motorjunkie

78 four speed (non air, power window, tilt, cruise) with l82. Unusual car
In my opinion. Def ordered for performance. We got it super cheap because the frame was bad at the dog legs. Car separated from the orig frame without any drama. We are dressing out the replacement frame and considering exhaust options. Anyone have suggestions on an affordable side pipe setup that you like? Or other exhaust experiences? Also tying to decide whether to Ls it or throw a 383 in or just freshen up the l82. ( We have a 6.0, and ls1 on hand. ) could even carb the 6.0. Also any swap suggestions welcome.

jim2527

Nows the time to do it. Side exhaust prices will vary greatly depending on finish. A complete SS Hooker system will run upwards of $2K while the same painted system will cost under $1000. Other systems may be less....

I see it has 'shortys' already....2-1/2 full length pipes out the back would be least expensive system. Maybe $350-400 with mufflers all in.

400's seem to trendy...shouldn't cost anymore than a 383. Again budget...

LS swap...most expensive. Most power potential.
383 or 400 about the same but less than an LS swap
350 rebuild...least expensive. Least power potential.

leadfoot4

That's a pretty big project, but it looks like you've given it a good start. If it were me, even though an LS swap would be easiest to do at this point, with the body off, I'd be tempted to stick with a "regular" SBC, due to lower cost and simplicity. Maybe even pull the OE L-82 and store it, for the sake of originality in the future, and go with a "crate motor" from GM Performance.

While I'm a fan of the "side headers", unless you spend the $$$ for the stainless steel versions, they're an expensive, short life deal. I had a set of them back in the late 70s, and they lasted 2 summers. As "Jim2527" already mentioned, it looks like you have "shorties", so you're part way there.....

dmaxx3500

needs a BIG BLOCK CHEVY 500'' + engine

3X2

Personally, I'd go with the LS and a 6 speed Tremec. I think 69 side pipe covers with 3" pipes underneath would look great. As said earlier, affordable side exits don't exist. Of course, "affordable" is open for discussion. $1K? $4k? I think an injected LS would be a great running car over a gen 1 sbc or even a bbc. Then to determine who's electronics to use to run the LS.

bazza77

I really like how you made a work bench into a body dolly , that's a great idea . A nice big work area as well

Me I would go the 6 litre LS and leave it injected, I have a LS1 in my 77 ,but the newer, bigger engine would be better

bigger is better right

Sayfoo

I think that performance wise, a under car system can be more efficient with less noise. But, it will also throw some heat to the cockpit.
I went to Hooker side pipes on my 69 BB to get rid of some of the heat. This did help a lot. With the glass pack mufflers with 1 3/4" through pipe, I got a good sound but lost some hp. Lots of back pressure with a BB. With the MaxiFlow mufflers with a 2 1/8" through pipe I gained some performance (maybe 25-30 hp??), but the car was super loud. Louder than most Harley's. Maybe with a smaller engine the smaller glass pack wouldn't be such a choke point.
I do like the look of the side pipes.