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Thanks and not bad, but I'm looking to use headers, and these would need to be modified.
Since your car was originally equipped with a catalytic convertor, and technically, removing it would be illegal, as would be an AIR system, if equipped, an exhaust system that had both headers, as well as a "collector back", true dual system, as a package deal, would be hard to find, as technically (again that term) it would be an illegal system. Most manufacturers would not likely take the legal risk, especially for what would be such a low volume system.
IMHO, the only true "bolt-on system", would be either a Dougs Headers or Hooker Headers side mount system.
If you can legally install true dual exhaust on your C3, I would find a shop that will bend a true dual system from your headers rearward. I had a shop (local "Rainbow Muffler") do this and to protect themselves, they wrote 'cat back' on the invoice. I went with 2.5" duals with an h-pipe just after the transmission crossmember into DynoMax super turbo mufflers. I had the headers and mufflers so the shop just had to bend/install the 2.5" pipes. It was under $300 for aluminized steel... around year 2000. So, assume you will pay closer to $450 for same. My C3 sees only fair weather so that system is still installed today.
If you are doing headers and don't need a CAT, here is what I did I my 82 a while ago with 2.5" stainless TIG welded. It's all custom though and I made it easy to drop for going to the track in one piece from the collectors back, can drop trans pan without dropping exhaust and has a X-pipe. Headers are Hedman ceramic coated. Good luck.
I have Hedman full length. When I installed them, I selected the 68301 to accomodate the A.I.R. System. If not retaining the A.I.R system, you can get the standard HTC coated full-length headers for around $500-600. If you just get the painted (they will rust), you will spend about $200. I would get the HTC coated as they will last nearly forever and pay for themselves as you will not have to replace in a few years time.
How much are you willing to spend? There are some nice custom exhausts on this Forum. Before I got a smokin deal from Craigslist, I figured the best option would be long-tube stainless headers (like these, from Kooks, or these from American Racing Headers), and some mandrel-bent parts, custom welded. Be sure to add two O2 sensor bungs while you are paying someone to weld (you can cap them until you add sensors later). The limiting factors were cost, and replacing the transmission crossmember with a custom unit. You are fortunate that your crossmember is removable.
My 79 had true duals (no crossover) installed at some point in her past. 2" all the way, and still using the stock 2" collector manifolds. But they sorta did it right, with two cats under the seats. Performance and sound is "meh", but at least she doesn't stink.
Does your 81 have a power driver's seat? That may limit where you can put the cat or cats.
Don't waste your time or money on the Pypes system.
Poor customer service and wrong parts shipped.
I ended up at the muffler shop having them fix it.
Go to a muffler shop that can make you a high quality system.
Craig
I agree, they claimed they couldn't make a kit fit headers to different locations of the collectors but, they were not ready when I asked them then why do you sell the kit with the front part of the xpipe non adjustable. I returned my kit and pieced mine together from polished stainless steel and had it tig welded together so I never have to mess with another exhaust system on the car again.
I doubt you can find a ready made kit on the market.
Tru duals kit without cats works on your year but it is designed to hook up to the stock iron manifolds. Shorty headers would work with it but not long tube headers without some fabrication.
What are the emissions rules for a 1981 corvette in Pittsburgh?
For Pennsylvania it all depends on how you title you car. I have a 78 which I title as an antique (any car over 25 yrs old) which make it exempt from state emission and inspections. See attachment.
03-16-2019, 12:04 PM
exhaust advice for an 81
