open manifolds

[jsett83]

All,

I am on the homestretch of a 5.3/4l60e swap into an 87 chevy 4x4. I need to have exhaust put on, and would like to know if the truck can be driven with open manifolds? Or if I had the factory downpipes with the front o2 sensors installed cut off in front of cats, can I drive it? Or should I just trailer to exhaust shop? Probably a 20 mile drive...thanks in advance!

[Old Truck Man]

Yes if you can stand the noise and you don't get a ticket. it will not hurt an engine to run straight from the exhaust manifolds. it will not harm the engine. Its just a myth that the cold air will warp the exhaust valves. that cast iron exhaust manifold is a large heat sink.

[BR3W CITY]

Without the 02s it will dump pig rich and be very boggy. 20 miles would be a slightly nerve racking trip, and take you probably 30minutes (no freeway).

IF you can toss those front 02's into a test pipe, then your all good, even if its not perfect. The 02 will get some clean air sucked in from the short exhaust tip, but for the short ride you'd be fine.

[Hart_Rod]

+1

[woodwright]

Rolling through town with no exhaust is the best part of a build. I agree on the front O2's though.