[TAKerry]

I would like to ship my car out to have that same thing put on. Looks fantastic.

[77 TRASHCAN]

Jim, What size are the after converter, pipes? Stock?

[78Macho]

Y pipe and tailpipes are 2 1/4" exactly like stock. Correct, 12" mufflers are 2" in and out exactly like stock, notched in front to lock in place on the tabs welded to the Y pipe.

I can have Tom respond later for further details.

[Tom Hand]

77, we used the factory stuff as models to create these parts, as best we could. However, we did not add flats and dents in the over the axle pipes like OEM ones have. Jack played some bending tricks to avoid needing the crushed zones.

We did work hard to get the Y pipe pretty accurate and the pipes have the little tabs welded on to hold the mufflers at the correct angle.

The mufflers are cut off and configured exactly like the OEM ones. Notice in the photo the tailpipes attach right at the end of the shell like 78 and 79s did. Some vendors sell systems that are supposed to be exact but the mufflers are not cut off like these and I am not sure the mufflers are notched and locked on the Y-pipes' outlets with the tabs like Jim's is.

We worked very hard to get angles and spacing of everything correct.

The tips are made as accurate as I could get them with the samples and photos I had to go from. And, I had them welded and chromed in such a way that they don't look aftermarket . I did use the heavier gauge steel than original but folks can't see that.

I am pleased at how quiet it is but then again, coming right out of the converter, it was not loud so it makes sense.

Jack Dean, the J and M Custom Exhaust shop owner here in Raymore, MO had a similar Firebird land he was very happy and proud that it looks and-sounds like he remembers his when new. This to me says we did pretty well overall.

Tom Hand

[dreamn69]

It all looks great!

[77 TRASHCAN]

Tom,
Job well done on all aspects of an original exhaust!!
I'd of been tempted to use 2-1/2" tubing. your post converter looks very well done. The two 2-1/4 tubes won't be restrictive. My 77 had the conventional transverse muffler with only one 2-1/4 feeding it, and it ran pretty spiffy!!!
Tom, say Hi to your Dad for me!!!

Jim, Are you going to paint your car, or just revitalize what ou have?

[78Macho]

Saga continues. Trailer I was going to borrow yesterday to pick the car up was tied up all weekend. New schedule is to pick the car up after work today. The suspense is starting to get to me!

I have a fairly short punch list of items I want to address before I say it is halfway done! I need to tread lightly, the boss at home has been extremely generous on the funds flowing the past few months on the blue car.

Paint and bodywork are next. Crazy to have such a ragged car with the original paint still on it! I plan to do the bodywork myself but haven't decided yet about painting it. I have painted a number of cars over the years with the last being a yellow 1980 Corvette for my son when he turned 16. Currently I don't have the funds for what a paint job costs!

[Tom Hand]

Shot of the pass side Tip.