I believe I'm going to install this complete system (2-1/2 inch dual exhaust) on my '79 Camaro. I do have long tube headers so it should bolt right up. My questions are:

This kit is listed as being for 1970 to 1973 Camaros. I'm sure this year limitation is for emissions and it will fit my '79 , correct?

2. Who do you guys think would have the best price. Summit has it for $359.

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2000 Corvette hardtop black, 6 speed, Halltech Tric cold air intake w/nylon MAF ends, Corsa Touring cat back exhaust w/pro tips, Taylor wires, 1/4 mile: 12.918 @ 111.29 mph on stock EMT's 330 rwhp, 342 rwt on MTI's dyno, 3075 lbs

79 Camaro 355 CID, Edelbrock intake, Edelbrock 600 cfm carb, Edelbrock performer 64 cc alum cyl heads, comp cams extreme energy 262 cam, erson roller rockers, hooker headers, Mallory Comp 9000, 3.42 posi, 700R4 rebuilt w/ B&M kit, 2400 stall converter w/ TCI lockup kit, energy suspension f.e. rebuild, 1-1/4 front sway bar, 5/8 rear bar

67 Camaro, 327 w/ a 'glide , waiting on "funding"

pricewise i can´t help you.. but i am running long tube headers plus an american thunder flowmaster system and it´s fits like a charm on my ´77.

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"Son, a woman is like a beer. They smell good, they look good, you'd step over your own mother just to get one! But you can't stop at one. You wanna drink another woman!" - Homer J. Simpson

1977 Camaro Sports Coupe (http://home.zonnet.nl/ksstone)

Which one are you using, the true dual exhaust or the one muffler with dual inlet/outlet? The 70-73 is for cars that did not come with catalitic converters. Using them on later years could violate local emmission laws if you remove the cats.

I looked around alot, and Summit had the best price I could find. I don't think you should have any "fit" problems. You will not use the stock hanger mounts for the tailpipes. Flowmaster tailpipe mountings are included in the hardware. Just drill new holes and you're good to go.

When you go from the collector to the exhaust pipe, do you reduce it right at the collector or at the muffler? How about just running 3" pipes to a 3" inlet with 2 1/2 outlets? Too loud?

I have the Flowmaster American Thunder System on my '74 and it fit perfect. I know it says 70-73, but it fits any 2nd gen. You will love the stainless tips. At idle with my 268H cam it sounds like a big block. Very little resonance at cruise and sounds killer when you open it up. I got mine from Summit for $349 plus a few extra $ cause of the extra shipping weight.

Thanks guys. I figured it would fit. I just wanted to be sure. I was pretty sure some of you with 74+ models had installed this system. My current system is actually pretty good. It's stainless steel and I bought it from J.C. Whitney 10 years ago and it's solid. But it's 2-1/4 , true duals w/ 2 mufflers and they fit just fine. But the mufflers are starting to leak and I really love the way the tailpipes on the American Thunder system look. Plus, I will gain by going w/ the 2-1/2 in system and the included crossover I'll go ahead and buy from Summit....seems like I keep them in business.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by theflash:
Which one are you using, the true dual exhaust or the one muffler with dual inlet/outlet? The 70-73 is for cars that did not come with catalitic converters. Using them on later years could violate local emmission laws if you remove the cats.</font>

i´ve got the true duals.. and i love´m.. fortunatly no emissions probs here for my car..

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"Son, a woman is like a beer. They smell good, they look good, you'd step over your own mother just to get one! But you can't stop at one. You wanna drink another woman!" - Homer J. Simpson

1977 Camaro Sports Coupe (http://home.zonnet.nl/ksstone)

Charlie, are you the one that posted the vid clip of your car a few months back? That car sounded awesome! I have the Flowmaster AT with the one muffler, and it sounds ok, but not as good as true duals.

I'll be getting the true dual set up system # 17149. I assume that one comes with the 50 series mufflers, correct? The 40 series are the ones that are much louder, correct?

And thanks Jeff81 for the info on the hangers. I was pretty sure it came with all the clips but it's good to know for certain. I wanted to be able to install it myself and based on your post, it will be no problem for me.

Did you guys get yours welded up afterwards or just stay with the clamps? I never did get my current clamp together system welded. It has some very slight leaks that you could not hear or "feel" but I can tell they leak by the stain marks around some of the joints.

One more question: I assume aluminized steel lasts almost as long as stainless steel. What are your opinions / experiences with aluminized steel?

Thanks guys. This board is a wonderful source of valuable info!!

Yes, the 17149 comes with 50 series mufflers. Its hard to beat aluminized exhaust systems anymore unless you go with 100% stainless. They have great corrosion resistance and usually keep their color for quite a while.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by need-for-speed:
[B]Did you guys get yours welded up afterwards or just stay with the clamps? I never did get my current clamp together system welded. It has some very slight leaks that you could not hear or "feel" but I can tell they leak by the stain marks around some of the joints.

One more question: I assume aluminized steel lasts almost as long as stainless steel. What are your opinions / experiences with aluminized steel?
B]</font>

I welded mine together, except right behind the mufflers, in case I want to remove the whole system. I used stainless band clamps there so the pipes don't get crimped. I'm thinking of getting 2 more sets of these...http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/c-10101/s-10101/p-175915/mediaCode-ZX/appId-384972 because the clamps leak a little. I did install the flanges in front of the mufflers so I can remove the crossover pipe to get to the trans & clutch without too much trouble.

Another trick that I didn't have much faith in has really surprised me. My pipes & mufflers were starting to get discolored, so I coated them with anti-sieze as I had read about here before. The system now looks as good as the day I installed it.

I like the exhaust system.
What kind of headers can I use with this, I have a manual trans?

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by slow80sc:
I like the exhaust system.
What kind of headers can I use with this, I have a manual trans?</font>
I believe most long tube headers with 3 inch collectors will probably work with this system. I have hooker super competition headers and the mail order bolt together system I bought over 10 years ago fit just right with that system and I expect the Flowmaster system will work the same.

Thanks for the info N-memory and zeebad.



[This message has been edited by need-for-speed (edited November 25, 2004).]

does flowmaster sell a kit with cats that would fit a 78? i have tough emission laws, the guy who does all my inspections doesnt like to cheat.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 78ltmaro:
does flowmaster sell a kit with cats that would fit a 78? i have tough emission laws, the guy who does all my inspections doesnt like to cheat. </font>
They will have a cat back style system. I went to this site:http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/performance/index.php?brand=flowmaster&brand_part=exhaust_system&brand_make=cv&brand_model=camaro&brand_year=1972

that is their cat back verion. Scary thing is they show the same part number (17149) that Flowmaster shows on their website for the true dual system ??? WTF ??? We'll have to very careful when ordering from Summit to be sure that we get the system we think we're getting.
While you're at it, you may want to throw in a new high flow catalytic converter from someone like : http://www.xtremeflow.com/catalyticconverters.htm . I believe there is a more popular one w/ a brand name like Random Flow Technology but I could not find them w/ an internet search.

Go to: http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/cgi-bin/flowmaster and type in American Thunder exhaust sytem in the search bar and have a look or call them up and talk to them.



[This message has been edited by need-for-speed (edited November 26, 2004).]

Well I bit the bullet and ordered the AT system (p/n 17149) today. Any words of wisdom for the install would be appreciated. thks.

I basically have the AT system. Fit great!

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by need-for-speed:
Well I bit the bullet and ordered the AT system (p/n 17149) today. Any words of wisdom for the install would be appreciated. thks. </font>

I just had to do some minor bending on the hanger rods to get the tailpipes to fit correctly and for clearance of the tips out back. Other than that it was easy to install. Welded it up except the tailpipes for removal if needed. Sounds awesome.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 468RAT:
I just had to do some minor bending on the hanger rods to get the tailpipes to fit correctly and for clearance of the tips out back. Other than that it was easy to install. Welded it up except the tailpipes for removal if needed. Sounds awesome.</font>


Yes it does fit kinda high, but the sound is worth it. You can tweak it if you need to. My Camaro system fit fine, but the Mustang system fit high, like touching the bumper high. You can heat the hangers to bend them or put a pipe on them for leverage and bend them if you don't have a torch. Otherwise the fit and quality is great!

Great feedback guys ! I do appreciate it. I can't wait to put them on. I have been in love with those tailpipes since they came out. A couple of questions:

1.Did y'all have to trim off any length from the intermediate pipes, or any of the pipe sections?

2. Did you have to add any brackets (mount to the body) to attach the "wire style" hangers to?

3. If so, did those brackets come with the kit?

thanks.

Anyone able to answer my questions? Thanks.

My '80 is a 4sp car and I used full-length headers and the American Thunder exhaust. The only "custom" fiting I had to do was move the clutch return spring hole on the frame a few inches. Once everything is installed you'll easily see what I mean. 2 minutes with a drill fixed the problem.

The headers are the Competition Series by Hooker. The fit is tight on the passenger side (I have AC) but everything fits. Hooker has a specific application for 4sp cars. Jet Hot sometimes has them in stock, coated.

Be prepared for a VERY loud exhaust. Mine sounds pretty mean and I only have a XE262 cam. If you are a little noise-sensitive, or have concerns about annoying the neighbors, this is not the exhaust for you. Luckily my neighbors can be bought off with a few blasts up and down the highway every Summer! The kids like the noise, too.

The whole system, including headers, went in in under a weekend with the help of my mechanic father-in-law. You will have to do a little fitting, cutting, and welding for the collectors.

If you must have cats, you'd have to use the compacts ones and squeeze them in right before or after the X-pipe. There isn't much room though.

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355 cid; World S/R Torquer heads; 9.3:1 Flattop hyper's; Comp XE262H; Weiand A+ intake; SMI custom Q-Jet; B.W. ST-10 4sp; Centerforce D/F clutch; Hurst Comp. Plus shifter; 3.08 posi; Flowmaster American Thunder exhaust w/ Jet Hot coated Hooker Comp's.

[This message has been edited by Mitch'80Z (edited February 23, 2005).]

Thanks Mitch. Well we have a couple of things in common. My headers are Hooker Super Competition long tube headers and I also have an XE262 Cam! I won't have the clutch spring problem because I have a 700R4.

Yes, I have had fun installing the headers. I have a working A/C system as well and that last header bolt is a beotch and clearance at the evap core box is about .050 inch ! Just my luck, I've had to remove then more than once over the years....once to replace the crappy gaskets w/ the metal reinforced ones, once when I installed my Edelbrock heads, and once I had to remove the passenger side header to get at the tranny cooling lines when I installed the 700R4 ....of course it couldn't have been the driver's side.

I have installed a bolt together system on the car before so I do have some experience at that. But with that system, the intermediate pipes were too long and I had to trim about 4 inches off of them. It sounds like that won't be necessary with the AT system.

With the collectors, did you have to weld them on? I'm hoping they're made to clamp on so I can do the install. After completion, I'll go have all the joints welded up and remove the clamps. I'm o.k. with the sound level. I've heard JethroZ28's several times. As far as cats.......we don't need no stink'in cats!! http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif Thanks for the tips.

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2000 Corvette hardtop black, 6 speed, Halltech Tric cold air intake w/nylon MAF ends, Corsa Touring cat back exhaust w/pro tips, Taylor wires, 1/4 mile: 12.918 @ 111.29 mph on stock EMT's 330 rwhp, 342 rwt on MTI's dyno, 3075 lbs

79 Camaro 355 CID, Edelbrock intake, Edelbrock 600 cfm carb, Edelbrock performer 64 cc alum cyl heads, comp cams extreme energy 262 cam, erson roller rockers, hooker headers, Mallory Comp 9000, 3.42 posi, 700R4 rebuilt w/ B&M kit, 2400 stall converter w/ TCI lockup kit, energy suspension f.e. rebuild, 1-1/4 front sway bar, 5/8 rear bar

67 Camaro, 327 w/ a 'glide , waiting on "funding"

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by need-for-speed:
Great feedback guys ! I do appreciate it. I can't wait to put them on. I have been in love with those tailpipes since they came out. A couple of questions:

1.Did y'all have to trim off any length from the intermediate pipes, or any of the pipe sections?

2. Did you have to add any brackets (mount to the body) to attach the "wire style" hangers to?

3. If so, did those brackets come with the kit?

thanks.</font>

Yup You trim the pipes to fit your set up.Put the system in and the last thing you do is trim the pipes to lentgh. The hangers in the rear frame rails went in the factory holes and the hangers for in front of the axle need to be drilled and mounted per the instructions. Piece of cake. Did it in my garage by myself, minimal cursing needed to install.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by need-for-speed:
Anyone able to answer my questions? Thanks.</font>

Yes everything you need is in the kit. Hangers, clamps and good instructions on where to place hangers and how to mount etc. I had no trouble. Was impressed with the whole chingas damingas , or what ever he said. LOVE THE SOUND.... IDLE OR ON THE GAS !!!!!!!!

Thanks for the info RAT! Yeah, I decided to put in the exhaust before I install the new carpet, just in case I need access to drill the holes for the brackets that go in front of the axle.

It's good to know that I won't have to scrounge for any brackets or hangers http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif

Glad to hear the chingaderas will be minimized http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif

Yes, I do love that sound and can't wait !!

[This message has been edited by need-for-speed (edited February 23, 2005).]

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by need-for-speed:
Thanks for the info RAT! Yeah, I decided to put in the exhaust before I install the new carpet, just in case I need access to drill the holes for the brackets that go in front of the axle.

It's good to know that I won't have to scrounge for any brackets or hangers http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif

Glad to hear the chingaderas will be minimized http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif

Yes, I do love that sound and can't wait !!

[This message has been edited by need-for-speed (edited February 23, 2005).]</font>

The only interior work was to pull the back seat bottoms out per instructions to access the hanger bolts I had to drill holes for. Just stare at the instructional pictures enough and alittle lookin here and there you will figure it out.

Here's what the 2 50 series AT sound's like.

http://www.mass-pc.com/hosted/hotrod2.mpg

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by mulsane71z:
Here's what the 2 50 series AT sound's like.

http://www.mass-pc.com/hosted/hotrod2.mpg</font>


Sounds awesome !! Come on give us more. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif Rev that baby up a little.

[This message has been edited by pantera72 (edited February 24, 2005).]

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 468RAT:
The only interior work was to pull the back seat bottoms out per instructions to access the hanger bolts I had to drill holes for. Just stare at the instructional pictures enough and alittle lookin here and there you will figure it out.</font>

Thanks. That makes sense and the pic / diagram looks pretty easy to follow. I have the interior out (for painting) so that part will be easier and I won't have to be so careful working on the inside.

Guess what was on my porch when I got home !!!!

Did y'all have to install the header flange on the reducer at an angle as described in the instructions, or were you able to just slip it squarely on the end and weld it? I can't weld so I can't really tack it in place. I was just planning to take the reducer and flange to work to get it welded on if it goes on square. Thanks for all of the tips guys. The instructions look pretty straightforword and I don't think I'll have to bug y'all anymore (other than knowing about the flange on the reducer ).

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by mulsane71z:
[B]Here's what the 2 50 series AT sound's like. </font>

That sound arouses me. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif That's one fine looking engine compartment !!






[This message has been edited by need-for-speed (edited February 24, 2005).]