Exhaust questions?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 157
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From: Pa.
Exhaust questions?
The 71 I just bought needs the exhaust done and I'm wondering which route to go. It currently has the stock manifolds on which I understand are restrictive for a 454 as they are set up for smog equipment. It then has sidepipes but the inner tubes are rusted and leak badly. Leaning towards headers and putting rear exit exhaust back on the car. Can headers be put on without removing the engine? Since their are panels on covering the exits for the exhaust, what do I need to do there? Cut holes in them I suppose.
Is it more economical to just try and replace the sidepipes and attach them to headers? Or are sidepipes restrictive to letting this big block breathe?
Are there exhaust kits out there that can be bought reasonably that have the hangers and accessories included. If I choose the rear exit I guess I'll be needing some exhaust tips as well. I've only had the car 2 days but would like to tackle this first. Any good vendors that are priced fair someone would recommend?
Thanks,
Scott
Is it more economical to just try and replace the sidepipes and attach them to headers? Or are sidepipes restrictive to letting this big block breathe?
Are there exhaust kits out there that can be bought reasonably that have the hangers and accessories included. If I choose the rear exit I guess I'll be needing some exhaust tips as well. I've only had the car 2 days but would like to tackle this first. Any good vendors that are priced fair someone would recommend?
Thanks,
Scott
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
You didn't mention what kind of sidepipes they are?
For stock style undercar exhaust I would recommend an aluminized system from Allens Stainless Exhaust. Quality, fit, and customer service are top notch. All mufflers through 1972 on stock exhaust had 2" outlets, so I would install a '73 system. All '73s had 2 1/4" outlets.
Also order '73 stainless extensions. Other than size, the only difference is '73 extensions had the pipe in the center and at an angle, '70-'72 the pipes were straight and offset in the extension. If you go with high flow performance mufflers with 2 1/2" outlets, Stainless Works has 2 1/2" extensions. Hanging Vette exhaust can be tricky the first time, but there is plenty of help here.
You'll have to look at the inside of your rear valance to see if the original mounting for the exhaust bezels is there. If not you can cut the hole and make the mounting from fiberglass similar to what is shown below by using the new bezels you will be buying as a mold.
For stock style undercar exhaust I would recommend an aluminized system from Allens Stainless Exhaust. Quality, fit, and customer service are top notch. All mufflers through 1972 on stock exhaust had 2" outlets, so I would install a '73 system. All '73s had 2 1/4" outlets.
Also order '73 stainless extensions. Other than size, the only difference is '73 extensions had the pipe in the center and at an angle, '70-'72 the pipes were straight and offset in the extension. If you go with high flow performance mufflers with 2 1/2" outlets, Stainless Works has 2 1/2" extensions. Hanging Vette exhaust can be tricky the first time, but there is plenty of help here.
You'll have to look at the inside of your rear valance to see if the original mounting for the exhaust bezels is there. If not you can cut the hole and make the mounting from fiberglass similar to what is shown below by using the new bezels you will be buying as a mold.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Pa.
They are factory sidepipes that must have been added. I decided to keep the sidepipe covers but need to replace the actual pipes behind the cover. Sweet Thunder looks like they have what I need. Can anyone suggest a header that will fit a 71 Big Block with automatic transmission and perform well? Or are ramshorn manifolds the way to go?
