1961 Cadillac Dual Exhuast?

[jayoliver]

Hello, I am new to the forum and recently bought a 1961 Series 62 Convertible.  I just got it home this past Saturday and I am very excited.  One of the first things I wanted to do is replace the exhaust system, and hopefully go from a single to a dual exhaust.

I ran across this older post that discussed dual exhaust on a 1961 :  http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=72407.0

It looks like it is possible, but I still had some questions.  I did contact Classic Exhaust who said they had never done it, but speculated it would be similar to the system for a 1960 except with larger diameter pipes.

Those of you that have a had a system made from a local exhaust/muffler shop are you using the resonators and the muffler or just the mufflers?

I would appreciate your suggestions/advice and look forward to participating on the forum.

Also, I attached a few pictures of the car.

Thank you,

Jay Oliver

[Scot Minesinger]

The post you referenced is decent, and should be a good basis for a decision.  Cadillac supposedly went to a single exhaust in 1961 for quietness, when Ford and Chrysler continued with dual exhaust for another decade on luxury cars.  I think dual exhaust is great if you drive on the highway a lot because that is where it really helps keep the car cool and deliver better mileage and performance.  If it were me, probably would only replace the single system if it was done incorrectly, replaced with undersized pipes (very common) or was rusting thru.  I have 1970 Cadillacs one with duals, one without and the dual system sounds way better and is a little faster.  The one with a single exhaust is more of an authentic car.

[6262]

There is a vendor who sells a ready-made dual system. I would not recommend buying it. The vendor has a bad overall reputation and the product that I received proved it.

I just ordered a Waldron single exhaust because I want to throw out the dual exhaust in favor of a factory-correct system.

I did not like the duals. Their sound is not as great as one would think. I really like a hearty V8 rumble but it I now assume an exhaust alone is not enough to produce it. It probably needs some other modifications which I am not willing to do.

The frame makes the adoption of an dual exhaust not easy. The most complicated area is behind the front wheels where the diverting 'X' arms are. Another problem was the fuel tank, but the '61's tank is smaller and therefore less a problem than the '62 version which is designed to allow only a single exhaust. But I have no doubt that it can be done successfully. Other '61/'62 Cadillac owners report good results and other GM X-frame cars have duals that work excellently.

I did not recognize significant differences in performance. But I am a very commited to defensive driving and never had a restrictive non-leaking single exhaust.

For me the duals were a very bad choice. At the beginning I was very exited about it but it turned out as utter disappointment. I now prefer the Cadillac factory design which in my opinion is much more befitting the car's concept.

I have a '62 convertible in the same color combination as yours. Your car is a beauty.

[jayoliver]

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions.  I do need to replace my current exhaust system.  It looks to me to be in it's original configuration.  The muffler may be a replacement.  The resonator has rusted through and there are holes in the bottom of it.  I had thought that people may have gone to dual exhaust if they could.  I don't need to switch it to dual exhaust, I just thought it would sound good and maybe add some performance.

I looked up the Waldron exhaust system, which looked good as far as I could tell and seem to be reasonably priced. From your responses it seems I should stick with the factory single exhaust setup...

[6262]

I had thought that people may have gone to dual exhaust if they could.  I don't need to switch it to dual exhaust, I just thought it would sound good and maybe add some performance.

There are quite some people who switched over to duals. I just offered my personal experiences. When I got the car I had exactly the same considerations as you but soon regretted the decision for duals. Others seem to be very happy with it, though. It is only my subjective view.

I looked up the Waldron exhaust system, which looked good as far as I could tell and seem to be reasonably priced. From your responses it seems I should stick with the factory single exhaust setup...

This is what I would do. I any case you should keep the mounting hardware. No one is reproducing it for '61, you can only get universal stuff. Or sell it to me  Back then when the car was new to me I had somebody who changed the exhaust for me. Of cause all of the old stuff went to the trash bin. I do not know if it was in original condition back then but I should have thought better about it. Now I have a hard time to find out how it was originally. Hindsight is 20/20

Could you provide some pictures of your exhaust? Hangers and such...

[jayoliver]

After looking at it again now that it's home it doesn't look so bad.  I need a new resonator as you can see in the picture.  The resonator and muffler look like they are a stock style muffler and resonator.  The pipes had rust on the outside but seem solid.  I did hear an exhaust leak on the left side when I drove it home but that just may be a bolt that need tightening.  So I think for now I am just going buy a resonator to replace the rusted out for now.

You did sell me on the single exhaust and I was going to to order a whole new single system.  The more I thought about it made sense.  This is my first classic car since a 68 Corvette years ago.  I was quick to think "add dual exhaust" but your comments/advice help me put things in perspective.

Thanks again,

Jay

[jayoliver]

I am having a hard time finding just a resonator online for sale.  I see complete systems, but not individual components/pipes.  Any suggestions?  I can call Waldron or Classic Exhaust on Monday or Tuesday(given the holiday weekend) and see if they would sell me just what I need.  Thank you, Jay

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Jay,
I would assume someone sells components. Be careful with the extension so you can reuse it. It may be original & not offered by the repro guys. Or if they do... it may be totally incorrect!!!
Bob

[6262]

I am happy that I could help you. And I agree, it is alway the best to preserve as much original substance as possible.

I am convinced that you have made the right decision. The single exhaust was a deliberate decision by the Cadillac engineers and management and reflects very much the character of the car. It was not dictated by cost cutting considerations, otherwise they would have offered duals as an option as on lower-priced brands. No, they must have been convinced this befits the Cadillac brand better.

Classic in Ohio has single parts. Probably also Waldron if you ask for it.

[Maynard Krebs]

Jay... I 'echo' the opinion of others here that advocate for retaining a single exhaust system.   There are a number of good reasons to support this decision.

Long ago, I had a bad experience with Kepich / Classic Exhaust, which is hard to forget.

I do know for a fact that Waldron is of top-notch ethics and character, and would heartily recommend them as your choice of supplier.

[76eldo]

I’ve bought systems from the guy that has many listings on eBay.
His user name starts with “Sat”.

Good parts that fit well.