1980 exhaust
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 42
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From: Delta Ohio
1980 exhaust
Hi all
I have a stock 1980 vette and my stock exhaust manifolds are cracked and i need to replace them(all smog stuff is removed) ahould i go with stock manifolds or are there heads out there that will bolt directly onto my heads and bolt into the exhaust.]
Thanks larry
I have a stock 1980 vette and my stock exhaust manifolds are cracked and i need to replace them(all smog stuff is removed) ahould i go with stock manifolds or are there heads out there that will bolt directly onto my heads and bolt into the exhaust.]
Thanks larry
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
i just did exhaust on my 81 with all the smog stuff removed. Any header that you get will be too long for the stock collector on the front exhaust pipe. I got the true dual exhaust system from corvette central, it all bolted on up easy with the exception of the coolant temp sensor between the exhaust ports. I just cut the metal joining the primary tubes together to make some room. It works and sounds good. all for about 800 dollars. And I replaced my plugs and wires while i was in there.
jarred.
jarred.
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
If you've taken the smog stuff off and want to continue improving the HP go with some good headers such as Dynomax, ceramic coated. Then add a couple of 3X2 collector reducers by Heddman...all available from Summit. Take to a good muff shop and have them build you the 2.5in duals back to the mufflers. Usually, they can sell you some Magnaflows or Flowmax muffs to finish it up. Good sound, more HP and less than $800.
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Correction...the collector reducers are 3X2.5 and fit up to the 2.5in pipe.
Your stock exhaust manifold and Y pipe design is a lot of restriction/back pressure. I changed out the old CAT with a new "high flow" and put on the headers but kept the Y pipe. Not a significant difference until I put in the full duals w/o any CAT. Noticeable improvement!!
Also, for the "straight back" design of earlier C3s you can notch the crossmember so the left pipe lays even with the right side. There is an earlier thread on this forum that has pics of similar setup.
Your stock exhaust manifold and Y pipe design is a lot of restriction/back pressure. I changed out the old CAT with a new "high flow" and put on the headers but kept the Y pipe. Not a significant difference until I put in the full duals w/o any CAT. Noticeable improvement!!
Also, for the "straight back" design of earlier C3s you can notch the crossmember so the left pipe lays even with the right side. There is an earlier thread on this forum that has pics of similar setup.
