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Check out this shot of Dean's red 1970 GTO! CLICK->
Wow, this is even a better shot. CLICK->
Looking up the driver's side of Dean's 1970 GTO. CLICK->
Here is a shot of the engine with the latest modifications - MSD, inlet manifold, Serpentine pulley system with aftermarket alternator, and power steering. CLICK->
You want to select loud exhaust on demand? This is what you need. Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) was a very rare option (#611 or W73) on the 1970 GTO. Approximately 231 GTOs were produced with the option and only in 1970. The VOE option was offered from November 1969 to January 1970. The option consisted of a knob under the dash that controlled the baffles within special mufflers. Pull the knob under the steering wheel and a vacuum actuator adjusts the internal muffler baffles for a low restriction (higher volume) exhaust. The option was also known as the Humbler or Tiger Option while the controlling knob was known as the Tiger Button. Tom Hand has recreated the VOE exhaust mufflers. He has made four sets to date (as of Spring 2006). CLICK->
Here is a close-up of the front end of the Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) mufflers that Tom Hand builds. 1970 GTOs with the VOE knob under the dash are still around, but the original mufflers are long gone. CLICK->
A closer look at the vacuum actuator on Tom Hand's Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) muffler recreation. The engine manifold vacuum is directed to this actuator which pushes and pulls on the rod in the end of the muffler. CLICK->
The other end of Tom Hand's Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) muffler has a return spring on the actuation rod. CLICK->
This is too cool. Tom Hand has installed his Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) mufflers on a car and demonstrates them in this video. Listen to the difference in exhaust sound as Tom actuates the mufflers. He says that the difference in sound intensity is about 10db - which is 10 times louder! (20 db increase would be 100 times louder) This is a 3.7Meg video that requires a media player. CLICK->
This is a page from the 1970 GTO assembly manual. Notice how Tom Hand's Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) mufflers look just like the ones in the drawing. The upper left corner of the picture shows the tiger button which controlled the vacuum to the exhaust. Look at the parts list. There is a different part number for the left and right VOE mufflers. I bet a NOS 9798911 or 9798912 would be worth some big money right now! CLICK->
Here is another page from the 1970 GTO manual which shows the vacuum line routing for the Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) option. CLICK->
Here are nine screen shots from an awesome TV commerical from 1970. It featured a Palladium Silver 1970 GTO cruising a drive-in restaurant and features the very rare Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) option. Let me describe the commerical from the screen shots:
1. Guy cruising in his 70 GTO with the super rear sport stripes. 2. Some poeople notice him.
3. Guy gives them the "I'm cool look."
4. Reach for the tiger button!
5. Another clearer shot of the tiger button.
6&7. Cruise with louder car.
8. Now everyone is staring.
9. Leave the drive-in with the tiger purring.
The music in the commerical was "The Humbler" which was the name Pontiac gave the 1970 GTO in general. The VOE option also became known as the Humbler Option due to this commerical. The commerical aired only a few months until Pontiac Brass had it pulled after seeing it during Superbowl IV. They didn't like promoting street racing. CLICK->
This is an actual Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) bracket and button. It mounts under the steering column. Although this is the same mounting location as the Ram Air bracket and button, you could get both options. CLICK->
Here is the Vacuum Operated Exhaust (VOE) bracket and button installed in a 1970 GTO. This one is mounted to the right of the steering column and actuates a pair of Tom Hand's VOE muffler recreations. CLICK->
Here is a set of production VOE (Vacuum Operated Exhaust) muffers intalled on a car. Joe Tonietto, President of Waldron's Antique Exhaust, has been working with Tom Hand to bring the VOE muffler system back to the marketplace. They even have the control kit in case they are being installed in cars that were not originally equipped with this option.
Waldron's Antique Exhaust
PO Box C
25872 M-86
Nottawa, MI 49075
Tel: (269) 467-7185
Toll free (US): (800) 503-9428
Fax: (269) 467-9041
www.waldronexhaust.com
Here's a comment from a recent visitor...
Says Mike Jagusch (mjagusch.@juno.com) - "Awesome. I have on my computer "desktop" a picture that I downloaded from your site a year ago. It's a blue hardtop that was voted Picture of the Week 12/26/99."
