Gibson Side Swept SS Exhaust

[8t5Silverado]

Has anyone had any experience with the Gibson stainless exhaust. Last time I checked they only make the side swept design for our trucks.

I have to keep my stock cat location, which means I will be getting a "fake" dual system after the cat.

Have any of you purchased one of these bolt on systems?

I have seen the Jegs system (Dynomax, I think) and am considering it along with a hi flow cat. I have access to a welder, I just haven't welded up an entire exhaust before.

[PHOENIX]

I called them about 2 months ago and they told me they didnt make any headers for these trucks.

[8t5Silverado]

I can't do headers with emissions...cat back only.

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by 8t5Silverado

I can't do headers with emissions...cat back only.

I know at least Edelbrock makes a set of CA emmisions legal headers, which I think makes them 50 state legal.
A guy popped up on here a week or so ago advertising a set. I pm'd him and he replied, but I asked him for some close-ups of the flanges and collector's and haven't heard from him since?

[kevinr1970]

Also, I ordered the Dynomax exhaust system for my '86 and am expecting it this week. Ordered the exhaust, high-flow cat, mounting bracket(s?) and the section of pipe you need to finish it. Will let you know how it works out once I get it here and install it.
Exhaust is supposed to be mandrel bent and aluminized so I am ass/u/ming it is a "performance" muffler. I am only loosely going to install the muffler, so if it doesn't have the right sound, I am going to probably order the Flowmaster OEM replacement. The cost of the exhaust is 1/2 the price a exhaust shop locally wants to replace just the tailpipes!

[PHOENIX]

Originally Posted by kevinr1970

I know at least Edelbrock makes a set of CA emmisions legal headers, which I think makes them 50 state legal.
A guy popped up on here a week or so ago advertising a set. I pm'd him and he replied, but I asked him for some close-ups of the flanges and collector's and haven't heard from him since?

I have a set of Edelbrocks on my truck right now.
They are the emissioins shorty style (#6527).
If you want some pics or questions about them let me know.
I tried the Edelbrock 6827 emissions headers, but they do not work with manual transmissions (clutch linkage).
For future reference the Hedman headers for these trucks wont clear the clutch linkage either, even though they say they will.
My complaint about these edelbrock headers (6527) is the flange is welded to the header and tapped for the bolts. Well the bolts (provided with headers) seized inside this tapped flange and would not come out. While trying to remove the bolts two of them snapped in half and of course were impossible to remove. My plan was to cut the bolt flush, punch it, then drill through the bolt/flange and use a nut on the outside. So I drilled out the (2) stuck bolts and drilled out the threads on the other holes. Went ok under the circumstances. I will try to get the y-pipe back in tonight. I plan to use grade 8 nuts, bolts and lock washers with anti seize on the bolt/nut threads.

[hotrodhomi]

I have edelbrock headers on my truck but im thinking about doing something like this

[PHOENIX]

Originally Posted by 8t5Silverado

I can't do headers with emissions...cat back only.

As stated Edelbrock makes two sets of emissions legal headers for these trucks, both are quality headers.

Edelbrock 6527 Pros
emissions legal
Works with manual and auto trans
Chrome finish

Edelbrock 6527 cons
too close to spark plugs
no y-pipe included
collector flanges drilled and tapped

Edelbrock 6827 Pros
emissions legal
comes with nice y-pipe
good spark plug clearance
nice collector flange design

Edelbrock 6827 Cons
doesn’t work with manual trans clutch linkage
black painted only, need to finish yourself
must use heat riser (passenger side)
The heat riser is easy to remove and take out the butterfly, so not a real big deal

Hedman 69481 Pros
Emissions legal
Comes with y-pipe
Good spark plug clearance
Nice collector flange design (bigger then both Edelbrock 6527 & 6827)
Nice pipe flow look
Have option to use or not use heat riser (comes with part to eliminate the riser)

Hedman 69481 Cons
Customer service doesn’t know jack about their product
Will not work with manual trans even though they say it does
Black painted only, need to finish yourself

All 3 of these headers have thick 3/8" flanges (at heads).

If I had an automatic truck, I would choose between the Edelbrock 6827's and the Hedman 69481's. The hedmans seem like a better flowing header then the Edelbrocks, but the edelbrocks have a nice tight design that takes less space. They are both quality headers and you will be happy with either. The edelbrock 6527's are nice, but without a y-pipe it kind of sucks and the welded and tapped flange is not a good idea.

I had all of these headers in my possesion recently and I took pictures.
If I saved the pictures of the 6827 and 69481's I will post them for you.

Hope that helps some.

[8t5Silverado]

I don't have the cash to do headers now anyway, but I have seen the shortie smog-legal headers.

Kevin, can you post the part number for that exhaust? That might be the one I saw in Jegs before and that might be the route I go.

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by 8t5Silverado

Kevin, can you post the part number for that exhaust? That might be the one I saw in Jegs before and that might be the route I go.

The # from JEG's for the exhaust kit is #289-17469 $140, but (there's always a but), you will also need an intermediate pipe (the part the * refers to not being included) #???-43775 $27, and a mounting bracket #???-35148 $5. The last five digits are the Dynomax #, the first three are JEG's prefix.
It showed up Friday but I wasn't told until this morning. When I get home I'll take some pictures. Looks good so far, but looks like it took a beating in transit! Mandrel bends, high flow muffler. Everything but the exhaust was on BO.

Originally Posted by 8t5Silverado

Edelbrock 6827 Cons
black painted only, need to finish yourself
must use heat riser (passenger side)
The heat riser is easy to remove and take out the butterfly, so not a real big deal

When you say finish yourself, what exactly do you mean? Like if you want them to stay looking pretty? What would you use to finish them?
Is the heat riser an emmisions thing?

[PHOENIX]

They come black painted for shipping protection only.
The black paint will burn and flake off.
You can paint with high temp header paint, have them chromed or have them ceramic coated.
The heat riser helps the engine to heat up faster when cold.
I believe it does effect emissions when vehicle is cold, but may not be required in all states.
I know is Arizona you can get away without it, they never do the visual check for it.

[kevinr1970]

I posted some pictures of the exhaust
click here

[8t5Silverado]

Well, I got some moulah for Christmas and was thinking of ordering the Dynomax stuff.

How do you like it so far, kevinr1970? Does it sound mellow or loud? Does it have to be welded together or can I use clamps (temporarily, at least)?