True Dual Exhaust for an 87

[crunchie]

Indeed the O2 can be added, and I'm guessing that's the only reason that the kit's not listed for the 87 since it wouldn't be a direct bolt on. Cherry Bomb glasspacks are only about $25 a piece, and if you can find somebody to bend and weld the pipe for you it would be a much better exhaust system than the clamping pieces together setup that's in that kit. Also Chris does sell an exhaust system for 2wd trucks on this site, but it's set up for long tube headers, which by the way, would be a great upgrade. I run long tube headers, 2.5" duals with 24" glasspacks and I think it sounds great.

Hmm, there's an idea. I didn't want to spend too much on this project, but hey, it happens sometimes.

Do you have any issues with keeping the screws tight at the cylinder head to header flange joint? Or any trouble blowing out exhaust gaskets there? I have headers on my Oldsmobile, and I have to check the screws every 1000 miles or so because they loosen up and blow out gaskets about once a year if I don't. They are Hooker Super Comps, so they have good thickness to the flange, but the screws are 3/8" dia by 3/4" long, which is just on the edge of being too short for a good bolted joint. A rule of thumb is that in order to maintain clamp load, a screw should be more than 2x longer than its diameter, and in an area such as exhaust which is subject to significant vibration and thermal cycling, it probably needs longer screws. I haven't tried anything yet, been too busy remodeling a house.

If you have a solution, I'm interested to hear about it.

[VileZambonie]

Would there be any reason why an '87 would require a different exhaust from the manifolds back?

O² sensor

O2 sensor can be added with a weld in bung.....

Guys the O2 sensor is in the manifold not the pipe.

[topp]

Indeed the O2 can be added, and I'm guessing that's the only reason that the kit's not listed for the 87 since it wouldn't be a direct bolt on. Cherry Bomb glasspacks are only about $25 a piece, and if you can find somebody to bend and weld the pipe for you it would be a much better exhaust system than the clamping pieces together setup that's in that kit. Also Chris does sell an exhaust system for 2wd trucks on this site, but it's set up for long tube headers, which by the way, would be a great upgrade. I run long tube headers, 2.5" duals with 24" glasspacks and I think it sounds great.

It's not listed for an 87 because of several reasons:
It's pre bent, and if I remember right, there were some changes to Chevy trucks and their frames at some point ( I know for a fact the K5 series had changes to the floor layout).
87 has cats, the kit does not allow for that (of course you can cut and install yourself)
87 is an oddball year.  The new truck body style came out in 88 and 87 was the first year of Fuel Injection in these trucks. When it comes to parts (headers, etc...) 87 is the red headed step child.  You'll find listings for up to 86, and from 88 on....

[Grim 82]

Do you have any issues with keeping the screws tight at the cylinder head to header flange joint? Or any trouble blowing out exhaust gaskets there?

Yes. I have Flowtech's and I re-tighten the bolts every other gas filling session. Haven't had any trouble with the gaskets except at the collector. I put aluminum ones in and they have held up so far.

[crunchie]

Do you have any issues with keeping the screws tight at the cylinder head to header flange joint? Or any trouble blowing out exhaust gaskets there?

Yes. I have Flowtech's and I re-tighten the bolts every other gas filling session. Haven't had any trouble with the gaskets except at the collector. I put aluminum ones in and they have held up so far.

Good to know about the aluminum gaskets. Thanks.

[Bodyswap]

Get longer bolts and lock washers.  Worked great on my cutlass, never had a problem after that. Also, what I did on my 85 is cut the flanges.  I never had any problems there either.

[bobcooter]

 I had good luck with the copper header and collector gaskets from Summit.

[Big Blue 87]

If yours has an O2 sensor or a cat on it then you may want to not tamper with that if your state is strict.  Here in good ole arkansas they are very lax with the enforcement of the laws.  If you lived here I would say "laws?? You mean guidelines?" then point you to a muffler shop that does great work.

i live in arkansas to..rural arkansas. honestly ive never heard of any emission laws enforced here lol. i run true dual straight pipes on my truck lol

[Psycho71]

My wife and I got married in Arkansas. About two months later they sent us a letter telling us that unless we could provide proof of a shared bloodline somewhere in our family tree they would annul the marriage. 


Back tot he topic; Here in Tx, anything older than 25yrs is subject to safety inspection only, even in emission counties.

[Big Blue 87]

emissions laws aint there for me to worry bout...its gettin in trouble for disturbin the peace lol ive heard the cops in town dnt like my exhaust alredy lol

[KY..Rob]

My wife and I got married in Arkansas. About two months later they sent us a letter telling us that unless we could provide proof of a shared bloodline somewhere in our family tree they would annul the marriage. 


Back tot he topic; Here in Tx, anything older than 25yrs is subject to safety inspection only, even in emission counties.

Now that's Funny!! I don't care who ya are

Same here in Kentucky, pretty laxed. Although we have had a rash of converter thefts..I guess they bring high dollar at the salvage yards.

[Big Blue 87]

[Now that's Funny!! I don't care who ya are

Same here in Kentucky, pretty laxed. Although we have had a rash of converter thefts..I guess they bring high dollar at the salvage yards.
[/quote]

yep. some types of converters are worth something..some aint worth nothin