Topic: Upgrade to headers and true duals
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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Hi,
I'm new to the forum, not sure how it works. I just bought my first 'Vette, would like to upgrade the exhaust system to headers and true duals (currently has factory exhaust manifolds, 2 into 1, cat. conv. eliminated, then back to duals). Was wanting to know if this is a good idea, if so would I be better to go with full length headers or the short style?
Thanks,
Rick
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Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
[QUOTE=HDNITRAIN]Hi, I'm new to the forum, not sure how it works. I just bought my first 'Vette, would like to upgrade the exhaust system to headers and true duals (currently has factory exhaust manifolds, 2 into 1, cat. conv. eliminated, then back to duals). Was wanting to know if this is a good idea, if so would I be better to go with full length headers or the short style? Thanks, Rick[/QUOTE]
Welcome to the forum Rick. There's a lot of good C3 info here, but for the most responses you'll want to post your thread in the appropriate forum. there's one for fuel, intake and exhaust I believe. I'm no authority but, headers and duals are always a worthy upgrade, and long tubes are better than short but, be sure to buy quality headers with ceramic coating or jet hot or it will get mighty hot under the hood.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
You'll notice a big difference just going to true duals without the headers if you want to save some money.
If you do go with headers, follow the advice and get coated ones. That will pay off in the long run in heat reduction, appearance and durabiity. Block hugger type should bolt right up to the stock exhaust pipes, long-tube won't and you'll need some pipes fabricated.
Long-tube headers will provide better performance overall, but may also create ground clearance problems and maybe problems clearing the steering box. Block hugger headers don't give the performance potential of long-tubes, but more than stock exhaust manifolds, so they're a nice compromise.
A '79 L82 is a nice engine, but is still emissions controlled. My own opinion is you won't see maximum potential of long-tube headers without some serious head re-working, a camshaft and re-curving the distributor. Block hugger headers is probably a better bet for you if you do decide to install a set.
You need to really determine what you're looking for from the car first and make a plan to achieve that. Don't just start installing parts you might be unhappy with ultimately.
BTW - welcome!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I have full length Hooker Headers from Jet Hot Coatings
They have been great so far. Its a tight fit in the install, if I remember right I had to install from underneith the car. They do hang down some so you have to watch the speed bumps. I love my true duals with the Flow Master series 40 mufflers in back.
Rick,
1st of all, welcome to C3VR! Plenty of good people here with good advice.
My Corvette is also a '79 but it's an L-48. I had great results going with true duals, an edelbrock performer intake(non EGR type) and having the Q-Jet rebuilt. It's as if it can breath in and exhale alot better. It runs good!
As far as headers go, I didn't get them but wish I had them. So, I can't speak from experience.
Keep us posted.
Kevin
I have long tube headers. The one thing that I wished I had done was have the muffler shop install a crossover pipe to even out the sound and eliminate any popping. It's not bad but if I had it to do over I would have one put in.
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I have true duals no cats and KBD mufflers all from MAM, with the stock rams horn exhaust manifolds. I think it runs great and sounds great too. My engine is slightly modified with flat top pistons, bored 30 over and a comp cam. Anything will be an improvement over the stock y-pipe set-up.
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
The factory 370 HP engines used 2" manifolds, and 2 1/2" pipes, so a slightly modified '79 should breathe pretty well. And there are 2 1/2" manifolds available. Your crossmember might not have the holes for dual exhausts, so you might need to either replace it or modify yours. Or, we have a source who will make a true dual system that goes under the one opening in the crossmember.
Larry
Larry
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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