SBC Exhaust

[MASTERBrian]

I'm debating attempting to build the exhaust on my 1960 suburban with sbc 350, about 330hp engine.

The plan is to go with 2" or 2-1/2" Ram Horn Manifolds and then out the side on the rear after the axle. Two major issues are a 5" static drop and I don't have a lift, so it'll have to go up on stands and blocks. No real biggy as I did that when putting it back together, but it's a big PIA to work on. The other minor issue is, though I do have some welding experience, I'm not an expert welder and thus my welds leave a little to be desired at times, though they usually clean up ok with some grinding if need be.

Quote for the shop is $600 out the door with Magnaflow Muffers, but I'm looking at taking in my own as I like the older sound of the Smithy's and the Porters, so now we're at about $500. Considering piping is about $200-250 for a DIY kit, is it worth $250 to do this myself or is it money well spent to let the pros deal with it?

****I was wanting 2-1/2" because of better flow, shop recommended 2-1/4" at most. The stuff I've read about the Smithy's seem to say 2" on the older cars has the more vintage sound. I was going to do an H Pipe as well, but again everything seems to say that changes the sound back to more modern again, so I'm crossing that off my list.

Thoughts??

[LVPhotos]

I used Pypes tunnel X on the 62.

[LVPhotos]

From someone's build

[sirJim]

I run ram horns on 2.5" y pipe out on single pipe out the back but then again it is stock height on my 62 Burb.

[AcampoDave]

To me $250 for labor sounds like a reasonable price to have it done. Thing is, the bends won't likely be mandrel bent but rather the "ol' crush and stretch" . Before you decide which way to go, watch others do it first on Youtube. I know from my own attempts at re-purposing junkyard exhaust pipes that it ain't easy butting them together and making them leak free. It was kinda fun though and exhausting too. Get it....exhausting.... (I know not funny)

[MASTERBrian]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

To me $250 for labor sounds like a reasonable price to have it done. Thing is, the bends won't likely be mandrel bent but rather the "ol' crush and stretch" . Before you decide which way to go, watch others do it first on Youtube. I know from my own attempts at re-purposing junkyard exhaust pipes that it ain't easy butting them together and making them leak free. It was kinda fun though and exhausting too. Get it....exhausting.... (I know not funny)

I would be buying new pipe from summit/o'reiley or somewhere like that, but I agree $250 doesn't sound too bad for labor.

I'd like to be able to say I did it on my own, but I have several larger household projects going and don't need to spend the time doing this and I need to get it done at some point. On that same note the household projects are eating my $$$ up, so saving $$$ is a good bonus!! This is exhausting....

[LVPhotos]

This covers 80% , Summit and Jegs for less. The other connectors is up to your truck config. Ram to pipe could be 90 pie cut to get right angle, Smitty cover til over axle,
http://pypesexhaust.com/i-12201074-2...kit-xvf10.html

[MikeN]

I use 2.5" rams horns on my 64 C10. The RH 2.5" manifolds found on Impalas and such were used also on Corvettes, so used ones are hard to find and very $$$. The 2.5" LH manifold, though, is different on a Corvette than that on an Impala or truck (Corvette alternator mounts differently) so you can sometimes get lucky finding a nice used 2.5" LH for fairly cheap.

Long story short, I bought a used 2.5" LH from a member here, and bought the 2.5" RH manifold from Crane's Corvette Parts. I like the old school factory look, and there are so many fewer headaches than with headers.