Exhaust for a 79 V8 454, 7.4L

[Delorean1986]

Hey Everyone,

Need some help finding out what exhaust would best fit my truck. Looking for headers and pipes. I don't need the nicest highest end, but something nice sounding would be great.

Help? direction? Its a dual exhaust too...

[Delorean1986]

oh and 2wd 3/4 ton

[LTZ C20]

I paid about under 200 dollars for my Hedman headers, they are good quality. I have a 2wd 3/4 ton also but with a 350. Also I got the 4x4 headers so they tuck up between the frame rails, can't see them from the side of the truck. Keeps the underside neat and clean. You might be looking at a little more money for a big block set. My mufflers were about 90 bucks a piece and then my dual exhuast was done at a local shop for bout 250. All aluminized steel in 2.5 inch, all 1 piece also, no cut and re welded pieces, everything was made from 1 piece of tubing.

[Delorean1986]

Exactly the information I was hoping for.

Welcoming any others too….

I want to make sound good and even though i have the 2wd definitely don't want my exhaust hanging down under, thats kinda ghetto (in a bad way). Jegs seems to have a lot of options for my truck. Been looking there…

thanks again LTZ C20

[LTZ C20]

Jegs is good, summit is better haha, in my opinion anyway. I just told the exhaust shop I didn't want anything to be visible from the exterior, where I wanted the mufflers and how I wanted the tips done. The guy did a great job.

The 2wd full length headers are taller than the 4x4 full length headers. This is because the 4x4 models are pulled up to increase ground clearance for obvious reasons. That's why I put them on a 2wd. I maintain all my original ground clearnace. Actually I have alot of clearance. If you want, I can go out and take some pics and post them up.

[Delorean1986]

Jegs is good, summit is better haha, in my opinion anyway. I just told the exhaust shop I didn't want anything to be visible from the exterior, where I wanted the mufflers and how I wanted the tips done. The guy did a great job.

The 2wd full length headers are taller than the 4x4 full length headers. This is because the 4x4 models are pulled up to increase ground clearance for obvious reasons. That's why I put them on a 2wd. I maintain all my original ground clearnace. Actually I have alot of clearance. If you want, I can go out and take some pics and post them up.

So you put the 4x4 headers on your 2wd truck because the clearance is higher? Great idea.

Yea a few photos would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you!

[LTZ C20]

Yes that is correct. 2wd headers of the model I bought hang below the frame and are visible from the side of the truck. 4wd headers of the exact same model of header do not hang down, they rest between the frame rails. Allows clearance for off road adventures, I just hate the look of exhaust and other stuff hanging down. I don't want random road debris or something to hit stuff underneath and damage my truck.





These are the two best side view pics I have. I'll have to get a few that are closer up and show more.

[Delorean1986]

Make total since. Yea even though mines only 2wd too I still take here out on the easier jeep trails to lake around where I live. nothing crazy, but would suck to crack a new header.

Great looking truck thanks for sharing.

[LTZ C20]

Thanks! And your welcome!

[Delorean1986]

Can anyone link me to a page that is all about exhausts?

Wanting to learn about 2-3 inch diameters, the difference, what i should be using of the 454 big block.

Also about headers, 4-1 vs 4-2-1. Heard 4-2-1 is more torque, that would be ideal with the 454 right?

Finally what muffler system should I use… was thinking Flowmaster 50s but lots of people seem to talk crap about them…. maybe dynomax or borla? Which ones?

What the difference between having the exhaust tips end under the bed, vs, out the back to the truck?

Basically, looking to make my exhaust prime, I don't want to over power it, but I want people to turn their heads and be like that sounds good, NOT obnoxious or OVERLY loud, get it?

[LTZ C20]

Exhaust pics as promised.

You can see they stick out a little where the frame rises above the front suspension, but they are still higher than the bottom of the oil pan and the lowest part of the frame under that cab. Also, the heat wrap is to help keep the cab floor and the starter cooler.

[Delorean1986]

Looks hawt, and hot. Nice job. Excited to start this project.

[Captkaos]

A lot of these questions will be left up to preference.
I hate daily drivers that are loud unless you are wide open.
There are tons of info on this but many will be editorials which leads back to preference.

There is a site somewhere that has muffler sounds but it will never sound like it would in person.

What are you after and what do you prefer..

I would put 3" on a healthy 454, but 2.5" will be fine for stock...

[Delorean1986]

Well it is definitely a daily drive for now, although down the road it might be less. All in all its a daily.  I want something healthy sounding, not cheap or something this is just going to make it preform like crap.

I have talked to buddy who said most performance will come from a header… true?

I just want something that rumbles and sounds good, but won't make my dogs deaf from riding in the back.

[Irish_Alley]

this goes into detail about exhaust and the pros and cons of what size you choose
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=24561.msg205069#msg205069