Back in the 60s-early 70s, some of the Hi-perf SB equiped cars (ie L79) came with 2 1/2in exhaust pipe which was reduced down to fit the 2in outlet of the SB manifolds.
Now I can have my local muffler shop make up a set of 2 1/2in front pipes with a short 2in piece WELDED onto the end, but I don't want that.
At one time you could buy replacement 2 1/2in front pipe with the end reduced down to fit the 2in manifold outlet, all in one piece. Anyone know if there is replacement pipe like this still available?

Why am I interested????
'Cause I'm giving SERIOUS consideration to removing the headers on the 70 and installing a pair of log manifolds--------------------BUT ONLY IF I CAN LOCATE SOME 2 1/2IN FRONT PIPES WITH THE ENDS SQUEEZED DOWN TO 2IN!

there was a company selling them a couple of years ago- but i can't remember who it was.
i know some exhaust shops can shrink the end of the tube like that, but what's wrong with welding a short piece of 2" pipe that has been expanded out to 2.5" to fit the down pipe? if you don't want the weld, just grind it down and shoot some high temp paint on it.

But that would mean the end of the annual tradition of opening the headers at Chevellabration.

I think Pypes #DGU14S (http://www.pysales.com/images/DGU14.jpg) might be what you're looking for. Their web page is a bit erratic so I can't post a direct link, but you can find it on this page (http://www.pysales.com/iwwida.pvx?;PRODUCTS_DTL?cat=X1090%20%20%20%20%20&COMP=ppe).

My 66 small block Corvette has factory 2 1/2" exhaust manifolds. That said, my manifolds are from a 65 SHP small block Corvette. In 66 small block Corvettes went to 2" manifolds. Jerry

My 66 small block Corvette has factory 2 1/2" exhaust manifolds. That said, my manifolds are from a 65 SHP small block Corvette. In 66 small block Corvettes went to 2" manifolds. Jerry
Those manifolds are rare and very expensive. Tom talk to a muffler shop. We had a guy here that was very skilled at making oddball pipes like that. It takes someone who played around with the machines.

Tha manifolds are repopped, cant remember the name of the co but they look pretty decent. post on corvetteforum.com and post in the C1-C2 section youll get your answer. Not worth paying the big bux for GMs.

I think Pypes #DGU14S (http://www.pysales.com/images/DGU14.jpg) might be what you're looking for. Their web page is a bit erratic so I can't post a direct link, but you can find it on this page (http://www.pysales.com/iwwida.pvx?;PRODUCTS_DTL?cat=X1090%20%20%20%20%20&COMP=ppe).

http://www.pysales.com/images/DGU14.jpg


My 66 small block Corvette has factory 2 1/2" exhaust manifolds. That said, my manifolds are from a 65 SHP small block Corvette. In 66 small block Corvettes went to 2" manifolds. Jerry

The Corvette manifolds are of the Rams Horn design which I believe will not fit on Tom's Chevelle.

Pypes has them. I think they are like $80 for the pair in stainless steel. I put them on a 72 small block Monte Carlo....worked out well.

Those manifolds are rare and very expensive. Tom talk to a muffler shop. We had a guy here that was very skilled at making oddball pipes like that. It takes someone who played around with the machines.
The after market manifolds are ~$120 pair. Speedway Motors (http://www.speedwaymotors.com/2-1and2-Corvette-Style-Exhaust-Manifolds,9133.html). Sold mainly to roundy round racers where cast iron manifolds are required.

http://www.pysales.com/images/DGU14.jpg




The Corvette manifolds are of the Rams Horn design which I believe will not fit on Tom's Chevelle.

Those pipes are EXACTLY what I'm looking for!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Dan! :thumbsup:
Once upon a time, the commercial exhause suppliers such as Walker, Maramont, etc, sold replacement front pipes just like those above, but now no one seems to carry them anymore. They were once readily available through the local parts stores such as NAPA, but I guess they are long discontinued now. Just in case someone accidently runs across a pair of them in some dark corner, the Maramont part numbers are EL2011 and EL2013 (per my 1977 Maramont parts book).

Also, it is ABSOLUTELY correct that the Ram Horn style manifolds for small blocks WILL NOT fit a Chevelle or a Camaro. It DOES NOT MATTER if they are the 2in or 2 1/2in variety, THEY WILL NOT FIT! Camaros and Chevelles ONLY used the log style manifolds (under the spark plug version), and ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL of those were 2in ONLY. The reason is because the front cross member of Camaros and Chevelles is directly below where the outlet would be for a Ram Horn manifold. The log manifolds were NEVER made in a size larger than 2in.

Last, for anyone who is interested in a 2 1/2in Ram Horn ex manifold, there are Chinese copies available. I bought a pair of them last year and I must admit they seem to be pretty good quality manifolds. They are available in L&R versions with the cast-on bracket for mounting an alternator which has the two SIDE facing holes. There IS NOT a left side version with the two FRONT facing holes. These Chinese made manifolds are imported by Dorman Automotive. I bought my pair through my local O'Reilly store for $59ea (basically the $120pair from Speedway). The primary difference between original GM manifolds and the Chinese manifolds is the lack of ANY casting numbers/date codes on the Chinese manifolds. Also, the price is ultra reasonable! :D
If someone has a 56 through 80s Corvette, 55-later full size Chevy pass car or pickup with a SB V8, and you want to run a FULL 2 1/2in ex system, these manifolds are the way to go!!!!!!
If anyone needs pictures comparing the GM and Chinese manifolds, I can post them.

A local muffler shop can bend them up but said the oil-filter side can sometimes be a problem. It would be best if you talked to him directly, I can give you his cell number if wanted..........