Cross-flow muffler?

[MaxHarvard]

I'm looking at upgrading the exhaust on my 68 Camaro and was thinking of this kit.

Anyone have any experience with it or opinions about the single muffler as opposed to dual muffler idea?


# American Thunder Exhaust System
1967-74 Camaro/Firebird except convertible #
2.5" pipe from X-member back #
Dual rear exit #
80-series Crossflow muffler #
H-pipe and hardware included 389-17104K


http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/389-17104K.jpg

[XcYZ]

I don't know that I've ever seen a 1st Gen with that Flowmaster crossflow kit on it. I wonder what it sounds like? Not that it matters, but I see that the picture doesn't match the description as it says X-pipe but shows an H-pipe.

[HAULNSS]

I don't know that I've ever seen a 1st Gen with that Flowmaster crossflow kit on it. I wonder what it sounds like? Not that it matters, but I see that the picture doesn't match the description as it says X-pipe but shows an H-pipe.


Scott,
Put on the bifocals. ;)

It says X-member, not X-pipe. The last line in the description states H-pipe.


I wonder what the inside of that crossflow muffler looks like? Some of them are pretty restrictive.

Randy

[XcYZ]

Scott,
Put on the bifocals. ;)

It says X-member, not X-pipe. The last line in the description states H-pipe.

Doh! :_paranoid :lol:

[takid455]

the new cross flow mufflers are straight through packed style. not the chamber type (Flowmaster, Spintech, ect). I installed Pypes 2.5" X system on my 74 about 500 miles ago. I am told that performance vs. a chamber type is very close. system is quiet IMO. I think 50 series flowmasters are mild for reference. Fit is very good. I odered mine through BSM exhaust in MA. good price.

[Ummgawa]

My 74 Z has the set up here. Runs great and sounds great also.

[MaxHarvard]

Hey Ummgawa, long time no chat! :)

Thanks for the opinions guys. I like the look of the single muffler as it tucks up into the stock location and hides out of the way, which was my main objective.

Right now, i just have two giant testicles hanging in front of my rear for exhaust :unibrow:

[Ummgawa]

Indeed. Haven't seen you on the boards much, how's it all going?

[MaxHarvard]

Indeed. Haven't seen you on the boards much, how's it all going?

Not bad, not bad. Just still doing my thing, changed careers and got a masters degree... blah blah...

How's you?

[MaxHarvard]

Pipes done, here's some pics (NOTE: Click photo for larger image)

I really do have to say a big thank you to Tom Fuehrer (on this board). He helped me all day long and didn't complain once. He let me use his lift and his tools to complete the job.

This system was designed with a stock Muncie or TH350/400 in mind. The system was not designed with a T56, that has a 6-8 inch difference in overall length, hence the H-pipe clearance issue. Other than that, this system is quite simple to install and pretty self explanatory.

Pipe needs a bit of persuasion.

http://img194.imagevenue.com/loc260/th_11579_P5090211_122_260lo.jpg (http://img194.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11579_P5090211_122_260lo.jpg)

Drive shaft clearance with 'persuasion'.

http://img239.imagevenue.com/loc63/th_11580_P5090212127_122_63lo.jpg (http://img239.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11580_P5090212127_122_63lo.jpg)

Old vs. new system

http://img242.imagevenue.com/loc224/th_11581_P5080201_122_224lo.jpg (http://img242.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11581_P5080201_122_224lo.jpg)

Mock Up.

http://img142.imagevenue.com/loc715/th_11582_P5080203_122_715lo.jpg (http://img142.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11582_P5080203_122_715lo.jpg)

Cleaning up the pipe ends after chop saw.

http://img24.imagevenue.com/loc718/th_11582_P5080204_122_718lo.jpg (http://img24.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11582_P5080204_122_718lo.jpg)

More mock up.

http://img202.imagevenue.com/loc380/th_11587_P5080205_122_380lo.jpg (http://img202.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11587_P5080205_122_380lo.jpg)

Rear of car with new single muffler tucked up high.

http://img120.imagevenue.com/loc830/th_11588_P5090207_122_830lo.jpg (http://img120.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11588_P5090207_122_830lo.jpg)


I present you with: Max being a complete dumbass!

http://img14.imagevenue.com/loc1153/th_11593_P5090208_122_1153lo.jpg (http://img14.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11593_P5090208_122_1153lo.jpg)

System Done.

http://img225.imagevenue.com/loc256/th_11598_P5090210_122_256lo.jpg (http://img225.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11598_P5090210_122_256lo.jpg)

[HAULNSS]

No sound clips? :willy:


How about a pic or two that shows the tailpipes from the side and the rear? ;)

Randy

[Rick Dorion]

How do you like it? Nice post!

[MaxHarvard]

No sound clips? :willy:


How about a pic or two that shows the tailpipes from the side and the rear? ;)

Randy

Sound clips coming. There are no tail pipes, look at the side shot, the tail pipe dumps right after the rear tire.

How do you like it? Nice post!

It's a hell of a lot better than before, really bassy and progressive intensity when you get on it. :unibrow:

[HAULNSS]

Sound clips coming. There are no tail pipes, look at the side shot, the tail pipe dumps right after the rear tire.


Gotcha. In the one pic with the system laid out, it shows the tail pipes that go horizontal and end under the bumper. That was what I thought you were going to run.

http://img242.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-5342/loc224/11581_P5080201_122_224lo.jpg

Very few 1st gens seem to pull off those tail pipes well. That's why I wanted to see a pic. ;)


http://img120.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-12047/loc830/11588_P5090207_122_830lo.jpg


I like the look of the pipes pointing down right behind the wheels. :thumbsup: Good call.


Randy

[Tom Fuehrer]

Hi Eric - it was actually fun helping with the exhaust. Your Camaro was way over-due for a good exhaust system

Too bad my lift isn't a wee-bit higher. I hope your concussion is a mild one :-)

Tom

[71RS/SS396]

I'm looking at upgrading the exhaust on my 68 Camaro and was thinking of this kit.

Anyone have any experience with it or opinions about the single muffler as opposed to dual muffler idea?


# American Thunder Exhaust System
1967-74 Camaro/Firebird except convertible #
2.5" pipe from X-member back #
Dual rear exit #
80-series Crossflow muffler #
H-pipe and hardware included 389-17104K


http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/389-17104K.jpg

I have this set-up on my second gen it sounds great ( Flowmaster like the sound so much they gave their pick at Goodguys ) the only complaint I have with it is it 's so close to the fuel tank that it heats up the fuel and causes some vapor lock issues when stuck idling in traffic so I wrapped the muffler with DEI heat blanket and it seems to have stopped that issue but that crap is pricey ( over $100 for a 24"x30" sheet ).

[Teetoe_Jones]

i've done an install of one of those type of mufflers before onto a really low 67 Camaro convertible.

We used a 3" dual inlet/outlet Magnaflow crossflow type muffler, Dr.Gas oval tubing, and some electric cutouts. It was the best sounding car I've ever heard.

http://i42.tinypic.com/24o64vt.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/43sy9.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/1hw7te.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2psromd.jpg

Shoot. I just realized we never took pic of the crossflow muffler back there. We put it between the gas tank and rear end, and then the pipes exited near the 1/4 panels by the rear leaf springs.

Anyways, wish I had a sound file of it too, it was so wicked sounding.

Tyler

[Teetoe_Jones]

Wait, found a pic of part of the muffler. :-)

http://i39.tinypic.com/un6z9.jpg

Good way to create ground clearance for low cars. We gained 2 inches by ditching the 3" round/Flowmaster setup to the oval tubing and Magnaflow.

Tyler

[tgvettes]

Does anyone know if that oval tubing is available in stainless somewhere? Dr Gas only do mild still I guess.


Tonny

[jst8a5.0]

I really hate to be the guy with the bad review, BUT my dad has a 69 firebird with 455 and i have a 74 Ventura and we bought flowmaster exhausts at the same time. I have a 400 with comparable mods. I got the system with the two 40 series and he got the crossflow. Almost on a daily basis, I would get run off the road by someone telling me how much they liked my exhaust note. On the other hand, my dad was almost embarrassed by the sound his made. Both cars have headers and 2.5" pipes. As soon as he switched to 3" and magnaflows, he had a lot more power and better sound. His car runs 11.18 and looks nearly stock. Maybe just doesn't sound good on Pontiacs? Oh and fit was great, though. Plenty of ground clearance.

[MaxHarvard]

I really hate to be the guy with the bad review, BUT my dad has a 69 firebird with 455 and i have a 74 Ventura and we bought flowmaster exhausts at the same time. I have a 400 with comparable mods. I got the system with the two 40 series and he got the crossflow. Almost on a daily basis, I would get run off the road by someone telling me how much they liked my exhaust note. On the other hand, my dad was almost embarrassed by the sound his made. Both cars have headers and 2.5" pipes. As soon as he switched to 3" and magnaflows, he had a lot more power and better sound. His car runs 11.18 and looks nearly stock. Maybe just doesn't sound good on Pontiacs? Oh and fit was great, though. Plenty of ground clearance.


It's weird about the sound of exhaust... Some people will turn to me and say that certain sounds are awesome but to me the sound is terrible.

I guess it's subjective :cheers:

~Eric

[Tinker]

Hope I am not too late, or maybe someone else may benefit from this. I used to have the flowmaster kit like yours installed on my '69 Firebird. The car had a 462 w/ .528 lift cam and decent compression. When I bought the system I was told it was good for 400 horse. The kit fits nice and neat under the car, sounds like your typical flowmaster and I was pleased. As far as performance, my car lacked the power I was expecting, so one day I removed the exhaust and ran open headers. WOW, the car came alive and it was like hitting a nitrous button. One more call to tech line and then I was told the exhaust probably starts hurting power at 250 hp level. So if you have a mild engine, the kit is clean and sounds nice. If your looking for true performance, stick with the duals. By the way I went with 3" true duals w/ flowmasters and the car really rocks now.

[BritishGreen68]

I have the system on my 68 with built 350, sounds absolutely awesome. I get compliments all the time. I dont know how restrictive it is but i think its worth a little backpressure for the sound, it doesn't sound quite like the normal FM's, slightly quieter but just has this cool tone, ive never heard another exhaust even flowmaster stuff that sounds just like it. Im putting in a way built 408 small block right now that should probably have a 3" system but im going to use it anyway, really thats how good it is lol... just my opinion of it.. i actually have a bunch of video of it and me going down the 1/4 but i have no way to get it on my computer..:rolleyes: