Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...???
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Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...???
So, the motor was just put back in car and I am trying to decide on the best pipes/mufflers combo to install. I have long tube headers on the car. I don't know the manufacturer. but the installation was a breeze. They are older, slightly used headers with no name on them. Dual pipes now, but they are only 2", with stock mufflers. Would like to hear your experiences, and thoughts on completing the system. I'm thinking either 2 1/2" chambered, which may be louder than I want. Are they..? The other possibility is 2 1/2" pipes with performance mufflers at the rear. Which mufflers are you guys using..? I beleive the HP is around 400 or so, I'n not sure. I'm going to post another thread on that subject to get other opinions. For now let me hear about exhaust systems. Thanks to all..!!!
355c.i.
10.2:1 cr (approx)
World Torker S/R heads, 2.02/1.60
Gross lift 480/480 (.006 is 280/280)
stock q-jet/intake
355c.i.
10.2:1 cr (approx)
World Torker S/R heads, 2.02/1.60
Gross lift 480/480 (.006 is 280/280)
stock q-jet/intake
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (HDIronman)
I'd put at least 2-1/2" (3 would be better) back to FlowMaster 50 series mufflers. With a crossover or H-Pipe right behind the transmission crossmember. This is what I am probably going to go with on my ZZ4, I like the sound of the 50 Series mufflers, but I'm 51 years old, so you might like something louder. :D
A X pipe crossover would probably give you the most performance increase, but they are sort of hard to put on a 'vette.
[Modified by Smokehouse69, 8:31 AM 12/11/2002]
A X pipe crossover would probably give you the most performance increase, but they are sort of hard to put on a 'vette.
[Modified by Smokehouse69, 8:31 AM 12/11/2002]
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (Smokehouse69)
I have 2 1/2 pipes and Borla Mufflers. SLICKMAN also has this set-up and we might be the only two here with Borla. They are generally 9X14 inches.
It is a terrific sound. It is hard to imagine how anything could be better. :)
It is a terrific sound. It is hard to imagine how anything could be better. :)
Drifting
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (Alwyn678)
I have Hedman thermal coated headers ($260), 2.5" pipe all the way back, 2.5" X-pipe ($90), and Flowmaster 40 series mufflers ($150?). Total it cost me $500 before installation. I love it, the X-pipe adds power and quites it down a little so the 40's good.
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From: Mary Esther Florida
Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (HDIronman)
I have the stock ram's horn manifolds into 2.5"(prebent system I bought from Mid America) I had it all welded up and had an H-pipe( the H-pipe mellowed the tone and added a little more grunt) added right behind the transmission. It all goes into Flowmaster 50 series. The engine is 9.4:1 compression with a mild Comp cam (243 that isn't made anymore). If you'd like, I can dig up the specs for the cam for you, but it is pretty torquey. Anyway, the exhaust sounds awesome. It is a bit loud, but not too obnoxious in the car. It sounds very healthy and throaty. I hope the headers don't quiet it down any. I'm not sure if it helps, but I love mine. It draws alot of attention and sounds how a high performance car should. Good luck!!! :conehead
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From: Mary Esther Florida
Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (HDIronman)
I forgot to mention......Flowmasters are awesome, but there are several other high performance mufflers that are MUCH cheaper and still sound very nice. I had a set of Dynomax Superturbo mufflers on a very tame '69 Camaro with a 2.5" dual exhaust all the way back and it got compliments about the way it sounded ALL the time. By the way, I also had Dynomax ceramic coated headers on it too.....(more expensive is not always better)...Good luck.....
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (Ryan77)
I have Hedman thermal coated headers ($260), 2.5" pipe all the way back, 2.5" X-pipe ($90), and Flowmaster 40 series mufflers ($150?). Total it cost me $500 before installation. I love it, the X-pipe adds power and quites it down a little so the 40's good.
my where did you buy your X pipe and is there really much more of a gain over an H pipe?
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (SIGNGUY)
Thanks to all. Seems everyone pretty much agrees with 2 1/2" and either Borlas or Folwmasters.
I know that MAD sells a SS 2 1/2" system for $250. Then I'd have to have cut and welded to the collectors. Do the Borlas or Folwmasters bolt right up?
Would it be less expensive to just have the pipes custom bent?
One more question. Do any of you wrap your headers/pipes?
Advantages/Drawbacks..???
I know that MAD sells a SS 2 1/2" system for $250. Then I'd have to have cut and welded to the collectors. Do the Borlas or Folwmasters bolt right up?
Would it be less expensive to just have the pipes custom bent?
One more question. Do any of you wrap your headers/pipes?
Advantages/Drawbacks..???
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (HDIronman)
If you like a deep mellow sound at idle but awesome sound at WOT, there is nothing like a 2 1/2" chambered exhaust system IMO. As far as performance, the flowmasters, dynomax, borlas, etc. may have a small advantage over the chambered since the chambered is slightly restrictive (necks down to 2" thru chambered section). At 400 crank/flywheel hp, I don't think it would be noticeable. I also liked the chambered ones better since there are no mufflers, just pipes rising up from under the diff to the rear end. I think you would be very happy with either one. Another option is the Hooker sidepipes. :cool:
Re wrapping pipes: never had it on my old sysem or on my new one. It's a matter of getting the right clearances from other heat-sensitive things (starter, wiring, fuel lines, etc.) and the correctly angled spark plug boots.
Re wrapping pipes: never had it on my old sysem or on my new one. It's a matter of getting the right clearances from other heat-sensitive things (starter, wiring, fuel lines, etc.) and the correctly angled spark plug boots.
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (Marks69BB)
I'm thinking about doing my exhaust system too. I already have the hooker headers but I am wondering where you guys order the 2 1/2 exhaust pipes.
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From: Mary Esther Florida
Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (YoNni22)
Mid America Direct
i think it is http://www.madvet.com
i think it is http://www.madvet.com
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (1979VetteMike)
HDIronman,
Just wanted to say you have a awesome car. Took a few minutes and looked at your web page. Sorry to see all the trouble with your motor but it is looking great. Post some more pic's of it.
Neil in Tenn
Just wanted to say you have a awesome car. Took a few minutes and looked at your web page. Sorry to see all the trouble with your motor but it is looking great. Post some more pic's of it.
Neil in Tenn
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I'm currently using MAD's 2.5in chambered system attached to stock SB ram horn manifolds. It flows much better than the 2 OD muffler-system it replaced. If I were buying a new chambered system and had some cash, I'd get the 2.5in chambered system from http://www.sweet-thunder.com/ses_68-74_vette.htm which has a 2.25in innner baffle. :chevy
Len
Len
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (YoNni22)
I'm thinking about doing my exhaust system too. I already have the hooker headers but I am wondering where you guys order the 2 1/2 exhaust pipes.
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (gdh)
Your best bet is to have a good local shop bend up a set of custom 2 1/2 pipes. It will fit good and look right. I don't recomend SS because of the heat it keeps under the car and it can "grow" quite a bit when hot. This will make the fit not good. I had the whole 2 1/2 system bent with a H pipe with 50 series Flowmasters done and the sound and fit is great. Much better fit than the stock system. They tucked the mufflers up a little higher than stock and it looks much better.
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...???
I have 2.5" duals on both of my cars. The '79 has Flowmaster 40s on it, and I think they are way too loud. They sound good at idle, but the way they drone driving down the freeway at 70 mph gets on my nerves. The '68 has Edelbrock 304 stainless mufflers, and I think they are perfect. A great low, mellow tone without the resonance. They will still attract plenty of attention at full throttle. The Flowmaster 40s at full throttle will have every cop within 5 miles looking for you... :lol:
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (Flareside)
Great advice from everyone...Thanks.
Two big concerns are decibles, and ground clearance.
I'm 52 years old, but still a kid at heart. I would like to be able to have a conversation with the person sitting next to me. But I also want to have a BAD sounding ride, and get all the compliments I can. When I cruise Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, on my Harley, I just love to set off the alarms. I'm not looking to do that with my Vette. She is already well known there.
What ground clearance is there with an H pipe?
Two big concerns are decibles, and ground clearance.
I'm 52 years old, but still a kid at heart. I would like to be able to have a conversation with the person sitting next to me. But I also want to have a BAD sounding ride, and get all the compliments I can. When I cruise Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, on my Harley, I just love to set off the alarms. I'm not looking to do that with my Vette. She is already well known there.
What ground clearance is there with an H pipe?
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Re: Best exhaust system with headers on a sb...??? (HDIronman)
I'm 39 and like to be noticed but also like to be able to hear what is going on. That is why I went with the 50 series mufflers. Loud enough when getting on the car but a nice rumble at cruising speed. I personally think the 40s are to loud but some like it that way. The Corvettes have no tailpipe so the sound is coming right out of the muffler. I have heard 40 series on Camaros that are not to loud for this reason. I have no problems with ground clearance on mine. I might have a picture of the syatem I could send.