Straight Pipe vs. Muffler

[77ChevySharkBite]

I have a 1977 Chevy C10 with a Chevy 350, I just recently purchased some headers that I will have today or tomorrow, my question is I have in mind a custom exhaust I want done later on that I don't currently have the money for right. I have a friend thats telling me I need to run a muffler for backpressure, but then I have a co worker telling me I can just run straight pipe and be fine as well. If running straight pipe is going to harm the motor majorly I'll do a muffler but if I can run straight pipe without having to worry about screwing up my motor I want to do that until I can afford the exhaust I want done.

Can someone help me tell me so I can come to a decision?

[Redcap]

Originally Posted by 77ChevySharkBite

I have a 1977 Chevy C10 with a Chevy 350, I just recently purchased some headers that I will have today or tomorrow, my question is I have in mind a custom exhaust I want done later on that I don't currently have the money for right. I have a friend thats telling me I need to run a muffler for backpressure, but then I have a co worker telling me I can just run straight pipe and be fine as well. If running straight pipe is going to harm the motor majorly I'll do a muffler but if I can run straight pipe without having to worry about screwing up my motor I want to do that until I can afford the exhaust I want done.

Can someone help me tell me so I can come to a decision?

That 'friend' of yours is an idiot.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Okay thank you for your help.

[RandyP]

I ran straight pipe on one back in the early 90's. Was a brand new GM crate 350/350. Ended up floating a valve in it and they blamed the straight pipe for it. They fixed it under warranty but I did go have some mufflers added at that point. It had a very nice sound just going down the road, but when you planted your foot in it the damn thing would rattle windows 2 blocks away.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by 77ChevySharkBite

I have a 1977 Chevy C10 with a Chevy 350, I just recently purchased some headers that I will have today or tomorrow, my question is I have in mind a custom exhaust I want done later on that I don't currently have the money for right. I have a friend thats telling me I need to run a muffler for backpressure, but then I have a co worker telling me I can just run straight pipe and be fine as well. If running straight pipe is going to harm the motor majorly I'll do a muffler but if I can run straight pipe without having to worry about screwing up my motor I want to do that until I can afford the exhaust I want done.

Can someone help me tell me so I can come to a decision?

Tell your friend to put a sock in thier mouth and run a marathon the back pressure will help right? This is what we tell people at the shop. Dyno max makes full exhaust kits for about $132
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[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Tell your friend to put a sock in thier mouth and run a marathon the back pressure will help right? This is what we tell people at the shop. Dyno max makes full exhaust kits for about $132
Posted via Mobile Device

Okay so that I understand it right, running and exhaust instead of straight pipe is the correct way?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by 77ChevySharkBite

Okay so that I understand it right, running and exhaust instead of straight pipe is the correct way?

It would be the "polite way" lol but some engines can run better without exhaust but engine like this usually have 600hp^ just open headers can possible over scavenge the exhaust gasses and pull out some air/fuel mixture and cause you to lose power. Having an exhaust that keeps the speed of these gases in check so as not to over scavenge and not create back pressure.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles..._installation/

A 2.5 exhaust system is the most versatile providing enough balance for a mild engine and with good mufflers and an x pipe added will support about 550hp max before it becomes seriously detrimental to power gains. Having no tail pipe on a 2.5 system isually nets a 10ftlbs gain in torque at 4000rpm and up and loss of 4 ft torque down low. This was tested on a 450hp sbc in car craft as well.

I saw your engine and from what I saw it looks like a stock 350 so I would suggest this system http://m.summitracing.com/parts/hok-16523hkr or one like it and thrush welded series mufflers
Untill your engine has an intake carb mild cam and compression your not going to be very loud. But any bigger of a muffler and you will lose some power. When you do these mods as mentioned add an h pipe and magmaflow and it will be real nice

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

It would be the "polite way" lol but some engines can run better without exhaust but engine like this usually have 600hp^ just open headers can possible over scavenge the exhaust gasses and pull out some air/fuel mixture and cause you to lose power. Having an exhaust that keeps the speed of these gases in check so as not to over scavenge and not create back pressure.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles..._installation/

A 2.5 exhaust system is the most versatile providing enough balance for a mild engine and with good mufflers and an x pipe added will support about 550hp max before it becomes seriously detrimental to power gains. Having no tail pipe on a 2.5 system isually nets a 10ftlbs gain in torque at 4000rpm and up and loss of 4 ft torque down low. This was tested on a 450hp sbc in car craft as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks for the website that was interesting to read, very informative now I know what I need to do, thanks INSIDIOUS '86

[gchemist]

Straight pipe = Magnaflow muffler. Great sound and performance.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Straight pipe = Magnaflow muffler. Great sound and performance.

Awesome!! I have a Magnaflow muffler on my DD and I love it because it idles low but if I punch it, it'll roar. Any specific series you suggest?

[wwj75c30]

i say straight pipes. i have them on my 454 and i love them but nebighors dont.lol

[77ChevySharkBite]

Yeah it's going to be that way for a few days, so I'm sure I'll have the hate on me haha
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[gchemist]

I would have to check the Magnaflows on my truck. I know they are 14" SS mufflers.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...54440533zAvaLF

You can buy an X pipe kit for around $75 from the parts store.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Let me ask you this gchemist, if I was to run a dual inlet and outlet would I still need an x pipe?

[K10Chase]

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette?frame=1.4026

I've had these on my truck for 3 years now and they have a great sound if you are looking for something cheaper, the only down side is that they are pretty long

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by K10Chase

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette?frame=1.4026

I've had these on my truck for 3 years now and they have a great sound if you are looking for something cheaper, the only down side is that they are pretty long

Thanks I appreciate it!

[OutlawDrifter]

back pressure is a rediculous argument. it's important, however, for your exhaust, as stated up above, to have scavenging properties to help draw the spent fumes out. at a lower hp level you really won't see huge gains, but building an exhaust system a little better and bigger for your mods down the road, will save you having to redo the whole thing.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

back pressure is a rediculous argument. it's important, however, for your exhaust, as stated up above, to have scavenging properties to help draw the spent fumes out. at a lower hp level you really won't see huge gains, but building an exhaust system a little better and bigger for your mods down the road, will save you having to redo the whole thing.

Yeah well right now I'm just going to run straight pipe till i'm able to get the muffler I want then I'm going to install it and be done with it, but for the best power gains and flow would I still need to have an x pipe installed?

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by 77ChevySharkBite

Yeah well right now I'm just going to run straight pipe till i'm able to get the muffler I want then I'm going to install it and be done with it, but for the best power gains and flow would I still need to have an x pipe installed?

i would...not to mention the x-pipe will mellow your tone out a little too.

[Firebirdjones]

X-pipes are the way to go on any dual system and HP level if you have the room to package it. Generic X-pipes will do the job on most cars. If you want to get serious about it, Dr. Gas makes the best X-pipes in the business.

My father and I run a Dr. Gas setup, his goat and my chevelle. They actually taylor the size and shape of the opening that joins the pipes together and can manipulate power production based on your particular engine setup and HP level. On my fathers car they actually changed the inlet and outlet diameters at the X-pipe too from 3 1/2" to 3".

But you are starting to split hairs and get expensive at the same time.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

X-pipes are the way to go on any dual system and HP level if you have the room to package it. Generic X-pipes will do the job on most cars. If you want to get serious about it, Dr. Gas makes the best X-pipes in the business.

My father and I run a Dr. Gas setup, his goat and my chevelle. They actually taylor the size and shape of the opening that joins the pipes together and can manipulate power production based on your particular engine setup and HP level. On my fathers car they actually changed the inlet and outlet diameters at the X-pipe too from 3 1/2" to 3".

But you are starting to split hairs and get expensive at the same time.

Okay thanks firebirdjones yeah I want to make sure I'm doing it right not that there's a "right" or "wrong" I just want to make sure I'm keeping everything flowing right. I know I read the article that insidous 86 put and the way i took it was that regardless of what you do its best to run an x pipe, but I'm going to end up spending a bit of money anyway because I also want to have cut outs on my truck, and pypes makes a kit but its a little pricey but I get the x pipe I want so.

[Firebirdjones]

I haven't seen an article but it sounds like it's right on target, X-pipes are a better way to go. I do run an H-pipe on a few cars, (older systems) that haven't been top priority to switch over. However I had to use an H-pipe on my blazer because there just isn't room to do an "X" with the transfer case, so there are some instances where you can't. But an H-pipe is better than nothing at all. If you have the room, do an X.

[cory d]

if your going to take it on the street just use mufflers. even a little 8" glass pack will help. out o f curriousity i drove my truck with straight headers and with 2.5" straight pipes, it just makes too much noise. just makes you sound like an a-hole when its that loud

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by cory d

if your going to take it on the street just use mufflers. even a little 8" glass pack will help. out o f curriousity i drove my truck with straight headers and with 2.5" straight pipes, it just makes too much noise. just makes you sound like an a-hole when its that loud

Yeah I understand that trust me, right now it mainly just sits at my dads but gets cranked to make sure everything runs fine so it doesnt see a lot of street time right now other than driving around the block really. Trust me though I'm already looking into mufflers I want, and an x pipe so I can get the whole exhaust taken care of as soon as I can.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by cory d

if your going to take it on the street just use mufflers. even a little 8" glass pack will help. out o f curriousity i drove my truck with straight headers and with 2.5" straight pipes, it just makes too much noise. just makes you sound like an a-hole when its that loud

Loud certainly isn't for everyone. I know since I've gotten older I get sick of it alot faster. I still have my share of loud "set off car alarm" stuff here but I'm in no way an a-hole. Just like my american made muscle.