If you’re a gearhead with an unflagging passion for early-gen musclecars, then you know first-hand that at least half the time nothing ever fits the way it’s supposed to. And if you’ve ever had the chance to flip through a late-model car guy’s exhaust catalog, then you know they’ve got it made. Unlike most of the “universal” kits that we have to contend with, the late-model guy has a wide variety of headers, X-pipes, H-pipes, and after-cat systems to choose from. These usually feature direct factory-style replacement pieces designed with clever ball-and-socket fittings, which require no gaskets or welding, and bolt on hassle-free—definitely a far cry from what we’re used too.
Well, that technology is finally trickling down to musclecar owners. A recent issue highlighted the glove-like fitment of Flowmaster exhaust systems for GM A-bodies. This time we’ve got a system from Spin Tech Performance Mufflers. But don’t let the ease of installation fool you—these aren’t just ordinary mufflers making a lot of noise. Spin Tech’s trick units feature patented Spin sound trap technology (see “How It Works” sidebar) used in open wheel competition, stock cars, and street-legal drag cars, which are quickly approaching the 200-mph mark. This means maximum performance from the unique scavenging system and a muffler that won’t create extreme resonance (the dull drone that can cause severe migraines) or noise inside the vehicle at 2,000-3,000 rpm.
If you recall our recent ’69 Camaro poster child, you’ll remember just how cool the Spin Tech system looked. Prior to the photo shoot, we met up with the car’s owner, Dave Meshefedjian, on the outskirts of Los Angeles on his way to have the system installed by Spin Tech. With 4.56 gears and the motor screaming 4,000 rpm at 70 mph, the two-hour trek to Riverside County offered little opportunity for conversation. Suffice it to say, the new system looks incredible, only took a few hours to install, and produces a tantalizing rumble at idle. And while bringing the rpm up retained the aggressive sound, it also eliminated the drone and did wonders for our conversation during the trip back home. Follow along to see just how much of a bolt-on the Spin Tech System really is.
