Buick Estate Exhaust Debacle

This week I took my Estate Wagon to Midas for new mufflers and pipes, since the previous owner's cherry bomb-like setup was louder than I wanted. Nine hours and $725 later I ended up with a car just as loud. The picture shows what they installed with the ones they removed on the ground beneath. They said they couldn't install "normal" mufflers because 1) they won't fit, and 2) the reason they won't fit is because a '74 Estate Wagon didn't come with dual exhaust. Thankfully I know better. I have an appt. for them to do it right and plan to take a copy of the "exhaust" page from the '74 Buick service manual. They also charged for four new clamps but I only count two.

 

So you went to a shop that didn't listen or do what you wanted and you paid them dearly for the privilege?

For less money you could have bought a complete (from the manifolds back), brand new dual exhaust system for that car from Waldron.

http://waldronexhaust.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=61_31_365&products_id=3803

 

Can you add a "resonator" to the ends before they appear from under the car? That should be a cut and clamp change.

 

Wish I would have known about Waldron because I would have done it myself. I looked around and didn't find an exhaust system for a '74 Estate Wagon, so I bit the bullet and took it in. What a terrible decision (at least for where I took it).

 

They said they'll put something else on so now I just have to take it back. What a bunch of morons to say it didn't come with duals after they hung the new pipes from existing factory mounts.

 

All 74 Impalas used the same frame and pans. Those came with duels.
You are right and most likely, whom you talked to the first time wasn't even born before '74. (Just a guess.)

 

Yes, I'm sure the Midas guy wasn't around before 1985. My neighbor is probably in his mid-40's and said he'd never seen a clamshell wagon before my Buick. Anyway, having not found an Estate Wagon exhaust I almost sprung for a complete '74 Electra exhaust, to install myself, but didn't want to chance having to send it back. Hindsight, etc., etc...

 

The fundamental problem is that they have the mufflers too far forward, which is why there "wasn't room". There shouldn't be any straight pipe behind the mufflers. The tail pipe out of the muffler should immediately kick up over the axle. Of course, with the correct mufflers, the outlet would be offset outboard so the tailpipe aligns better. Personally I'd suggest Walker Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers.

 

The clamshell wagons require a different exhaust system than do the sedans. Not only is the wheel base different but the tailpipes are completely different.

 

I can vouch for the Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers. I had two of those installed on the CS a few years ago and they sound great - almost stock, but just enough sound to enjoy the V8.

 

When I take it back I plan to provide these diagrams from the 1974 Buick Service Manual.

 

Point out to the clowns how the stock mufflers are BEHIND that floor pan crossmember, not underneath it.

 

I hope you have the entire manual, so you can crown each of them with it.

 

I have the whole, thick manual and would love to lay it on them (in a positive, constructive way, of course). The whole "discussion" was infuriating, among other things that "normal" mufflers won't fit a 5200 lb. full-sized 1974 barge. I should have asked what the heck they thought it came with.

 

You should've asked them why they run cars in the garage with the doors closed.