K30 454 header recommendations

[3x2GTO]

Instead of restoring the stock exhaust manifolds on my 85 K30, I'm thinking of installing headers, it's a stock 454 with performer intake and carb. Opinions on long, short or tri Y? Probably going with Doug's.

[kwmech]

Best thing I ever did to my 454 was putting the cast iron back on

[3x2GTO]

I have a feeling that's a good idea, gonna have to check out the overall condition of the stock manifolds first, just want to get the truck licensed and end up with a good sounding exhaust, not looking for any big power gain, 200 hp is enough for what I do. May end up selling it anyways. Thanks for the input.

[kwmech]

When I put the cast iron back on I went with 2.5 from the pipes into a flowmaster Y pipe to 3'' single. Truck seems to have a lot more low end power...which is what a 454 is built for. Mileage is better also....I know that is relative with a big block. The headers in the long run were a real pain in the...

[3x2GTO]

It has flow masters on it now, but the exhaust is so scabbed together that I'm going to replace everything and start over. Looks like it has the factory Y pipe to at least 3" pipe dumping in front of the rear dif, it's terrible. I didn't know that Flowmaster makes the correct Y pipe that'll bolt onto cast iron manifolds, trying to stay away from the exhaust shop.Called the only local machine shop we have for prices to get the stock manifolds cleaned up: bake $60 pair, plane if needed $120 pair, I'll get the studs out at home otherwise $60/hour for that.

[3x2GTO]

Looked all over the inter net for a factory fit Y pipe, Anyone know where I can find one? Thanks!

[kwmech]

Had to have the pipes made off of the manifold into the flowmaster Y pipe....here

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f...QaAiEFEALw_wcB


then into the muffler and out the back. 3 '' single pipe is plenty unless your going to put in on the track

[3x2GTO]

Thanks for the info, I have it saved.

[DieselSJ]

Originally Posted by kwmech

Had to have the pipes made off of the manifold into the flowmaster Y pipe....here

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f...QaAiEFEALw_wcB


then into the muffler and out the back. 3 '' single pipe is plenty unless your going to put in on the track

I did the same thing, but used the Magnaflow version of the Y. 3" high-flow cat to replace the old pancake style and the biggest Magnaflow muffler I could stuff under it. Nice and quiet on long drives..no drone. More power, better mileage.

[57NAPCO]

I’ve used headers for many years on all kinds of chevy engines. This is a 84 K30 dually single cab with Headmans. Dual pipes run out to the back. What ever headaches I encounter with em is worth it to me...