Exhaust through crossmember - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MZ_69_chevy · 04-09-2009, 05:42 PM

Has anyone here ever cut holes and ran exhaust through the rear crossmember on 67-72's? I have heard of this but never seen it. My truck is a 69 and pretty much slammed. I don't want the exhaust to sit below the frame rails much so i'm not sure what to do. I have a set of 4" pipes with flowmasters that I got from a friend out of his 69. Only problem is, his is tubbed and that crossmember is gone in his truck. On his the pipes went about 12" past the cab. I'm just curious if it is possible to get this 4" exhaust thru the crossmember without sacrificing the strength of it. Or even go with a whole new 3" setup. I really want to use the 4" though...it sounds completely badass!!

Thanks in advance for any advice!

FRENCHBLUE72 · 04-09-2009, 05:59 PM

You can just make sure you plate the holes.... Check out my build thread to see how I did mine.

fastom · 04-09-2009, 06:06 PM

I used the ECE crossmember.

john02fxdl · 04-09-2009, 08:39 PM

ECE extreme drop crossmember is the only way to go. Bolts right in(after the old one is out) and relocates the driveshaft loop farther up into the floorpan to compensate for the lowered suspension. If not, you could possibly rub the driveshaft on the stock loop since your truck is "slammed". Plus not to mention the 3" exhaust holes on both sides.

matthufham · 04-09-2009, 09:54 PM

cut mine today for 2.5 inch pipe with an inch around. actually my holes aren't round at all, like a weird polygon. used a sawzall and i'm not worried about the strength of it

72BLUZ · 04-09-2009, 10:07 PM

the exhaust pro i use, used a plasma cutter and put mine thru it. he put supports above the cut to keep the pipe from vibrating and rubbing the brace

MickMc · 04-09-2009, 10:55 PM

I cut 4.5 inch circles in my crossmember then welded 4.5 pipe back in the hole.
Looks very cool.
My exhaust guy was impressed.
Three inch exhaust.

I cut several extra 4.5 pipe rings...

Mick

**Hart_Rod** · 04-09-2009, 11:03 PM

Some pictures of mine:
.
.

Gray Ghost · 04-09-2009, 11:04 PM

Thanks for the pics!! I am thinking about doing this on my 70....looks very cool.

COACHMEASON · 04-09-2009, 11:09 PM

Rob...What is the diameter on your holes?

**Hart_Rod** · 04-09-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COACHMEASON

Rob...What is the diameter on your holes?

The pipe outer diameter was 4 1/4". I think I cut them 4 1/2". I believe there's an FAQ that shows the whole process.

MZ_69_chevy · 04-09-2009, 11:24 PM

I appreciate all the info guys...huge help! I think that ECE one is the way to go. There only around $160 and there perfect. They also sell a trans x-member that will help clear the mufflers for me too! I do however think Hart_Rod did an awesome job on his setup. Looks awesome man! I will be doing a full frame up on mine someday. I just want to get it going and go play for awhile before I take it all apart again!

Thanks again guys!
Mike

jbristo67 · 04-10-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastom

I used the ECE crossmember.

I love what you did coming out of your mufflers thats awesome

MickMc · 04-10-2009, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Some pictures of mine:
.
.

Thanks Hart_Rod
Thats pretty close to my set up.
My pipe is only 3/4 long/thick in the crossmember.

Mick

**special-K** · 04-10-2009, 07:45 AM

4" exhaust!!!???What motor are you running?I hope any crossmember would be left after running those through.3" is even too much for most motors(for performance).

The ECE crossmember is "a way" to go and cutting holes lined with pipe is the other.The latter way is quick and simple.Consider that you`ll be pulling the trailing arms and factory crossmember,first,then installing the custom crossmember,as well as adding another expense to your build.I`m still considering both ways,but this is what I`m weighing out.

MZ_69_chevy · 04-10-2009, 07:39 PM

I bought the used 4" exhaust from the same guy that built my motor. It was in his truck. Got it cheap ($50) and it sounded awesome on this motor in his truck. The motor is really nothing special and I know it doesn't "need" 4" but why not. It's a 454, .060 over(468), flat tops, 702 oval port heads..ported, crane full aluminum roller rockers, comp xtreme energy cam, 590 something lift, holley strip dominator intake, 850 DP carb. It runs very well for what it is. In another 69 with 4:11 gears it ran low 12's in the 1/4. I'm going with a 3:42 gear in mine for now so well see how that works. I have no idea what HP it throws down but I know it runs pretty good!

I'm with you on weighing the options with the crossmember. The ECE one saves a ton of headache and time but it would be a whole lot cheaper to cut mine. The ECE one is already powdercoated and everything so it seems to me like it would be a whole lot easier in the long run to go with it. Who knows...

BCOWANWHEELS · 04-10-2009, 09:14 PM

poor boy method......
weld a 1/4" plate to inside of cross member with the correct hole size you want then take you hole saw using the welded plate as a guide then cut hole in crossmember. the 1/4" plate will add back the strength you loose for making the hole. you can also weld in a piece of sch. 40 pipe after hole is drilled tieing everything together = super strong.
jmo
bob

04-09-2009, 05:42 PM	#1
MZ_69_chevy Mikey likes it! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Belton, MO Posts: 10	Exhaust through crossmember Has anyone here ever cut holes and ran exhaust through the rear crossmember on 67-72's? I have heard of this but never seen it. My truck is a 69 and pretty much slammed. I don't want the exhaust to sit below the frame rails much so i'm not sure what to do. I have a set of 4" pipes with flowmasters that I got from a friend out of his 69. Only problem is, his is tubbed and that crossmember is gone in his truck. On his the pipes went about 12" past the cab. I'm just curious if it is possible to get this 4" exhaust thru the crossmember without sacrificing the strength of it. Or even go with a whole new 3" setup. I really want to use the 4" though...it sounds completely badass!! Thanks in advance for any advice!

04-09-2009, 05:59 PM	#2
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Re: Exhaust through crossmember You can just make sure you plate the holes.... Check out my build thread to see how I did mine. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

04-09-2009, 06:06 PM	#3
fastom That's right, it's Copper!! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Central California Posts: 558	Re: Exhaust through crossmember I used the ECE crossmember. Attached Images

04-09-2009, 08:39 PM	#4
john02fxdl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Avondale, PA. South east corner of the state Posts: 75	Re: Exhaust through crossmember ECE extreme drop crossmember is the only way to go. Bolts right in(after the old one is out) and relocates the driveshaft loop farther up into the floorpan to compensate for the lowered suspension. If not, you could possibly rub the driveshaft on the stock loop since your truck is "slammed". Plus not to mention the 3" exhaust holes on both sides. __________________ When I grow up, I want to be the man my wife married. I used to be schitzophrenic, but we're O.K. now

04-09-2009, 09:54 PM	#5
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: Exhaust through crossmember cut mine today for 2.5 inch pipe with an inch around. actually my holes aren't round at all, like a weird polygon. used a sawzall and i'm not worried about the strength of it

04-09-2009, 10:07 PM	#6
72BLUZ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: lafayette, ga. Posts: 832	Re: Exhaust through crossmember the exhaust pro i use, used a plasma cutter and put mine thru it. he put supports above the cut to keep the pipe from vibrating and rubbing the brace __________________ Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.... Ronald Reagan

04-09-2009, 10:55 PM	#7
MickMc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 359	Re: Exhaust through crossmember I cut 4.5 inch circles in my crossmember then welded 4.5 pipe back in the hole. Looks very cool. My exhaust guy was impressed. Three inch exhaust. I cut several extra 4.5 pipe rings... Mick

04-09-2009, 11:03 PM	#8
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: Exhaust through crossmember Some pictures of mine: . . Attached Images __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

04-09-2009, 11:04 PM	#9
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Exhaust through crossmember Thanks for the pics!! I am thinking about doing this on my 70....looks very cool. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. Last edited by Gray Ghost; 04-09-2009 at 11:04 PM.

04-09-2009, 11:09 PM	#10
COACHMEASON Keep On Keepin' On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 416	Re: Exhaust through crossmember Rob...What is the diameter on your holes? __________________ 07 Avalanche Z71 92 Mustang 5.0 GT (Triple White w/ 53,000 miles) 72 SWB Chevy w/ PS, AC, 350/350 Current Project ....In paint shop getting body/paint work done (Corvette Velocity Yellow)... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669

04-09-2009, 11:24 PM	#12
MZ_69_chevy Mikey likes it! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Belton, MO Posts: 10	Re: Exhaust through crossmember I appreciate all the info guys...huge help! I think that ECE one is the way to go. There only around $160 and there perfect. They also sell a trans x-member that will help clear the mufflers for me too! I do however think Hart_Rod did an awesome job on his setup. Looks awesome man! I will be doing a full frame up on mine someday. I just want to get it going and go play for awhile before I take it all apart again! Thanks again guys! Mike

04-10-2009, 07:45 AM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Exhaust through crossmember 4" exhaust!!!???What motor are you running?I hope any crossmember would be left after running those through.3" is even too much for most motors(for performance). The ECE crossmember is "a way" to go and cutting holes lined with pipe is the other.The latter way is quick and simple.Consider that you`ll be pulling the trailing arms and factory crossmember,first,then installing the custom crossmember,as well as adding another expense to your build.I`m still considering both ways,but this is what I`m weighing out. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

04-10-2009, 07:39 PM	#16
MZ_69_chevy Mikey likes it! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Belton, MO Posts: 10	Re: Exhaust through crossmember I bought the used 4" exhaust from the same guy that built my motor. It was in his truck. Got it cheap ($50) and it sounded awesome on this motor in his truck. The motor is really nothing special and I know it doesn't "need" 4" but why not. It's a 454, .060 over(468), flat tops, 702 oval port heads..ported, crane full aluminum roller rockers, comp xtreme energy cam, 590 something lift, holley strip dominator intake, 850 DP carb. It runs very well for what it is. In another 69 with 4:11 gears it ran low 12's in the 1/4. I'm going with a 3:42 gear in mine for now so well see how that works. I have no idea what HP it throws down but I know it runs pretty good! I'm with you on weighing the options with the crossmember. The ECE one saves a ton of headache and time but it would be a whole lot cheaper to cut mine. The ECE one is already powdercoated and everything so it seems to me like it would be a whole lot easier in the long run to go with it. Who knows... __________________ Mike 1969 Chevy SWB, 468 BBC, TH400, all MSD, Lowered 5"/6" Almost ready to go! Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post3249875

04-10-2009, 09:14 PM	#17
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Exhaust through crossmember poor boy method...... weld a 1/4" plate to inside of cross member with the correct hole size you want then take you hole saw using the welded plate as a guide then cut hole in crossmember. the 1/4" plate will add back the strength you loose for making the hole. you can also weld in a piece of sch. 40 pipe after hole is drilled tieing everything together = super strong. jmo bob __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16 Last edited by BCOWANWHEELS; 04-10-2009 at 09:15 PM.



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