Hello all, I am new to this site--I am looking for a kit to replace an exhaust system on a 1968 Firebird convertible with original 400 engine and manifolds. I see that flowmaster sells a complete kit but they say it won't fit the convertible model. Does anyone know where I could buy such a kit? Thanks!

Hey, Welcome to this site. You can get a lot of good help here, I have. I put dual exhaust on my 69 convertible by a custom shop, just over $500 and I did not have to put it on. If you do buy the flowmaster kit I think you can put spacers under the bolts that hold the x-pan on, that is where I believe the clearence problem is. Pete

I will be in the market for a complete system myself for my '67. I have been hearing good feedback on the "Pypes" systems from Performance Years.

As far as clearance issues on the "x" pan on a convertible - I have heard that "X" crossovers (as opposed to the old "H" style) can cause problems along with larger diameter (2.5 or 3 inch systems). Check out the web site below.

Pypes

I am going to do exhaust on my 67 vert this winter, replacing headers with long branch cast iron. I'm also going to replace the missing X brace. I looked at the Pypes site and they sell aluminum spacers to you can supposedly fit the 2 1/2" X-pipe with the x-brace. I would rather find exhaust that will fit the stock config. Another place to look is Gardner at:

http://www.gardnerexhaust.com/homepage.html

Try NAPA. They may still carry pipes and mufflers. Also have 68 conv. 400, with original manifolds. Pipes and muffs came from NAPA 15 years ago. http://community.webshots.com/user/breakopen1

I also would give your local custom muffler shops a shot..not the big chain type places but check around for an independant shop that has established a good reputation. Tell em what your tryin to accomplish, they should be able to bend the pipe like the originals and also use the factory hanger locations.

Dave

I should have added that I bought long branch exhaust manifolds, so they removed entire exhaust and installed new one from the block back. They are a small local shop and also race modified cars. They dyno all their motors, X-pipe is the best but would not fit on my car. Mine has an H-pipe and I am very happy. All welded and new hangers, real sweet! I don't think I would have enjoyed putting it on myself if I did buy the kit. Pete

custom made pipes are also generally a thicker guage steel than pre-bent shelf bought.

Previous owner installed dual straight 2.5 " pipes on mine w glasspaks....not loud and very close to body , no dragging any mufflers...and at the tail I installed the dual chrome tail pipe extensions from early 70`s t/a ...bought at EBay for $100...
some people say they hate glasspaks , but these are not loud , just a good V8 rumble...you cannot hear mine next to some other birds..

I would just like to say how happy I am to have stumbled across this website. I just posted this question yesterday and I received some very helpful and informative answers. Thank you all very much! The restoration of my 68 Firebird will be a lengthy one I'm sure, but I look forward to the challenge. It's nice to know that an online community exists that cherishes the first gen Firebirds as much as I do. Most people whom I talk to about my car tilt their head to the side and say, huh? They just don't understand what it feels like to get behind the wheel of a first generation Firebird and sight your eye down the sexy lines of its long hood as you head out on the street. These cars are arguably, the coolest cars ever made. Thanks again all!

Troy

Congrats, and welcome to the list Troy!

As many have mentioned, you have a few options...

One, go totally stock replacement, with no cross over at all and you should be able to find a set up like that from Ames, Classic, Performance Years, Year One etc...

Or go with an aftermarket set up such as Pypes, Flowmaster etc. and modify as needed.

Or, buy the mufflers you want/like on line (save some coin?) and take them to a local shop that specializes in work like this, and get them to make you the system you want.

I have a 67 Vert, with a 455, headers with 3" collectors into 2.5" pipes, with an "H" crossover, under the "X" pan brace into dual flowmasters and out...

I have pictures I could send you of the "H" crossover if you'd like to see em...

I've had no problem with my system at all... the collector flange scrapes now and then... but otherwise, it's great!

Keep us posted!

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!
brett@cisdirect.com