Author Topic: Affordable headers and exhaust system for 86 C10 (305)  (Read 1613 times)

Offline Bigbrown86

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Affordable headers and exhaust system for 86 C10 (305)
« on: January 23, 2021, 04:02:47 PM »
Hello all. I picked up an 86 C10 for $500 and my father in law and I have been replacing parts for a few months now and having a blast. I knew exactly nothing about working on cars prior.  The truck is 100% stock. Im looking for an affordable set of headers and a complete exhaust replacement. I browse all the websites but never know whats good or what will fit correctly. Any suggestions on a budget? Id like it to be considerably louder than stock but do not want or need to wake up the neighborhood every morning. Simplicity of installation is important. Budget is about $800 so i know i wont be turning any heads with the set up.

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Affordable headers and exhaust system for 86 C10 (305)
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2021, 05:56:43 PM »
Regarding fitment, just make sure you find headers made for your rig. I haven't purchased any for years, stay away from products made in China. (read recycled fords and chevys)

Invariable you will have to dent some of the tubing for clearance, keep it to bare minimum.

Flowmaster is a good sounding product, try to fit in a X-pipe, you'll be glad you did...

No cat?
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline 1980K20

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Re: Affordable headers and exhaust system for 86 C10 (305)
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2021, 06:00:08 PM »
Sounds like a great project!

I'm no expert, but assuming a 305 v8, be sure to stick to narrower rubes versus big fat tubes to keep your torque in place. No clue what is right diameter, somebody else will have to cover that.

Just curious, why change from stock? Just the sound?

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1952 International L112 - waiting for EV conversion
1967 Camaro - 250 six cyl, 200-4R
1980 K20 4x4 Fleetside - 350 SBC roller Cam, TH350

Offline Bigbrown86

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Re: Affordable headers and exhaust system for 86 C10 (305)
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2021, 06:13:45 PM »
No cats (Oklahoma). The exhaust manifolds look terrible and still have the AIR tubes on them. And all the pipes underneath are rusted over (surface rust) and just look drab. Id like it to sound a bit meaner too. We’ve replaced so much and had so much fun that this seems like a logical next step. Ideally i’d like a kit that just had everything in it for a full project.

Offline 1980K20

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Re: Affordable headers and exhaust system for 86 C10 (305)
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2021, 12:00:23 AM »
I bought a kit of one of the reputable sites, had a lot of problems with one pipe. It was rotated 90 degrees and stuck way up high, would nearly hit the cab. A friend with a welder and three cuts and two splices later, it's where it should be. I've got a shelf with all the stuff I should return, but I hate doing that. So fix it was my path.

Ordering the parts was difficult. The truck is 1980, the engine is 1991, the heads vortec (brand new). Is that round, oval, square? You should find a kit much easier with all stock. I also was looking for a good sound, but not too loud. The non-kit-standard mufflers I chose contributed to the difficulties. Self inflicted. Keep it simple. :-)

It sounds nice, you'll be happy.

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--------------------------------------
1952 International L112 - waiting for EV conversion
1967 Camaro - 250 six cyl, 200-4R
1980 K20 4x4 Fleetside - 350 SBC roller Cam, TH350