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I'm gonna 2nd what BP says. If you're not gonna open the headers, go with a 3". If you want to go 2.5", get cut-outs. I have zero complaints with mine. They're usually good for .2-.3 in ET. This also lets you err on the side of quiet mufflers for better street cruising.

X-pipes always seem to sound cool. I'd like to have one on my car.

-Dave

Well, it's already been purchased. It's 2.5in, mandrel bent, no cutouts. Oh well.

The existing mufflers are 2.25in and salvageable - and will be re-used, initially. Just a matter of $$$. The mufflers are Dynomax, Super Turbos. I kinda like 'em. I have the same on the Avalanche. So far, no plans for tail pipes, just gona dump out in front of the axle, with turn downs.

Headers and this car, just suck.
I started on the drivers side, and after removal of the oil filter, center link and pitman arm, (for the install), I have a 'slight' interference at the transmission. Being a TH400, and the headers were probably designed for a 'glide or 4gear, I have to trim a tab, at the converter cover.

On the bright side, I visually checked the head port-to-header match, using the header gasket as a template, the match looks dam good.

Both sides are in, although not permanently yet. Still test fitting.
The drivers side needed some massaging to clear the steering gearbox. The pass side had chassis and idler arm 'mount' issues. I'm shooting for 1/16in clearance to allow for engine movement and epansion.

OK, this is the third set of headers for this car, and I've yet to be mpressed.

Have I mentioned, headers for this car suck....

Are you wrapping the headers by chance? I'm just thinking with the current heat issue, it might be a good idea, although the headers WILL be cooler than the iron manifolds.

-BP

I haven't heard any really good things about wrapping headers. The header manufactures warn against it.
So, no, I won't be wrapping my headers.

Headers for this car, still suck.
But at least, they're in - hopefully for good.
Starter is back in, wired and tested. Steering is back in place too. I'm about half way thru plumbing the oil cooler. Plumbing at the grill end, will be interesting. Rad and fan are still out, as I'm still working on the oil cooler. Plug wires will have to be updated. Looks like my 135 deg ends won't work to well with the headers. Drivers side looks like 180s will work nicely, but the pass side, front two, cyls 2 and 4, will probably need 90s. 6 and 8 will probably work with 180s. Tranny lines are still off. Tranny filler tube is still out too.

A preliminary mock up of the X pipe, looks like she'll have to make a trip to the muffler shop. This aint gona be a bolt on.

I've become reaquanted with my old exhaust guy who does great work and always at a fair price. If interested, drop me a line and I'll give you his number.

-BP

markss327 wrote:Headers for this car, still suck.

We'll see what your attitude about them is after you make your first good pass

BP- Feel free to PM me, call, email.... with your muffler guy. I last used the muffler shop across from Classic Chevy on Center st, with 'OK' results. He did the Dyno Max on the Avalanche.

I'm one step closer on the oil cooler. It's plumed. I'm not real happy with the line routing, and a re-do is inevitable, but for now, It's the best I can come up with. Mid summer I'll probably have some sort of revelation, and it'll hit me as to how to do it better....

Next up:
Tranny lines
Rad, fan, belt, hoses, coolant etc.
Plug wires

I'm thinking an 'open header' video is in order...

Mostmint, man, this thing (now with headers) had better do 12.90s 'out of the box'.... Although, maybe my 600cfm Edelbrock may now need upgrading....

It's my first attempt at video anything...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCOnGKqW7fw

S W W E E E E E T T T T T T T

Sounds good -- good job on the video, too.

-Dave

It looks like you rehearsed!!!

Good work,

-BP

Sure sounds like 12's!!!