Exhaust question

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

Getting close to doing the exhaust on my 72 k10. And wanting some advise
350 /th350 and wondering about headers . What’s the best fit so I order them right first time around.

[70STOVEBOLT]

Are you tucking the exhaust up inside the frame rails? If so, order a set of headers for a 68-72 Chevelle. They are full length, but don't extend down below the frame rails like the truck headers do. If not tucking it up, the headers for your truck application should work. As far as tube diameter, that depends on the engine. If it's stock, 1 5/8 will work fine. If it's a little hotter, go with 1 3/4 or larger, depending on how hot it is.

FYI, if you use the Chevelle headers with an automatic, the stock shift linkage may be in the way. It is on 2WD trucks. I am not familiar enough with the 4WD trucks to know if that would be a problem. Someone posted below that the 4WD truck headers do not hang down below the frame rail, so it may not be an issue.

[Sheepdip]

My personal taste is to add an "H" pipe for best blended sound and exit out the side or back, dumping underneath the truck will rattle your brains out, not to mention every time you get off the pavement or on dirty pavement you will look like a helicopter landing.

Just my .02 worth.

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

Thanks to you both for your time and information.
There’s so many ways to go it gets confusing on what to order.

[Mike C]

The 4 wheel drive truck headers don’t extend below the frame. The exhaust is routed over the transmission crossmember in the 4x4 unlike the 2 wheel drive that drops below. The two wheel drive headers will usually interfere with the front driveshaft if installed in a 4x4.

My own experience with headers and 4x4 was in my Jimmy. Headman was the 3rd set I tried and the only that would clear the OEM mechanical clutch linkage.

No issues with the Headman’s, but I elected to go with the Corvette 2 1/2” manifolds and unless you are looking to make hot rod power versus truck power, would recommend the same to you.

[Already Gone]

Curious as to why you want headers unless u have a 600HP motor ? The factory rams head manifolds flow 90 % as good as headers for most applications.

[kwmech]

^^^what he said

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

Just wanting to go the right direction to clear shift linkage and other issues that might come up. Seems like most guys went the heated direction so that got me thing that. But I’m thinking I’ll go like mike said and go the corvette 2 1/2.
The stock original ones are still on the motor I pulled. What are they compared to the 2 1/2. They dump straight down and not out the back like I’m seeing in some online

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

Order some center dump 2 1/2 manifold s off summit

[Mike C]

The truck center dump manifolds are a 2”outlet. The Corvette manifolds are 2 1/2”. The 2 1/2” manifolds are only center dump. If you do the area of a circle using those numbers, the truck manifolds have 3.14 square inch opening while the ‘vette manifolds are 4.9 square inches. A significant increase in volume. Then run 2 1/2” exhaust all way out.

If you are concerned about linkages and clearances, best to avoid the complication of headers IMO.

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

The ones I ordered are 21/2. Thanks for your help and insight mike

[Palf70Step]

I used Sanderson Headers model CC3-P on my 70 350, soon to be T350. They are more like the ram manifolds by design. 2 1/2 outlet. Currently running thru dual 2.25 exhaust all the way back. I went with them because of the manual 3 speed/Z bar linkage. It's also got better plug access than most regular headers. So far I am very happy with them. We'll see after I get the manual 3 speed converted to the T350 automatic.