Check it out

New and old, side by side.



Old y pipe



New y pipe

The new one looks too short after the missing cat. ??

I know this is an old thread, but figured I could still use it for relevant questions. The exhaust setup I currently have has been great for a few years, but I'm ready to upgrade.

I've installed a "395" cam, replaced the leaking valve seals, rebuilt the TBI unit with some goodies, swapped in a TPI fuel pump, got a "custom" chip from Harris, and tweaked the governor in the trans. I was having WOT upshifts at 3,500-3,800 RPM. I ground off some of the weights to achieve WOT upshifts at around 5,000-5,200. This should be right where the cam stops making its power based on GM'* advertised power range to 5,500.

It pulls pretty hard to 4,000-4,500, but after that it feels like a turd. I know the swirl ports are what'* really limiting the upper end, but I am thinking my single exhaust, stock manifolds, and stock style muffler aren't helping. I know long tube headers are the best, BUT I really don't like them. Unless I can find a good alternative I will either go with long tubes anyway or some mid-length headers.

Before I go with aftermarket headers, what about the LT1 manifolds? I'm sure they're better than the logs I have, but admittedly not as good as long tubes. I am wondering how good they are or if they're just a waste of time. I was also considering ram horn manifolds. I really like the look and nostalgia, but have the same questions with them. Has anyone ever put ram horns on a B body? I wonder if they would even fit.

Anyway, I am gathering the pieces I need. I already have the pieces to run the left exhaust pipe, I just need something to replace the logs up front, and I'd appreciate all the feedback I can get on the subject.