Newbie here, family member did me a solid to keep a 76' in the family for a $1 buck. Basically passing the Torch. So, I've got a few nuggets to spend on it! Already has a new 350 crate engine "universal" approx. 260 HP with Edelbrock Performance Cam and Intake kit. So, might be clearing 300hp if the carb is dialed in...original Qjet with original headers/exhaust. So, looking for advice on a simple upgrade to headers and carb. Any recommendations on new headers and exhaust to make this thing Howl?!?! Also, should I rebuild the Qjet or just go with a Holley? Thx!!!

 

Holley or Qjet is just a personal preference thing. I run a 750 double pumper on my 76 because I know how to take a Holley apart and tune it, and I don't know how to to a Qjet - that's really the only reason. Keep in mind if you change carbs you will need to change intakes or install an adapter.

 

Wasn't even thinking about intake adaptation...Thank you!

 

Headers, depends on your pocket book and if you want to fight banging tubes etc, Exhaust from there back, plenty of good systems out there.

 

Would you go side pipe or Rear exhaust?

 

Long tube headers with 3 inch dual exhaust will help create the most hp from low hp stock motors clear up through high hp big ci motors

 

I have headers, 3" collector, Flowmasters, and they dump out the side in front of the rear tires where side pipes would - without the leg burns

 

Do you have photos to share?! ...that's cool.

 

I have rectangle Camaro style tips to put on in a box in the garage (for years) I just haven't gotten around to it. It's on the list.

 

Sweet ride! Congratulations. I have Hooker Super Comp headers which fit perfectly. I have heard complaints about every header not fitting someone's car, including Hooker. Mine have been on there for about 30 years, so it is possible that the quality of the product has deteriorated over the years like so many others. As for the dual exhaust system I would recommend getting a true dual 2 1/2" system from Corvette Central, install it, and have someone connect the exhaust to the headers and add a balance pipe (crossover/H-tube, whatever you want to call it).
Recurve your ignition timing - there are plenty of threads on here with information on how to do it. There is no performance modification that will provide the same bang-for-the-buck.
As for the carburetor - Holley or Q-jet are both good carbs. I agree matter of personal preference. If you have a Q-jet in good condition and it is working well no reason to change. If you decide to go with a Holley, don't lose the Q-jet. Good used unmolested carbs are getting hard to find. I am a Holley guy and run one on my car, but I still have my original Q-jet and would be extremely reluctant to part with it.
If I have earned the right to make a couple of other suggestions, don't put the Camaro tips on it. Just plain wrong. And first chance you get - lose the whitewalls.

 

I couldn't really see where the posted picture dumped out before the rear tires.

But anyway bigger diameter pipes have a nice deep sound even with a "H" pipe idea. These are 3 1/2 inch in and out race mufflers with 4 inch tips. very little back pressure. Times were about the same when I was into drag racing and just ran open headers with 14 inch collector extensions. I got tired of the noise and just put on dual 3 inch full length pipes opening up to bigger diameter mufflers. I had a 355 ci motor back then. Before Corvette forum even existed. You do one exhaust system and it is good for life when you go to 434 ci SBC

Those are my 345 width road racing slicks

 

Nice Ride, can barely see...stealth and clean lines, I'm sure it's impressive in person!

 

It's hard to compete with rice cars with a 5 inch fart can muffler out back

 

Here's a photo of after I cleaned up the rear end that gives you a better idea, the exhaust is loose at the collectors in this shot which is why they are dipped way down, they're usually horizontal with the car.

 

I get it...slick way of achieving the sound and not compromising the original look. I'll share some picks as I progress. Thanks for the insight!

 

To simplify the header exhaust system. You can buy tranny cross members that have the exhaust pass under (NOT THROUGH) like stock. I just installed my headers and drove straight to the muffler shop.

3 inch straight back off the collectors. Passing under the cross member

 

I made my own in the 80's. But you can buy the pass under cross members.

Product Result (crossmembers.com)

 

Yeah, I was thinking Headers DIY over a weekend, then muffler shop for the marriage. ...have read the Headers need a little TLC to go on, definitely a bear lining up to match holes from research on another thread. Are those Hooker Long Tube Headers? if not, do you have another recommendation?

 

When I had a smaller 350 ci motor I used Headman 1 5/8th headers. Then I went to hooker super comp 1 3/4 Which are shown above on my 396 ci stroker SBC. For my 427 mowtown sbc I went to stepped stainless headers 1 3/4 to 1 7/8ths.

Headers no matter what company, it all comes down to the welder. A moron that didn't give a rats *** welded up my Hooker super comp collector flange wrong. Instead of sending it back I just cut and welded it correct.

I have ARP exhaust studs in my aluminum heads. So it is very easy to hang the gasket on and then install one header from the top and the other side from the bottom.

 

you may want to look at the pypes or flowmaster 2.5" dual exhaust kits for the C3's. everything is already pre bent. all you would need it a muffler shop to make the piece that goes from the header collector to the trans crossmember. maybe if anyone here has used either system they can comment on how much tweeking these systems need to install them or if they are good right out of the box.