Exhaust Question/Opinions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: South Florida
Exhaust Question/Opinions
I am sure this has been asked a million times so I apologize in advance...
On a a '79, totaly stock, with the standard two into one into two exhaust system, including the goofy CAT, what would you performance gurus reccomend I do to improve the exhaust without changing the headers or breaking the bank. Pipes and mufflers are ok but I would really like to keep the stock headers just for originality's sake.
What are your thoughts on this? Am I wasting my money? Do I really need to change the headers? What kind of horsepower increase might I see. I feel like the car is totally choked right now with the stock system and it sounds like crap on top of everything else...
Thanks in advance!
On a a '79, totaly stock, with the standard two into one into two exhaust system, including the goofy CAT, what would you performance gurus reccomend I do to improve the exhaust without changing the headers or breaking the bank. Pipes and mufflers are ok but I would really like to keep the stock headers just for originality's sake.
What are your thoughts on this? Am I wasting my money? Do I really need to change the headers? What kind of horsepower increase might I see. I feel like the car is totally choked right now with the stock system and it sounds like crap on top of everything else...
Thanks in advance!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Des Allemands LA
I am assuming you mean manifolds when you say stock headers. If you are determined to keep the original look there are a couple of companies that re-work the manifolds to keep appearance but substantially increase flow. Don't remember the names of them but I'm sure a quick search will get you headed in the right direction.
ltlevil
ltlevil
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Melville, Long Island NY
Originally Posted by 694speed350
Go to a true dual exhaust system w/o cat if you where you don't have emissions testing. car will sound better.
You could also do what I did and remove the cast iron manifolds, clean them up, and store them away. Replace with quality headers (I used Headmann Alumicoat but that was 16 years ago when I installed them). Then run a true dual exhaust system w/o the cat converter.You will see a measurable increase in performance not to mention sound, and the headers will make it easier to change your spark plugs.
Just my opinion.
Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
This is on my 78 L-82...."Y" pipe from stock manifolds changes to 3" thru a 3" high flow cat(carb approved) and 3" back to rear "y" and 2 1/2" out thru Dynamax Super Turbos...there was definately a noticible difference in power...
Pic shows 3" pipe fore/aft of 3" cat....
Pic shows 3" pipe fore/aft of 3" cat....
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
the emission engines can't breathe.....you need to let them breathe and the stock exhaust system is a serious problem....you can not have true performance with out working on this system.....it doesn't have to be "bubbaed" it can be nice and even include cats if yur state requires them
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Pumpkin Center CA
Originally Posted by bobs77vet
the emission engines can't breathe.....you need to let them breathe and the stock exhaust system is a serious problem....you can not have true performance with out working on this system.....it doesn't have to be "bubbaed" it can be nice and even include cats if yur state requires them
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by GDaina
It's illegal to alter the emmissions equipment. However, true duals with hi flo cats achieve the same as duals without cats, yet pass all emmissions tests..
I think that's a great way to go, you can justify your true dual exhaust modification to the emissions machine/man, and get a great flowng system.
Last edited by shafrs3; Jan 26, 2006 at 11:19 AM.