Exhaust Recommendation for a 77

[dreavis]

Hi,
My mechanic has informed me the cat and muffler system in my recently acquired 1977 1800 is shot. Looking for recommendations and want to get a sense of what this should cost. I'm not looking for anything custom or high-performance. I've looked on a number of sites, but wanted to get some opinions from people who have gone through this recently. Thanks!

[seabeelt]

I guess the answer is "it depends". Are you required to pass smog like in CA? If so, only certain mfrs have a compliant CAT for our cars.. If not, are you wanting to go all original, or can you eliminate the CAT with a straight pipe and save yourself a few bucks. Next depends on sound preference and or performance preference. some folks like ANSA, some don't. Personally, I like the OE muffler look and not the twin tip. Some of the vendors have improved mufflers with bigger diameter pipe, but again it depends. I think between AR, IAP, Allisons, and VICs you have a good selection of options.

[vandor]

These are the mufflers you need:

https://www.autoricambi.us/product/EX7- ... rbureted-/

https://www.autoricambi.us/product/EX8- ... r-1966-78/

or you can use this:
https://www.autoricambi.us/product/EX8- ... er-1979on/

[dreavis]

Thanks for the advice and the links. I am not interested in having a car that sounds like a race car because 1. my wife doesn't like loud vehicles, and 2. I don't plan to do any racing

I definitely need a CA viable cat. Interestingly, the car passed the smog with the existing system which my mechanic said is basically a hollow shell from front to back. Not sure how that could happen, but the guy who sold me the car turned out to be a huge liar, so he may have worked a deal with someone to get it through.

Thanks again!

[Nanonevol]

Not positive about this but you may need a different down-pipe. I believe 77's are non -cat (except CA versions) and muffler goes down the center of the car. If you use a later muffler with cat they go along the passenger side.

[seabeelt]

Be careful in replacing the CAT. Inspection stations are looking at the number series on the CAT to make sure it is compliant. Not all places that sell them, even though they say they are compliant, sell the correct version for your car. Better off purchasing from a CA vender to make sure you get the correct one that will pass. That said. There are a couple of places that sell them on line and will state that the CAT is comparable with xxx.xxxx.xxx CA most current version law. Just double check before purchasing.

R

[dreavis]

Thanks for the advice. Having moved to CA less than a year ago I'm still learning all the intricacies of CA law, but did see that there is a CA website that lists compliant equipment.