Exhaust system

[cwmcobra]

I know I've seen a thread in the forum about sources for exhaust systems.  My question is related to exhaust notes.  It seems to be that both of my GS convertibles have very weak sounding exhaust.  I've been underwhelmed by the exhaust notes that hardly denote a performance car from the mid-60's.  I've listened to the clips of exhaust sounds on several exhaust websites and like many of them.  I've talked with Gardner and like their product, service and approach. 

So, those of you that have experience with Gardner exhaust on your GS's, what do you think of the exhaust note?  Enough "rumble"?  I know they offer the "Turbo muffler" option and Eric Gardner says now, after about 3 years since they've started offering it, they sell turbos at a rate of about 6 to 1 over the standard muffler.  I've listened to the clip of Mark's car's maiden voyage and in the video it sounds healthy.  Mark, does your car have the standard mufflers?  How do you like them?  Eric says there is no visible difference between the standard and turbo mufflers, and no price difference, so the choice would be based on sound preference.

I'll appreciate your thoughts!

Thanks,

Chuck

[dsags]

Chuck,

Have Gardner exhaust with turbo mufflers on my convertible. Best exhaust on the market, but am willing to bet it would not have the rumble you are looking for. If you like their product, service and approach my recommendation is to get their system anyway. If you want a different sound you can always get different mufflers. The mufflers needed are 2-1/4" in and 2" out. Inlet and outlet are offset.

Mark has Gardner's system on his car. Video of my convertible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma4NlRBBAeg&feature=youtu.be

Dan

[GS66]

Chuck, mine is too quiet too. Sometimes I think the engine has killed it's so quiet. Since I don't plan to show the car I am leaning toward Flowmaster or Magnaflow mufflers. Might even see a very slight gain in power and mileage. I want to hear the nailhead!

[Buick_65]

I had mine made and put flowmaster 50's on it. Sounds perfect. Little to no resonance but plenty of rumble.  Will post a vid this weekend.

[Mark Ascher]

Chuck,

As Dan said, I have the Gardner system with the stock mufflers. Engine is stock compression, but has a stronger "Carmen" stick shift cam.
It sounds great, but probably too quite for some tastes.

Mark

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Mark.  Mine too will have a new Carmen cam, so probably very similar.  I might just opt for the Gardner Turbo mufflers and hope for the best.  But Todd, I'd love to hear yours also!

Chuck

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Dan for posting the video.  I think that is a great sound for a GS.  Sounds much meaner than either of mine.  Doesn't have to sound like a race car; I've got a 521 Cobra with essentially open pipes if I want to make lots of noise.  For the GS, I just don't want it to sound like "my grandfather's Buick"!  (to borrow a phrase from Oldsmobile) 

Chuck

[GS66]

Thanks for the video Dan. What a great looking car! I had only seen it inside, looks even better in the sun!

[dsags]

When talking with Gardner believe they said that the exhausts are actually the loudest when the car is idling. It does not get louder as you are going down the road like some systems do. Probably best to confirm that with Eric Gardner.

Jim - thanks for the kind words.

Dan

[cwmcobra]

Yep, that's what Eric told me today.  I believe he called it a reverse flow muffler that is loudest at idle and quieter at cruise.  Sounds like a good approach to me. 

And I agree that your car is a beauty.  I've printed copious pictures that my restorer is using as a guide!

Chuck

[Buick_65]

Thanks Mark.  Mine too will have a new Carmen cam, so probably very similar.  I might just opt for the Gardner Turbo mufflers and hope for the best.  But Todd, I'd love to hear yours also!

Chuck

Here you go

https://www.facebook.com/todd.sparrow.7/posts/1098900850154396

[GS66]

Sounds great! Seems louder than my 66 with 40's on it.

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Todd.  I agree that it sounds great!  How loud is it on the highway?  Any drone at cruise?

Chuck

[Buick_65]

No drone at all. Very comfortable. The 40's are a little louder but drone too much for me.