SHOW ME YOUR TIPS!!!!!!!!!(EXHAUST)

I finally decided on Magnaflow for exhaust as that seems like the best of both worlds in terms of sound inside and out. I like the Thrush welded old school sound, but many say they drone at highway speeds.

As far as headers are concerned, is this the time to add those when doing the exhaust or are they easily added later? I was going to go with 2.25" pipe or perhaps 2.5". I was advised that unless I have a built engine, that the 2.5" isn't really necessary.

If I thought I might add headers at a later date, is the 2.5" pipe a requirement or recommended? How much extra noise do headers contribute?

In regards to headers:
The connection point for headers vs cast iron manifolds is going to be different. That means if you add them later you are going to incur some small cost at the muffler shop to get the exhaust piping and collectors cut back to fit up with wherever the headers connection point is.

So, if you really want headers (and they do add horse power) you can pay more upfront or pay some on the backend, your choice really.

A note of interest regarding headers:
Spend the extra cash and buy good quality metal impregnated or metal gaskets so they wont blow out. Headers vibrate more than cast iron so they are bad about blowing out the gaskets and developing leaks. To avoid that you use the best gaskets you can find and re-tighten them once a week for the first few weeks after install, mainly because the gaskets will "settle" as they get hot/cold.

You also don't need 2.5" pipes imho, 2/2.25 is plenty unless you have some pretty hot performance mods.

Something else to keep in mind. "If" you used long tube headers, it will really cut down on the distance you have to play with for muffler and pipe combos that exit in front of the wheel wells.

Digz wrote:Something else to keep in mind. "If" you used long tube headers, it will really cut down on the distance you have to play with for muffler and pipe combos that exit in front of the wheel wells.

Thanks, Digz and Snowflapper. Digz or anyone explain long tube vs. others benefits? I have never done this before so it's a new thing. Also, I am curious if adding headers necessarily increases interior noise?

I will be adding the custom insulation kit I purchased from Roman when I find spare time, so perhaps not an issue.

Suggestions on bang for buck headers?

Can't wait to be able to drive with the windows down and not have a headache from fumes

Any headers will be louder, but it's the cool factor from the sound. The way our vans are set up long tube headers will be too low to the ground. If you use headers use the block huggers

Hedders= long tube =will usually develope more torque @ lower RPM- HP @ high end. Remember - all headders depend on engine mods - to develope power. Usually on stock/ standard rebuilt engines - add some =yet never enough to justify costs & work envolved - usually just something that ads eye candy & something to talk about- to each his own?- you can spend little (shorty hedders) or a lot on hedders. Chrome, wrapped, ceramic coated, stainless steel , or=??

TP, that is good info. I just had a manifold leak fixed and I wasn't ready to commit to cams and trying to figure out what would work with my setup. No point to add headers (other than better sound?), according to you, if I haven't beefed up the motor. Am I gonna gain some HP by adding headers with stock engine?

Well I run long tubes, they are for a 1972 chevy van already reduced to 2". they arent much lower than the oil pan and my engine is lowered 1-1/2 " but I do have the springs arched up a bit also.

I got them off Ebay for 40$ NOS. Like I mentioned all I have room for is a pair of glasspacks and an imediate 90 to the side off them. Is it loud ?, YES ! Man if I was putting one together just to drive everyday with a stock engine Id think about staying with manifolds just for the hassle free part.

[i]Hi Ray - absoutely - no - not enough to matter-sorry

Digz wrote:Well I run long tubes, they are for a 1972 chevy van already reduced to 2". they arent much lower than the oil pan and my engine is lowered 1-1/2 " but I do have the springs arched up a bit also.

I got them off Ebay for 40$ NOS. Like I mentioned all I have room for is a pair of glasspacks and an imediate 90 to the side off them. Is it loud ?, YES ! Man if I was putting one together just to drive everyday with a stock engine Id think about staying with manifolds just for the hassle free part.

Digz, I'm with you. That was my point about the noise. I spent all this time researching a good sounding muffler that isn't annoying inside that I don't want to drive loud all around town. I want to hear it rumble when I get on it, but not at idle or so loud I can't hear my tunes. I've been driving a lot now that it's running right and will continue to do so several days a week. It's finally becoming fun. Thanks for all the help and feedback.