Stainless Exhaust system??

[gregbr]

Has anybody installed a stainless steel exhaust system? What mufflers do you use and how do they sound? I'm thinking about SS for my 70 GMC with a 402. I want the bigblock to sound good, but not loud or give me that resonance that gives a headache. The SS mufflers I've seen don't give a clue what they sound like. Greg

[Ozona]

I ordered one for my big block '72 from Stainless Works. 3" SS from the headers back and they recommended their two chamber turbos when I told them I didn't want small children and animals to run when I started the truck. Basically my wife will drive it - she loves rumble/some thunder, but she won't drive it if it's too loud.

Seem solid to deal w/ so far, they do have some lead time...and the bill was a little ugly - but SS won't ever rust out and it's mandrel bent very nice stuff.

Jury is out...I'm confident at this point..and hoping.

[Dean]

I've put stainless on both my 71K20, 72K20 and hopefully this weekend on my 87 K30. I've bought the muffers from Allen's stainless who supplies a lot of Corvette stainless exhaust. I just bought the stainless pipe and had a friend bed it all and install it with my help. It helps to know someone with the talent and equipment. I used stainless weld wire and clamps as well. They are pretty quiet except for the first one I did with Borla muffers with were to loud and I wound up adding another muffer on each side. And I agree they should last forever.

Here are a few pics of the 71 K20 with the stainless being installed. I used original manifolds and size pipe as original on this one. The 87 K30 with the 572 is getting the same thing but with 2 1/2" pipe.

And I agree it isn't cheap but worth it if you are going to have your truck for a long time.

[gregbr]

ttt

[Jim_PA]

I have the stainless magnaflow kit w/Thorley headers in my garage, I paid $400 on Ebay for the header-back kit. Looks very nice.

[whatnow123]

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

I have the stainless magnaflow kit w/Thorley headers in my garage, I paid $400 on Ebay for the header-back kit. Looks very nice.

So I'm assuming you haven't put it on yet?

If you have, any issues? I'm looking to do this as well.

[whatnow123]

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

I have the stainless magnaflow kit w/Thorley headers in my garage, I paid $400 on Ebay for the header-back kit. Looks very nice.

So I'm assuming you haven't put it on yet?

If you have, any issues? I'm looking to do this as well.

[Jim_PA]

Originally Posted by whatnow123

So I'm assuming you haven't put it on yet?

If you have, any issues? I'm looking to do this as well.

No, haven't put it on yet. I studied the pics found here: http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/06...ion/index.html for a while, and it looked fairly straightforward. I was pretty impressed with it from their article though.

The only thing that is questionable is my z-bar with the headers. I'll find out in the next week or so.

[stope4]

I looked at installing stainless on my 68 camaro and concluded that it wasn't worth the extra expense. With the improvement in exhaust piping over the years, I'm not sure a stainless exhaust system will last any longer than a regular exhaust system. I also think stainless starts looking different with the heat. As for mufflers, you can put any muffler on the system. Mufflers tend to be cheap and the newer ones seem to last a very long time. Plus, if you don't like the way it sounds, the expense to you won't be at the cost of a stainless muffler. My 95 pickup daily driver still has the original muffler on it. It looks dirty but it doesn't look rusty on the outside. Either way, I don't think todays regular exhaust piping can be compared to what was installed in the late sixties and early seventies. For some reason it seems to be better metal and improved galvanized or aluminum coated today. Someone reading this may be able to give more on today's products and the qualities.

Now, if your truck is going to be a show truck, stainless may be the way you want to go.

[67wes]

I put the 2 1/2" magnaflow system on my truck and I love it! You will have to have to cut it by the collector and weld on the collector end and two hangers will have to be welded on but its easy. The nice thing about the kit is that you can unbolt it like I have done to do my frame off resto. Its very quiet.

[Classic69]

Magnaflow or Borla offer stainless steel exhaust kits.

[haysonj]

I put the 2 1/2 in true-x magnaflow on mine had to rework front to miss transfer case

[gregbr]

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking at 2 1/4" Stainless with 50 series Flowmasters. System will be custom made/installed in Charlotte NC....around $600 is the guesstimate. Greg

[Jim_PA]

You need at least 2 1/2" for a 402.

[LUV2XCLR8]

I have Magnaflow SS Mufflers on GQ, the shop that did mine did not offer SS pipes
at the time. I have Hedman "Elite" Headers (3/4 Length) no tailpipes or tips, just a
set of turndowns in front of the rear wheels. Video below is a sound clip of mine, I
have approximately 425 hp and the Blazer is in the garage, the camera is out in the
driveway, so it sounds a lil bit tunneled. (Ignore the dog barking in the background)

[gregbr]

GQ sounds pretty good....nice cam.

What's the largest pipe that will fit in the flange piece on a BB with factory manifolds. I have 2 1/4" now, looks like no bigger than 2 1/2" will fit. Greg

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by gregbr

GQ sounds pretty good....nice cam.

What's the largest pipe that will fit in the flange piece on a BB with factory manifolds. I have 2 1/4" now, looks like no bigger than 2 1/2" will fit. Greg

TY, I have 2.5" on mine, the chart below is from the Flowmaster Dealers book

[gregbr]

Finally got the stainless exhaust system...... 2 1/2" stainless with 50 series delta flowmasters. They had a heck of a time getting the bends over the axle without crimping the pipe. But, it sure sounds great. Any idea why the drivers side pipe is hotter at the rear? Passenger side does have the heat riser valve. Greg