Exhaust system for '65 Crown convt.

["John G. Napoli" <john@xxxxxxxxx>]

I don't think that the larger pipes would make a bit of difference in get-away from a stop light.  At least, not until your engine got up above 4000 rpm and I doubt that you wind it out in each gear.  What you need to get moving quickly in a dignified manner is torque, and the smaller pipes provide that.  Said another way, if you accelerate away at anything less than WOT, then you have no need for a freer-flowing exhaust system.

 

I also doubt that you are interested in rejetting your carburetor.  If you want to reap the benefits (higher HP) from a freer-flowing exhaust system than you MUST richen the mixture.  Otherwise you either do not obtain any power increase, or you increase the chance of burning a piston - depending on how far you push things.

 

The statement that 'you want to increase the horsepower.........so the engine won't have to work so hard' is contradictory.  If you are making more horsepower, your engine IS working harder.  Plain and simple.

 

I'd recommend keeping things as close to stock as you can.  I would not get any more agressive than 2" pipes and perhaps no resonators.  But these changes would really be for 'your head'; they will not really make any difference in the car's performance (but they will change the sound).

 

Best,

 

John

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, I am not opposed to going back stock.  I have contacted the guys at Kings and Queens about the mufflers and resonators.  They are supposed to be checking to see if they can provide me with both that will have fittings for 2 1/4" pipes.  I want this beautiful machine to be as quiet as possible.  But I would also like it to move away from a light or a stop sign with a little zip.  It weighs in at 5,345lbs. with that additional x frame inside the perimeter frame so the engine has a lot of weight to move. Of course you all know this.  My main concern is to keep it as stock as possible and as quiet as possible.  But if there is a way to increase the horsepower by modifying the exhaust system so the engine won't have to work so hard to move around all that weight, that would be great too.  I guess I would like to have it both ways if that isn't asking too much.  My '66 Eldo convt. is pretty quiet with only a single exhaust.  It moves away from a standing start at a reasonable clip.  I'd like the same or better for the Imperial.  I DO NOT want it to sound like a race car or leave my ears ringing  when I return from a drive.  Now, if I cleared anything up, I would still like to hear from anyone interested in helping me make this "exhausting" decision.

 

Greg (not just a lot of hot air)! 

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Greg and Russell

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Monday, December 30, 2002 10:19 PM

Subject: IML: Exhaust system for '65 Crown convt.

Hi Folks!

 

Well now that the alternator thread is winding down, I would like to pose a few questions to the list about my exhaust system that is soon to be fabricated and installed.  Many of you on the list may disagree but I have listened to many mechanics and machine shop owners tell me over and over to use 2 1/4" pipes rather than the factory installed 1 7/8".  Today my mechanic neighbor next to my business told me not to use the resonators because they cut down considerably on the horsepower.  He said I should just use mufflers... a brand called "Sonic" that has "better air flow" and I wouldn't need resonators if I used this brand.  I have changed the brake system from single to dual, I have used stainless brakelines and I have painted the ribs of the convertible top Cummins Beige to blend better with the underside of my putty colored convertible top.  I think theAACA  judges have already disqualified me at this point, so I am not concerned about things being exactly as they were in Sept. of "64 when the car was new.

 

Any thoughts, comments about this system I have mentioned?  Also is there anyway to fabricate an X crossover pipe in the exhaust pipes behind the engine or is there just not enough room?  The same mechanic showed me an example of one he had laying on his bench and it didn't look all that large.  He insisted I would get better performance and 15 more horsepower if I could install one of these crossover pipes.  I am not mechanical so I am relying on the advice of those of you who are. 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Greg

'65 Crown convt. (moving through its restoration pretty quickly now)!