[tmataraza]

Hi All!

Update and more help. If you remember, I am the guy with Dad's Catalina (recent post about the bias ply tire replacement). I wanted to thank you all for your help with that! I ended up getting the HanKook Optimo White Walls and they look just as original as the bias did. AND WOW, what a difference!

I also had read the sticky on the difference in the shocks and am happy to report that I did get the Gabriel Ultra's for the "most original" ride. I am again in love with that float in the car. All of these updates, and the car finally got above 60 on the highway, for the first time in probably 30 years, and it was a dream (last year I replaced the entire ignition system from coil to plugs, so it already ran like a dream just never above 35mph).

My next question. Exhaust. I unfortunately have nothing but holes and rust from the exhaust back to the tip. The engine is stock built (but fresh) and I would like to do dual exhaust if the price is not bad (only have about $1200). What is a good sounding muffler that I can get? I would like deep throaty exhaust but I understand the OG cam will weaken the sound. I also live 45 minutes from a Summit Racing, so availability abounds.

Thank you all again! I'd be lost without this forum and truly love the revived life of my granddad's (and dad's) car!

[62posbonny]

Run dual 2.5" exhaust with a pair of dynomax 17749's. You have the room for them, they are 20" long muffler cases, flow well, and provide a nice mellow sound that would be next to silent at highway speeds on your stock engine. They do have a nice subdued performance tone under heavy throttle.

[tmataraza]

Thanks! When you say mellow, do you mean it wont sound any different than a regular car? I'm actually looking for that throaty sound that makes heads turn in a parking lot, but not so loud that I might as well have straight pipes.

[The Champ]

The 17749 is what I run on my '64 GTO convertible with a healthy 462 with a Crower 60243 cam. I wanted something quiet enough on the highway that I can hear the car stereo. In the parking lot or a stop light, the 17749 let people know there is a healthy V8 with some cam in it, but they are not obnoxious.

A 'throaty sound that makes heads turn in a parking lot' won't be possible with a 389 built to stock specs and a mild cam if you want it to be quiet in normal driving. To get your desired sound in the parking lot will require a muffler that is obnoxious all the time. If you want the parking lot sound without all the noise when driving down the road, invest in some exhaust cutouts.

Link to Summit exhaust cutouts:

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...style/electric



Summit has the 17749's and the cutouts.

For a stock engine any muffler shop can bend the pipes to make your complete system.

If you want to do the entire install yourself - Summit has the Pypes complete with muffler exhaust systems for sale for under $600 with your choice of three different mufflers, or under $500 without mufflers.

The Street Pro muffler, the Violator and the Race Pro mufflers are your choices. The Street Pro would be louder than stock, but milder then the Violator or the Race Pro.

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...model/catalina

Your $1200 budget should be more than enough, even if you opt for the cut outs.

[tmataraza]

Dude, Mr Champ, your name does not lie! This is awesome information and probably the route I will go. With the tires and voltage regulator issues I've done this year, I think my budget is capped for the summer. But Ive added this to my summit wish list and will continue next summer! Thank you again!

[Tom Hand]

Might think about reaching out to Waldrons and having them bend what you need. They may be able to upsize it to 2.25" (I think stock was 2"). Chat with Ruth or Jon there to see what they can do. They may also have the factory style hangers as well.

[SD455DJ]

Good suggestion Tom! Waldron's does make an "enhanced" factory fit system with better flowing (and louder) mufflers that is indeed a full 2.25" system. Dan installed the complete system on his restored '68 428HO Catalina and it fit like a glove and sounds more authoritative than the factory 2" duals. Their number is (269) 467-7185 (no 1-800 number).

Dennis

[tmataraza]

Thanks for the information! Unfortunately I dont have dual exhaust from factory, so Im not sure what it will take to get it done. I will probably do the electronic cutout and headers back next year with the good ole tax return.