[Formulabruce]

Heres an interesting comparison
TOP PIC IS GARDINER< NEW CHROME FOR SD or HO SYSTEM ( $280 WITH system purchase)
BOTTOM PIC IS BRAND NEW CHROME REPOP from AMES thats been in newspaper wrap since 2002, so its slightly tarnished and I did NOT polish.
Both have a 2 inch OD inlet for a 2 1/4 inch outlet pipe
WEIGHT, which seems to always be brought up.
Gardiner: 2 lbs 10.5 oz
Ames: 2lbs 4 oz
NOT really that noticeable, and they both are same thickness.

PICS>

[Norwood]

Ames looks like it is for a 70. Just another one year only part.

[keith k]

Originally Posted by Norwood

Ames looks like it is for a 70. Just another one year only part.

Yep, it does. But I don't ever remember Ames offering a repop that was for the '70 specific tip... do they still sell it?

[Formulabruce]

The Ames was ordered for a 72, The tip you see is still in their catalog and listed as DISCO as there are only stainless ones available now, repop.

[Norwood]

Are you sure that one is not stainless?

[superdutybob]

Originally Posted by Norwood

Are you sure that one is not stainless?

Sure looks like it doesn't it Craig?

Certainly has the 70 only cut on the end. That would not be correct for a 72!

[Norwood]

Originally Posted by superdutybob

Sure looks like it doesn't it Craig?

Certainly has the 70 only cut on the end. That would not be correct for a 72!

YEP..

[Formulabruce]

KEITH>>> AMES>>>
http://www.amesperf.com/

Page number 154 ( CHROME)

part # FL325PA , the page AFTER the PYPES page of stuff

They list it for 70-74 I think, and of course it is a repop...
Its disco now , but I thought was interesting comparison

[Norwood]

Well, we all know that the 70 tip is different than the rest.

Bruce put a magnet on that Ames part and see if it sticks.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by Norwood

Well, we all know that the 70 tip is different than the rest.

Bruce put a magnet on that Ames part and see if it sticks.

Well I ordered chrome in 2002, and went and had them hand delivered by Steve himself at their dock, That said, the magnet did NOT stick, I assume Chrome on stainless? Its way smoother and more shiny than any plain stainless I have seen, mainly my few leathermans.
I dont know about the 70 only tips, as mine isnt, and I just ordered what they told would fit their "stock" exhaust, which was junk.

[Norwood]

In the pix it looks like polished stainless to me, and i look at this stuff all day long.

[Formulabruce]

must be then, something else for the recycling bin.. !

[Norwood]

Bruce, Put them in my bin will you

[1971455HO]

Interesting read guys. Thanks for the post Bruce. I'm still learning. If you don't mind schooling me a bit. I'm understanding the Ames tip (the lesser angle cut) is 70 specific. Does that mean the other (more angled) tip is correct for 71-2 & 3 cars? I'll be buying new exhaust, clamps, hangers and tips from the cast iron manifolds back soon. I wanna get it right.

P.S. Who can I depend on to buy from and it not be junk?

Eddie

[keith k]

Originally Posted by 1971455HO

Interesting read guys. Thanks for the post Bruce. I'm still learning. If you don't mind schooling me a bit. I'm understanding the Ames tip (the lesser angle cut) is 70 specific. Does that mean the other (more angled) tip is correct for 71-2 & 3 cars? I'll be buying new exhaust, clamps, hangers and tips from the cast iron manifolds back soon. I wanna get it right.

P.S. Who can I depend on to buy from and it not be junk?

Eddie

Yes, the squarer cut tip was used on '70 and very early '71, then they went to the more angled cut for the rest of the cars produced through the end of '73.

The Gardner repos have usually been pretty good.... but expensive.

[1971455HO]

Thanks Kieth. I'll see if I can afford Gardner.

[Formulabruce]

Gardiner, and Im sure NJ Steve knows too, is an expense, but made here in USA, and fits with no mods. Heres the price breakdown for my 73SD exhaust
FB03XXHONA 73 Firebird High Output System 745.00
Cast Flange ( 2) 55.00
Factory Fiebird Muffler hangers 99.00
71-71 Factory extensions 280.00
Shipping 120.00
Tax., N/A
TOTAL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>1299.01
Can opt for this whole system polished as well for more $$ Stainless pieces too

If you want to try to save money and not buy their tips or flanges, you will need to MAIL them yours for perfect fit. The flanges get installed and after the "flat" section is made by the cross member, they are on the pipe for good.
I am running repop round port RA exhaust manifolds
Video for sound here>> should be working in a bit, its processing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j0-iyw09gg

[GETRIDAONE]

Picture of original 70 on top (removed from my Formula), bottom later style from Year One, package dated 5-12-97. It has the tapered reduction on top along with the part #. The set came came with a T/A I bought and I just haven't used them. They are probably the discontinued ones mentioned in the other posts. I also put the Gardner system on my car. All three tips seem to be about the same weight without weighing them.