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The H-pipe underneath Meshefedjians Camaro was fairly typical of a quickie muffler shop job. While the system does a decent job of expelling the spent fumes, it certainly doesnt take advantage of what a full-volume mandrel-bender can do. Instead it bottlenecks the 3-inch pipes into a 2-inch tube at the bends (arrows). |
Herberto Ramirez of Spin Tech started by removing the old haggard system, and was even kind enough to exchange the rusted-out long tubes for the set of shorty Hedman Hedders that we brought over. Once installed, Spin Techs 21/2-inch X-pipe mated right up with minimal effort. |
Using blocks of wood to support the Side Exit kit, Ramirez first mocked up the pipes and oval stainless tips for ample clearance. |
If youve previously installed a set of subframe connectors such as these Global West units, then youll probably opt not to remove them since the unibody construction lacks structural rigidity without them. Unless youre a skilled welder, we highly recommend leaving this arduous task to someone who is. |
Ramirez started by marking off a 1-1/2x4-inch section, then notched the subframe connector, welded in a reinforcement plate, and finished it off with a fresh coat of black paint. |
Thats it! If you dont have to swap out a set of headers or notch the subframe connectors, then the Spin Tech X-Pipe and Side Exit kit shouldnt take longer than a couple of hours worth of grunt. And if you already have a set of long tubes and prefer to retain them, Spin Tech also offers a shorter X-Pipe in both 2-1/2- and 3-inch applications along with a larger 3-inch Side Exit kit should you need it. |
If youre a gearhead with an unflagging passion for early-gen musclecars, then you know first-hand that at least half the time nothing ever fits the way its supposed to. And if youve ever had the chance to flip through a late-model car guys exhaust catalog, then you know theyve got it made. Unlike most of the universal kits that we have to contend with, the late-model guy has a wide variety of headers, X-pipes, H-pipes, and after-cat systems to choose from. These usually feature direct factory-style replacement pieces designed with clever ball-and-socket fittings, which require no gaskets or welding, and bolt on hassle-freedefinitely a far cry from what were used too.
Well, that technology is finally trickling down to musclecar owners. A recent issue highlighted the glove-like fitment of Flowmaster exhaust systems for GM A-bodies. This time weve got a system from Spin Tech Performance Mufflers. But dont let the ease of installation fool youthese arent just ordinary mufflers making a lot of noise. Spin Techs trick units feature patented Spin sound trap technology (see How It Works sidebar) used in open wheel competition, stock cars, and street-legal drag cars, which are quickly approaching the 200-mph mark. This means maximum performance from the unique scavenging system and a muffler that wont create extreme resonance (the dull drone that can cause severe migraines) or noise inside the vehicle at 2,000-3,000 rpm.
If you recall our recent 69 Camaro poster child, youll remember just how cool the Spin Tech system looked. Prior to the photo shoot, we met up with the cars owner, Dave Meshefedjian, on the outskirts of Los Angeles on his way to have the system installed by Spin Tech. With 4.56 gears and the motor screaming 4,000 rpm at 70 mph, the two-hour trek to Riverside County offered little opportunity for conversation. Suffice it to say, the new system looks incredible, only took a few hours to install, and produces a tantalizing rumble at idle. And while bringing the rpm up retained the aggressive sound, it also eliminated the drone and did wonders for our conversation during the trip back home. Follow along to see just how much of a bolt-on the Spin Tech System really is.