Super Chevy Magazine Homepage Super Chevy
Facebook Click here to find out more!

1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup - Exhaustive Technology

Project Getaway Receives The Gaseous Discharge It Needs Via Burns Stainless Exhaust Components.

By Dan Ryder, Photography by Dan Ryder

When considering exhaust speed or backpressure, it is extremely important to have a properly modeled exhaust system. Too much backpressure (a more restrictive exhaust) can be detrimental to top end power and harm the overall power curve, while the opposite (not enough backpressure) can cause an excessive peak in the power curve, hurting low-end torque and overall performance. This is a fairly basic principal that is often overlooked, so beyond spending big dollars on your powerplant, be sure to carefully choose the proper exhaust system size and design for you ride. Let's delve into the Burns Stainless components used on Getaway, the reasons why, and the exhaust construction process set forth by Carroll's Rod and Racecraft.

  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Four Into One Merge Collector
    Pictured is the four-into-one merge collector, also made from 304 stainless and generally the most technologically advanced part of the exhaust system. The merge collector design contains four tubes into one; there is then a short section known as the transition and then the tail-ring. In extreme race applications, where open headers are run, this becomes a tunable part of the system.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Four Into One Merge Collector
    Pictured is the four-into-one merge collector, also made from 304 stainless and generally
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Tail Ring
    Different sized transitions can change torque and power bands. For example, a longer transition or megaphone can be used for maximum peak horsepower and broadened torque curve, while a shorter can be used to achieve the reverse. When utilizing a complete exhaust the effect is lessened. Notice the smoothness of all transitions within the collector, thus creating a balanced flow, while increasing horsepower.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Tail Ring
    Different sized transitions can change torque and power bands. For example, a longer trans
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup SS V Band Clamps
    Next up, Bob will use the SS V-band clamps pictured...
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup SS Transitions
    ...along with the SS transitions from 3.5 inches round to 3.5 inches oval tubing. The purpose of using the oval tubing is primarily for ground clearance—with the added benefit of looking great. Oval tubing does not provide anything as far as performance, but if sized properly it will not hurt either. If a larger oval is used above the required size of the standard round tube, it is a break even in performance at that point.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup SS Transitions
    ...along with the SS transitions from 3.5 inches round to 3.5 inches oval tubing. The purp
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Merge Collector Clamp Transition Assembly
    For a better view, here is the merge collector, V-band clamp and round to oval transition as an assembly.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Merge Collector Clamp Transition Assembly
    For a better view, here is the merge collector, V-band clamp and round to oval transition
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Oval Tubing
    We can't wait to hear this baby purr!
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Mandrel Bent SS Oval Tubing Sections
    Shown above are the 3.5-inch mandrel bent SS oval tubing sections available in many different angles.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Mandrel Bent SS Oval Tubing Sections
    Shown above are the 3.5-inch mandrel bent SS oval tubing sections available in many differ
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup H Pipe
    Bob will incorporate an H-pipe into the exhaust system to help pull wasted exhaust gases away from the combustion chambers. An H-pipe allows the gas a different route to travel, thus helping achieve a balanced flow within both cylinder banks for increased horsepower.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup H Pipe
    Bob will incorporate an H-pipe into the exhaust system to help pull wasted exhaust gases a
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Drill Press
    Also pictured is Bob using a drill press with a hole saw attached to begin the opening in the oval tubing for the H-pipe crossover assembly to breathe.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Drill Press
    Also pictured is Bob using a drill press with a hole saw attached to begin the opening in
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Muffler Assembly
    Pictured here we have the Burns Ultra-Light stainless muffler assembly. These mufflers can be built to custom lengths and are available from 2- to 5-inch inside diameters. The Ultra-Light muffler contains a floating core design, allowing for easy rebuilds and as you can see has a straight-through design to provide the ultimate in flow, hence additional ponies.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Muffler Assembly
    Pictured here we have the Burns Ultra-Light stainless muffler assembly. These mufflers can
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Exhaust Mid Section
    Also shown is the mid-section of the exhaust system neatly nestled beneath the Deuce.
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup 4L80E Transmission
    In order to transfer the power to the pavement, TCI Transmissions hooked us up with a 4L80E. The 4L80E will provide the ultimate in strength and reliability, while providing us a fourth gear to save a little petrol. All TCI transmissions are triple tested to ensure superior function out of the box.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup 4L80E Transmission
    In order to transfer the power to the pavement, TCI Transmissions hooked us up with a 4L80
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Transmission Installed
    Pictured is the TCI unit installed behind our Kenne Bell-supercharged LS2, allowing us to properly construct the exhaust system.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Transmission Installed
    Pictured is the TCI unit installed behind our Kenne Bell-supercharged LS2, allowing us to
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup TIG Welded Exhaust System
    Finally Bob TIG welds the back half of Getaway's exhaust system on a completely flat surface, guaranteeing that it is true.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup TIG Welded Exhaust System
    Finally Bob TIG welds the back half of Getaway's exhaust system on a completely flat surfa
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Oval Tailpipe
    The oval tailpipe is nestled neatly below the rocker (between the door and the rear wheelwell), and will be trimmed to proper size upon final assembly. Bob will also box in the rocker and add a stainless steel trim ring to protect the paint—yes, that's right, Getaway will get some color very soon.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Oval Tailpipe
    The oval tailpipe is nestled neatly below the rocker (between the door and the rear wheelw
  • 1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Mock Up Completed
    Here we have the completed mock up. All seams will be meticulously welded via stainless wire and custom exhaust hangers will be added upon final assembly. In conclusion, as simple as we may think the exhaust system may be, there is a boatload of technology behind it.
    1966 Chevy Nova Exhaust Buildup Mock Up Completed
    Here we have the completed mock up. All seams will be meticulously welded via stainless wi
SOURCES
Turn Key Engine Supply
2620 Temple Heights Drive
Oceanside
CA  92056
760-941-2741
www.turnkeyengine.com
Burns Stainless
1013 W. 18th Street
Costa Mesa
CA  92627
949-631-5120
www.burnsstainless.com
TCI Transmissions
151 Industrial Drive
Ashland
MS  38603
888-776-9824
www.tciauto.com
Carroll's Rod And Racecraft
11 American Way
Suite 17
Spotswood
NJ  08884
732-416-9887
www.rodandracecraft.com
By Dan Ryder
Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!

*Please enter your username

*Please enter your password

*Please enter your comments
Comments:
Not Registered?Signup Here
(1024 character limit)
Super Chevy