1981 K10 Complete Exhaust System

[Mike81K10]

I am planning to replace my exhaust system from headers back and would like to get any suggestions on a good quality system. Currently I have no Catalytic Converter (removed it some time ago), it has performance mufflers, and stock exhaust manifold. Was worried about buying header and then have them not fit.

[VileZambonie]

As far as a "kit" goes, I used the 3" flowmaster kit with flowmaster mufflers and it came out really nice on my orange truck. I think the only thing I had to source separately was the reducers, hangers and H-pipe. As far as a bolt on kit, I've never seen anything that was actually that simple. If you can weld and have a lift, you can do a nice job, if not, your best bet is to have a custom exhaust system made IMO.

[Mike81K10]

I have a 350 in my truck and want headers. Concerned about getting some that will fit well and prefer aluminum coated or perhaps stainless. I has some aluminum before on a car and they were nice.

[ehjorten]

Plenty of headers that fit for these trucks. I have Hedman Elite headers on my '77 K20. The difficult part is exhaust pipes and mufflers in a kit that will fit. The best bet is to find a good shop that can just do a custom one for you, but it will cost a few dollars.

[frotosride]

Despite the new engine I put in, the exhaust is basically in the same spot and still using long tube headers. If you but a hot rod builders kit and pick the mufflers you want, fitment isn't an issue. Prefer V-band clamps over anything except a ball and socket. No gaskets to worry about and if It does leak some extreme high temp permatex stops that for good.
Trickiest part if deciding on where to put a balance tube.