Question about chambered exhaust

[Mr. Chevy]

Don't know if this has been discussed here before, if so forgive me.. I was wondering if anybody knows what the deal was with chambered exhaust systems in the 69 model year. I recently picked up an original Chevrolet Dealer film from 1969 which compared performance differences from Camaro Z28 to the Mach 1 Mustangs and the Chevelle SS to the Cobras & Road Runners. In any event, the film stated that on all 350 HP 396 Chevelles chambered dual exhaust was standard equipment. However, this was not so on the 325 HP and was optional. They failed to mention anything about the 375 HP or L89 motors.

I know there was some problems with the chambered exhausts being too loud on these cars and if my memory serves me correctly, wasn't there was a recall on these exhausts??? I'm guessing maybe early model years received them then they stopped?? Or did just the L78/L89 cars receive them??

Thanks.... Rich http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[67L78conv]

Can't say for sure on Chevelles but as far as I know the chambered exhaust was not standard but an RPO option that had to be chosen. It was canceled for production as of May 19th, 1969 for Camaros and I would assume the Chevelle as well but it does not state it in this bulletin. Link to the cancellation bulletin for the Camaro is below, I also have several other versions including a letter stating why it was canceled due to noise but have yet to scan them.

1969 Camaro Chambered Exhuast Cancellation Bulletin (http://www.chevroletcamaros.com/pages/gmpaperwork/internalpapers/letter050969pg1.html)

[firstgenaddict]

Chambered pipes were std on 69 Z28's and Bigblocks until around the 3rd week of November then they became optional and were available as an option around the beginning of the new year, maybe a little before then discontinued in May.

[wheelhop]

I don't know dates, but for chevelles they were standard equipment on SS equipped 1969 early cars but when the complaints about noise were voiced, they became available only as an option.

[Keith Tedford]

I have info that COPO B40354X, and B40845X have had chambered exhaust. That would be fairly late in the production run.

[Mr. Chevy]

Thanks Guys...

Rich

[Alss]

[ QUOTE ]
I have info that COPO B40354X, and B40845X have had chambered exhaust. That would be fairly late in the production run.

[/ QUOTE ]

they are both several thousand after my COPO and mine did not get it at the factory http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Keith Tedford]

Ours was one of the last built and it didn`t get the chambered exhaust either. I`m just as glad as the system was/is known to be restrictive.

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
Ours was one of the last built and it didn`t get the chambered exhaust either. I`m just as glad as the system was/is known to be restrictive.

[/ QUOTE ]
That could be the understatement of the year...it's not as bad on the Chevelles as on the Camaros/Novas, but it's nothing to write home about, that's for sure.

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Ours was one of the last built and it didn`t get the chambered exhaust either. I`m just as glad as the system was/is known to be restrictive.

[/ QUOTE ]
That could be the understatement of the year...it's not as bad on the Chevelles as on the Camaros/Novas, but it's nothing to write home about, that's for sure.

[/ QUOTE ]


Yeah, I had them on a few mid year Corvettes throughout the years. They are much more restrictive then a standard exhaust. They sound great around town but they KILL your ears at freeway speeds for any length of time and you can't hear the radio. Probably better on a car where they exist the car out back vs. right next to your ear on a Vette.