C30 454 Headers Install Question

[lgvl]

Hello everyone, long time reader first time poster. I bought my 82 C30 3+3 dually late last year and have been in the process of fixing some of it's problems, it had sat in a barn for at least 5 years, and now it's time to replace the old exhaust for a new one. My plan has been to do what many others seem to have done which is install the headers myself and have an exhaust shop in town finish the welding, mandrel bending, and install. The question i have is that after reading the installation procedure for a few of the headers over at summit racing i need to jack the truck up 36" to install them from the bottom. This isn't really an option as i have no means of getting the truck that high. SO, is it possible to install the headers either from the engine bay OR to shimmy them in from below with only a slight jackup height? Thanks guys!

[meatwagon83]

you can put both sides in from the top, i have heddman elites on mine and me and my buddy put them on in a motel parking lot, with a little ass floor jack (because it was lowered then) just so i would fit under the truck, we unbolted the motor mounts one at a time and slid them in, i practically threw the driverside in!

oh and my truck has a/c, so theres that!

[JAMESCHURCH13]

Meat Wagon you are a lucky man. I don't think I had mine up to high but I jacked it up from the engine cross member and used some axle jacks. I had no luck from the top. I had long tube Headers if that helps. Looking back all you would have to do is drive up on some normal size ramps and you would be fine. Also make sure to take out your spark plugs on the drivers side. Fun lesson.

[lgvl]

Ramps would be a good idea, as well as removing the motor mounts. I'd like to do the work in my garage but using ramps in the garage may not work due to the height restrictions of the garage door. Were there any modifications involved to either the header or the truck to get them to fit? Sounds like i may have to modify the rear drivers side spark plug heat shield to get them to fit. Also, any suggestions as to a decent manufacturer or model in the 2 to $300 dollar range? Thanks guys, really appreciate the help.

[JAMESCHURCH13]

Mine were hookers for 70 bucks off craigslist. I throw away all parts that don't need to be there for a simpler re_install. Your headers will have more rum for your plugs. If you really want the added heat protection get the spark plug boot socks. However you dont need them if you route your wires well.
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[lgvl]

Originally Posted by JAMESCHURCH13

Mine were hookers for 70 bucks off craigslist. I throw away all parts that don't need to be there for a simpler re_install. Your headers will have more rum for your plugs. If you really want the added heat protection get the spark plug boot socks. However you dont need them if you route your wires well.
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I need to roam CG more often, lots of hidden jems. I would like to stream line the engine compartment as well, first to go i think will be the smog pump and AIR system, unless someone can give me a good reason to keep it.

[JAMESCHURCH13]

Do you have a smog inspection in your state? If not you dont need a smog pump.
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[bilfman]

I have a 79 k30 4x4 didn't need to jack it up. Did the install solo . Driver side was a bit of a pain solo, would have been so much easier with another set of hands. Other than that no problems. Just took the plugs out.
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[lgvl]

Originally Posted by JAMESCHURCH13

Do you have a smog inspection in your state? If not you dont need a smog pump.
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Yeah, i got a letter from the state of Illinois saying my vehicle shouldn't have to get tested for emissions but when i get back to the states i'm going to call and make sure. I'd hate to start pulling things just to be told it doesn't pass emissions. Also it seems at one time or another the Cat converters were removed. As far as i know it came with them but i also know the exhaust was replaced twenty years ago so who knows what they did.

[lgvl]

Anyone with much experience with these or similar ones? They're in the price range i was looking at. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ho...olet/model/c30

[JAMESCHURCH13]

Those are the headers I have. Putting them in from the top was not working for me and I had the truck on stands to take out the old exhaust. From the bottom with plugs out is smooth sailing.
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[lgvl]

Originally Posted by JAMESCHURCH13

Those are the headers I have. Putting them in from the top was not working for me and I had the truck on stands to take out the old exhaust. From the bottom with plugs out is smooth sailing.
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And you're happy with them and the build quality? Thanks!

[JAMESCHURCH13]

For sure. The guy I got them from used them for a couple years then had them recoated and sold them to me. No warpage rust or leaks.
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[lgvl]

Well, my bonus came in today which of course means i have to spend at least half of it within the next 24 hours or else it will just go to waste in some savings account somewhere. So i went to Summit racing with the intention of buying the headers i mentioned early but started looking at the head port shape and noticed it's round and i know after doing my exhaust gasket that the head ports on my 454 are rounded square-rectangularish. So my question is does this really matter or should i fork over the extra coin for SAP? Thanks guys

[lgvl]

Also, does anyone have recommendations for 2.5" inlet mufflers that won't deafen my neighbors? I'd like a good rumble but don't need to go nuts.

[mrolds88]

A far as mufflers go. I like Flowmasters. They have different models that should meet your requirements. Also are you sure that truck had a cat on it? I thought all the 1 tons up until the LATE 80's didn't have them.

[lgvl]

I wasn't sure about the Cat, they were off before i bought the truck and a new exhaust was put on 15 years ago or so. My shop manual covers cats but didn't say if my truck had them or not.