Hello experts!

Hope I didn't pay too much. Here's a link:
dll?ViewItem&category=6164&item=1875944539&rd=1]http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6164&item=1875944539&rd=1[/URL]
[URL=http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.
VIN decodes to a 175 HP 350 engine. I knew the 454 was not original or correct, nor the TH400.

I have to put in a new exhaust ASAP, as the left side is gone behind the header. I'm thinking of 2.5" pipes and Flowmasters? Thoughts?

I need to make sure this car is in good running order, since it's been stored for so long. Also would like some assurances on how well the BB conversion was done. Can anyone recommend a good shop in the Houston, TX area? I am not a mechanic.

My goal is to have a fun driver, not a show car. I look forward to visiting this forum often.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by gigem:


I have to put in a new exhaust ASAP, as the left side is gone behind the header. I'm thinking of 2.5" pipes and Flowmasters? Thoughts?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

First off...Welcome to Team Chevelle!!

As for the exhaust, I would go with the flowmaster mandrel bent kit (part # 389-17119K or click here (http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=1307&prmenbr=361) that includes mufflers. Retail is around $285. Not a bad deal really when you start to add up all the components and labor from a custom exhaust shop.

Joe



------------------
The Chevelle Page (http://www.geocities.com/diels12000)

Don't waste your money on a flowmaster setup for a cruiser. You'd probably find its on the loud side especially in ragtop. I would look for the the local walker muffler dealer and just put on their standard dynomax turbos with full length tail pipes (the ones that exit at the rear bumper). That setup would give you a nice deep tone but not overly loud. As for what to check on a car that has sat, get the fluids all changed and maybe have tune-up done. Hopefully someone closer can chime in with a local mechanic that can help you out with out breaking your bank. The car you have definitely has potential http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif Also if the exhaust is rusty checkout the headers too as they last longer on rigs that are driven. And last but not least welcome aboard. Pull up a comfy chair and get to reading http://www.chevelles.com/forum/cool.gif

------------------
Jeff Angerstein
ACES#841 TCG#158 CECCO #16
68 SS396(roller 454)
68 Pro Street 540/BDS 8-71
69 SSRS 396(427) 4spd
69 Camaro Coupe 383 Auto 3.73s
88 MC SS 29k original miles :cool:
99 K2500 Burb 7.4L(454)AKA The Mangler

My Chevs (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ACE841/rides.jpg)
OLD BLUE (12.27@109.9) (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ACE841/jeffss2a.jpg)
(10 second motor in a 14 second chassis)

Jeff,
That setup does have tailpipes and you can get the three chambers to quiet it down.

He is looking at the flow's http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>I'm thinking of 2.5" pipes and Flowmasters? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Joe

------------------
The Chevelle Page (http://www.geocities.com/diels12000)

Looks like you got a good deal. I have a '72 ss 454 convertible also and mine is also red with white stripes and interior. I have flowmasters and they sound great. If you ever get to austin let me know.

It looks like a good deal to me. You will want to take off the 2 center stainless strips on the grill and give a nice touch up w/ some black paint. Also the front door panels look strange maybe they are custom made ones. I like the car it looks like a lot of fun! Welcome aboard. Oh by the way if you are tired of the car already you are more than welcome to drive it to Charleston and let me have it. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

------------------
Deon Knecht
72 Malibu 350 that has been bored out to 4.251 on a 4" stroke.

<A HREF="http://home.sc.rr.com/deon" TARGET=_blank>
My Website Last updated on 10/28/2002 </A>

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 72SSAbody:
Jeff,
That setup does have tailpipes and you can get the three chambers to quiet it down.

He is looking at the flow's http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif


Joe

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes I realize the flow setup has the tailpipes but disagree on the flows still. I have them(3 series) on Old Blue and I think they are loud even in my coupe. Personally I like the sound of the Dynomax mufflers on my 69 SSRS, but it is even louder. I was just trying to offer up other options thats all. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/cool.gif Also I was looking at cost. Since more than likely gigem is not gonna install his own system the cost would be higher and mandrel bent stuff on a cruiser is a waste of money IMO. I bet for about $250 the whole exhaust including mufflers could be found local and installed. Anyone know of some local shops to help gigem out?



------------------
Jeff Angerstein
ACES#841 TCG#158 CECCO #16
68 SS396(roller 454)
68 Pro Street 540/BDS 8-71
69 SSRS 396(427) 4spd
69 Camaro Coupe 383 Auto 3.73s
88 MC SS 29k original miles :cool:
99 K2500 Burb 7.4L(454)AKA The Mangler

My Chevs (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ACE841/rides.jpg)
OLD BLUE (12.27@109.9) (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ACE841/jeffss2a.jpg)
(10 second motor in a 14 second chassis)

Thanks for all of the responses! This is going to be awesome! I feel secure that you guys will be able to help me with any questions I might have.

And thanks for the reassurance on the price I paid for the car. For those who offered to buy it, the price is $15,000 http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 72SS454Chevelle:
You will want to take off the 2 center stainless strips on the grill<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Rookie question: Why will I want to remove these? Just curious...

They arent used on SS cars..it will be the first thing the "know it alls" see and heckle you about, questioning your SS status and social status as well http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif.

------------------
Dave
70 chevelle ss396 conv
66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv
68/72 chevelles
55/57/61 chevies
TC member #493
Never forget Earnhardt!

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by drptop70ss:
They arent used on SS cars..it will be the first thing the "know it alls" see and heckle you about, questioning your SS status and social status as well http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I sure don't need that. Consider them gone!

Well my .02 on the flowmasters: I'm using the 50 series deltaflows on my ragtop, and really do like the sound. Not bad in the car, but folks following me say they're fairly loud. I have tailpipes all the way to the back, no turndowns.

------------------
Sid Coleman, 71 Ragtop
TC (Gold) #174, MCC #347,
Aces #5457, N3JHV@bellatlantic.net

gigem,

Welcome to Team Chevelle!

Sweet Ride! Gotto love a red vert with a white top and stripes!

I heard a 70 454 the other day runnin 3" exhaust with Dynomax Ultraflows and 3" tailpipe. It was absolutly the greatest exhasut I have heard yet.

Good Luck.

Dwayne

------------------
Two Cool Guys & A Muscle Car (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/New68SS/twocoolboysonecarresize.jpg)

68 SS Chevelle 396/325
69 Corvette 427/390
71 Malibu 307
See Em Here (http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/dwaynes69bb)

"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you"

Yeah, the door panels deffinitely look like a "custom" job.

Daniel

The Chevelle looks great ! good luck have fun .

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Stikman33:
Yeah, the door panels deffinitely look like a "custom" job.

Daniel<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Seller told me that door panels were replaced with "best he could find" back in 1982. They will be addressed along with the rest of the interior at some point.

What Sid said on the Flowmasters. I've got the Flowmaster kit, but with the 50 series delta flows,2 1/2 inch pipes out the back to stock tips. I'm very happy with the sound,deep, but minimal resonance inside. You can easily carry on a conversation with these. Nice looking car.Welcome to the best site on the Web,Lots of chevelle stuff too! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif
Ken

Exhaust is done. 2.5" pipes from headers to 3 chamber flowmaster. Sounds great, just what I was looking for. No problem with sound, even in ragtop.

Next up, a tune up. Idle is way high and it's running real rich. Got my first chance to take it on a real ride today, and I am very happy. A very solid car. Think I'll keep it http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

http://www.chevelles.com/forum/cool.gif

Good to hear!

And welcome again to TC!!

Now lets talk about getting a flag underneith that username http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif


Joe

------------------
The Chevelle Page (http://www.geocities.com/diels12000)

I'm not being picky but if it is a 72 then where is the seatbelt warning light near the lighter? Other than that and the door panels it looks like a real sweet ride.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BK72SS:
I'm not being picky but if it is a 72 then where is the seatbelt warning light near the lighter? Other than that and the door panels it looks like a real sweet ride.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Early in the production run they didn't get the light. Don't know at what point but about mid point on I would assume. They still had to use up all the 71 dashes. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

------------------
Deon Knecht
72 Malibu 350 that has been bored out to 4.251 on a 4" stroke.

<A HREF="http://home.sc.rr.com/deon" TARGET=_blank>
My Website Last updated on 10/28/2002 </A>

Wasnt the seat belt warning light a federal mandate? I would think that all 72s would of had it depending on when the govt required it. So far all original 72s I have had came with the light, but I havent checked build dates.

------------------
Dave
70 chevelle ss396 conv
66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv
68/72 chevelles
55/57/61 chevies
TC member #493
Never forget Earnhardt!

Took a look at the cowl tag, and it appears that the car was built in the first week of November, 1971 (says 11A). So perhaps it is a leftover 1971 dash?

Car has always been red, and has always had white bucket seats. Plant code is "K".

Another interesting note. I was able to talk to the guy who owned the car before the guy who sold it to me. His name was on the title I got as "previous owner", and I found his phone number on the Internet.

I could hear his jaw hit the floor when I told him why I was calling (he sold the car in 1978). He told me that:

- He was not the original owner
- He remembers it as an SS, so if it was cloned, it was cloned early on
- Bought from a Chevy dealer (forgets who and when)
- Car had rat motor back then (VIN says 350 4BB)
- He didn't own it very long
- His son mentioned LAST WEEK how much he missed the car!

I am requesting a title search from West Virginia. Maybe I'll find the original owner.

This is SO much fun!!!

[This message has been edited by gigem (edited 01-03-2003).]

[This message has been edited by gigem (edited 01-03-2003).]

[This message has been edited by gigem (edited 01-04-2003).]

Hey gigem...

I live SE of town. I have a few resources you may be interested in. If I can help you in any way, let me know.

I just pulled the 2.5" Dynomax Turbo (short) mufflers off of my '72 GMC Sprint (454, headers, Crane Dual Energy cam) and put stock 2.5" mufflers on. Before, the noise was ok at idle, but really talked back when you were on the go-peddle (you couldn't sneak up on a school for the deaf). I absolutely LOVE the way it sounds now.

My stock '70 SS Convertible has Dynomax Hemi Super Turbo mufflers (long) with Flowmaster tailpipes on it. Quieter than the regular Turbos, but honestly still too loud for my taste - noticeable drone at highway speeds.

My muffler guy would charge $300 for duals from the collectors to bumper with stock mufflers and about $50 cheaper with the Turbo mufflers.