'69 Camaro - mandrel bent exhaust system?

[Chevy454]

I've finally convinced dad that the chambered exhaust on the Camaro has got to go! But, I'm having a little trouble finding a mandrel bent system...anyone know of any?

[Steven J]

Hoping to get into the twelves ? I don't have phone numbers handy, but I would try Flowmaster, Torque Technologies, or Stainless Works. I'll look for their numbers and post them later.

[Mr70]

Rob
I was at a local swapmeet in Illinois 2 weeks ago,and saw one of these for sale.
I don't remember details or what year it was.I just remember an original entire Camaro exhaust system laying on the ground that said "Camaro system for sale".
I will e-mail you his phone Number.

[Chevy454]

Rick:

Is this a mandrel bent system or an "original" style? I can find systems with the OEM style bends, but I figured we might as well go mandrel if we are going to do it.

Steven:

I'm going to give the 12s another go here pretty soon using the original chambered, and I think it's VERY possible . 13.0s is REAL CLOSE. The chambered system looks like it's about TWICE as restrictive as even an original OEM style exhuast, and not even close to a mandrel bent system. I called Flowmaster, and they only offer the dual muffler style, and they are only long enough for use with headers...not even close to what I'm looking for. As for Torque Technologies or Stainless Works, I can't seem to find any info on them.

[Edited by Chevy454 (09-18-2001 at 11:44 AM).]

[Mr70]

I don't remember if the Swapmeet Ex.system had the mandrel bends or not.I thought you could call for that info.He is very Camaro literate.If he does not have it,he knows who does.
Gardner Exhaust is claiming their Chevelle system has the mandrel bends,doesn't their Camaro system as well?

[Chevy454]

Well, Flowmaster doesn't offer a kit, but Stainless Works does. Torque Technologies (229-242-0691) only offers a kit for headers. So...it looks like my options are limited if I want mandrel bent w/ manifolds.

[Steven J]

mr70 (Rick). None of the Gardner systems are mandrel bent. The original exhaust systems were not mandrel bent, they all have the kinks where the pipes were bent by machine, thus restricting the exhaust flow. Gardner duplicates how the originals were done, which is what the concours restorers want. Mandrel bending results in no kinks/restrictions, thus increasing exhaust flow and horsepower. Doesn't look original, but the car goes faster, which is good

Rob, I'm sure that the pipes that Stainless Works are what you need, but I wonder how well their muffler flows ? Maybe use their pipes, and replace the muffler with a Flowmaster ?

[CamarosRus]

When I was at the Rohnert Park, Calif WCA show I saw a VERY nice 69 L-78 Restoration (Hugger Orange??) that still had the smog installed coming off headers and going thru what I thought was a single crossflow muffler.....Maybe Charley will know the car and owner I'm refering to.....it was extremely sanitary!!!!! Chuck/Seattle

[Charley Lillard]

The Orange L78 is owned by Joe Demello and was restored by Dave Tinnell in Ky.

[Steven J]

Rob, I'll get the numbers when I go home tonight. I belive that Stainless Works has a full mandrel bent system for use with exhaust manifolds, at least they do for Chevelles.