the exhaust right up to the starter?
 
first Id say , thank you for posting great pictures it helps people see what your dealing with
looking at the pictures heres what I see,


http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?attachments/image-jpg.6006/
rear trans mounts loose or partly un bolted?
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?attachments/image-jpg.6018/
looks a bit too close to starter?

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?attachments/image-jpg.6003/
sure looks like its vibrating against the rear floor sheet metal at times

now it seems rather obvious that the previous owner had the current exhaust repaired at some point and older parts welded in place without much thought concerning the exhaust design.
ARE YOU going to instal/weld in the exhaust?
or are you looking for a bolt in deal?
do you own and or have access to a decent welder ? and are you willing to fabricate the exhaust?

I did notice the Trans mount was funny looking and on an angle. There is a bolt running through it. It's next on the list to get checked.
The exhaust bump-up over the rear axle does look close, I'll have to check that out later today.

My original plans were to buy all the exhaust pipes in "Slip-In" ready condition, assemble and work out any adjustments myself. Since I'm trying to stay with a rolling/driving restoration never doing anything that would keep the car undrivable for more than a few days straight - I wanted to just clamp everything together until I'm all done working then I'll weld things together permanently (yes, I can MIG and to a lessor degree, TIG weld too) and I do have all the equipment.
If I need to replace a U joint or get to anything under the exhaust, I rather unbolt a section instead of wrestling with a 15 ft. Piece or have to cut out the "over the axle" section.
However now it's anyone's guess how this will play out.
 
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Your out of luck Richard.
The Company that made the Custom Dual 3" inch Exhaust for my 1970 T/A is gone. Out of business.
All mandrel bent to rear bumper .
Better than all on Corvettes anywhere.

Also did custom projects at times.

Its Fab like a Racecar from scratch.

No God Damn way I am adding a X-pipe to my TA.
Exhaust system works and highly prized by me.
 
If you want stock Non Long Branch Exhaust manifolds with 2-1/2 " inch outlets Dual exhaust layout.....

You need what I have put away.
1970 Pontiac 455 360 HP & 500 Ft/lb engine rated exhaust manifolds.
Mine are from my 1970 Bonneville Convetible 360 HP 455.
Will clear all on your 1968 Catalina Converibtle.

1970 Bonnie 455 exhaust manifolds hard to find crack free.
Mine are Mint.
Keeping them.
 
Can you locate parts for a fee? I don't mind paying a finders fee as long as it' not insane.
 
If you want stock Non Long Branch Exhaust manifolds with 2-1/2 " inch outlets Dual exhaust layout.....

You need what I have put away.
1970 Pontiac 455 360 HP & 500 Ft/lb engine rated exhaust manifolds.
Mine are from my 1970 Bonneville Convetible 360 HP 455.
Will clear all on your 1968 Catalina Converibtle.

1970 Bonnie 455 exhaust manifolds hard to find crack free.
Mine are Mint.
Keeping them.

I was told by the Pipe Master at Pypes Exhaust that the 1969 Firebird long branch (with the ram air III heads) has the driver's side manifold outlet is in the center and the passenger side outlet is on the back end. That's what I need.
 
I was told by the Pipe Master at Pypes Exhaust that the 1969 Firebird long branch (with the ram air III heads) has the driver's side manifold outlet is in the center and the passenger side outlet is on the back end. That's what I need.
The 1967-69 Firebird Long Branch Exhaust manifolds are marked as fitting.
They should.
I don't think your going to like the price to pay for them used or reproduction new.
And other Hardware required .

Right now only Vintage Mopar Muscle is more expensive.

Getting paid on a Forum ??? !
Only when I custom build Corvette IRS C3 & C4 Dana 44 rear diffs.
A couple of CS144 alternators.
1 Custom C4 Race Fuel Pump assembly.

Guys promise all.
Turn around and stick it to you.

Working on my own.
Working a day job too.
 
I take exception to that being said Brian. In the past I promised donations to this forum if someone helped me and they did and I sent my donation right here, I'm sure it can be seen and when I have the time I'll look it up. I sent money here and I sent stuff to people here that neither asked for it or had to pay for it Brian. If you don't have anything nice to say then please don't answer my posts just block me from your sight, otherwise you can be a friend and reap the benifits of being so.
 
I am tired of being abused and put down.
Especially on Digital Corvette.
I am done.
Had Enough.
Why should I put up with it?
Who would if they were me Richard.

I KNOW I AM THE BETTER MECHANIC THAN THOSE THAT CHOOSE TO DISS ME.
 
I am going to send back the 2 Pennsylvania license plates and the Clock to you Richard.
That way I don't owe you anything .

Obviously your not happy with my help and Pontiac expertise.
And You don't like the 1968 Catalina Convertible.
Your Not a Pontiac Guy.
Trust me
Dump and sell the Pontiac and move on.
 
Brian, I sent you that stuff as a friendly gesture and a very, very small token of my appreciation for your all your help. Sending back those items is just childish and the only winner is the post office for the fees back and fourth.

I don't know how you can draw any conclusion that I wasn't "Happy with your help or expertise."
And whether or not I like the Catalina has no bearing on if I'm a "Pontiac Guy"

You are obviously very talented and intelligent but there's more to life than racing Hellcats and Trans Ams with a big chip on your shoulders.
I've tried to be a friend but you're up one day and everybody's out to get you the next. Sometimes you come out of left field and I can't understand one word you're talking about like post 14, 15 and 16?
 
Brian, I sent you that stuff as a friendly gesture and a very, very small token of my appreciation for your all your help. Sending back those items is just childish and the only winner is the post office for the fees back and fourth.

I don't know how you can draw any conclusion that I wasn't "Happy with your help or expertise."
And whether or not I like the Catalina has no bearing on if I'm a "Pontiac Guy"

You are obviously very talented and intelligent but there's more to life than racing Hellcats and Trans Ams with a big chip on your shoulders.
I've tried to be a friend but you're up one day and everybody's out to get you the next. Sometimes you come out of left field and I can't understand one word you're talking about like post 14, 15 and 16?
Lets Get This Straight.
I am among the Best In the World.
I am not around to be everyones foot stool.
Drag Racing is back in.
Its My Trans Am don't ever forget.

Not A Single Person on the Old Guard appreciates anything I do in Tech.
Next Day Slam me down.

I am done .

I can leave this site too.
 
Man this escalated quickly....:oops:

I'm not even sure what you guys are arguing about... But, for sure forum posts must be the next to worst way to have a meaningful discussion, only after texting.. It looks like a misunderstanding... But then maybe I'm misunderstanding..... :rolleyes:

Relax and talk about cars guys :D
 
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