I've got an '86 Coupe with the Doug Nash trans. (don't know if early or late model yet but will check after posting) and I've finally got it running decent after replacing the U-Joints myself and now want it to be bit faster (****** Stang GT's). I know there are plenty of exhaust options available, but I've never worked on a car and this is going to be my first project (awful choice for first project I know, but I'm pretty mechanically inclined).

So that leads me to my question, I want a nice set of headers and exhaust that will support future upgrades (as money comes in). I know a lot of people complain about exhaust drone at cruising speed and others have a preference for loud cars. I want neither, I want something quiet (so's I can leave my neighborhood undetected), but roars at WOT. I don't really even know where to begin so that's where you guys come into play. What do? I'm on a mild budget (doesn't have to look pretty but I want dem horses) and the car will be primarily a street car/red light racer, with the eventual hopes of being an auto-x'er.

Edit: 77k miles on it.

 

Depends on if you're in a smog state. TPIS makes headers with and without air pump and EGR ports. Corsa is a no drone set up that is somewhat quiet until you lay into then it growls.

 

I'm in Michigan, there are no rules here.

 

Suggest you look up member Vader86 and go to his website...The link is in his profile. There is much info there as to what mods work and those that are a waste of time and money..

 

You're in luck Adios pollution control and go with long tube headers,Y-pipe and Corsa exhaust. Aint cheap but then again the price of cool aint cheap...right? Lol!

 

I would upgrade to a LT1/4 true dual exhaust system.

 

I've been to Vaders site before, a ton of good stuff on there, but since I'm so new to all this (history of computer gaming, not car tuning) I feel like a glossary would be more useful than a modification guide. What's an "AIR system"?

Could you link an example? Would they bolt on without modification? I can jack my car up decent enough, but I don't have a means of welding.

 

Refers to your air pump that feeds air to your exhaust to heat up your cats faster. EGR is exhaust gas recirculation also a part of pollution control. If you go this route you'll need a tune to delete all this.

 

Hmm, I gotta find a guy that can tune around here then.

Edit: Are these the appropriate TPiS heads?

http://www.tpis.com/parts/view/235

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1580740369-post6.html

or you can find a stock LT1 exhaust take off for dirt cheap, and have a muffler shop adapt it to your new headers. Stock LT1 exhausts systems are true duals with 2.75" tubes.

 

Yes.

You'll need this as well if you go the TPIS route. Bolts right up to your secondary cat or bypass pipe if you eliminate it. TPIS has 2 Y-pipes...one without the flange and one with. That way you can unbolt your exhaust any time you want.

http://www.tpis.com/parts/view/257

 

And then do I have a choice of the LT1 exhaust or Corsa Exhaust, will they both fit right on?

 

Corsa is a cat back system and bolts right on. As for the Lt1 it is as well except you'll need a muffler shop to fab up pipe connections to your headers.

 

If you are going with headers and you don't have to deal with emissions testing/inspections, then have a reputable muffler shop install true duals. Use either 2 1/2" or 2 1/4" inch pipe, an X-pipe in roughly the same location where the main cat would be located and a good set of mufflers.

My '87 is done this way using DynoMax oval race mufflers. It's quiet on the street and on the freeways when cruising with no interior drone, but at WOT it's pretty loud. I have also removed the AIR stuff and replaces the AIR pump with a TPiS bypass kit. There won't be any codes set when you remove the AIR system and it does clean up the engine bay some.

Because the headers are new this year, I may get tossed from local tracks for noise violations. The trick to fix that is to find the location of the track microphones and use some turndowns to point the noise away from the mic.

If you are going to do your own work, I strongly suggest that you buy the 2-book Factory Service Manual or "FSM". These books are the same ones used by Chevy dealership techs. They are year-specific and you can usually find them in the C4 Parts For Sale section or on flea-bay. Make sure the books have the RED covers.

Just a note, but if you are considering installing headers yourself, you will have to get the car up high enough. Figure at least 2 feet from the ground to the underside of the car.

 

If you go with the LT-1 dual exhaust I just removed mine from the cats back to replace it with an OBX system. I live in northern Indiana. Come pick it up before I cut it up and throw it in the garbage. It's one piece and I will not ship but if you live close enough and have a truck come get it. It from a 96' and is in great shape.

 

Actually, I'd be interested in that! What does your schedule look like next week?

 

Here is a pic and I sent you a PM.