Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kcackler · 08-13-2009, 06:09 PM

So here's the story...Was driving along and had the muffler drop out on me. Ordered a new set of mufflers and pipes for the truck to do it myself. Did the driver's side just fine, but after I got the passenger side off, I realized that the passenger side new pipe doesn't fit because the passenger side exhaust manifold isn't the one originally from the truck.

So basically I've got driver's side pipe right now, but just the exhaust manifold on the passenger side. I won't have enough cash for a couple of weeks to have a muffler shop weld up something custom for me, so in the mean time, is it safe to drive short distances without any pipe or will it burn up the valves or something if I go without?

If it's not safe to do daily trips in, is it safe enough to drive it 3 miles to the muffler shop in a couple of weeks? Just don't want to hurt anything.

**old Rusty C10** · 08-13-2009, 06:12 PM

I wouldnt drive it at all

Prerunner1982 · 08-13-2009, 06:35 PM

I have driven a truck with just headers/manifolds (and straight pipe) for short trips for a couple of days so I think you would be fine. I would take the driver's side off to just to keep each side equal.

3r!c84 · 08-13-2009, 08:24 PM

are all the plug wires right there?wont it burn them up?

andrewmp6 · 08-13-2009, 10:00 PM

Get a pair of ear plugs and keep a window cracked.I had bolt on purple hornies on my headers on my mustang they was loud and you could smell exhaust sitting at a red light.If your exhaust is pypes brand good luck getting it to fit.

willett · 08-13-2009, 10:14 PM

friend of mine has an electrical header opener.

its noisy as hell, and it stinks up the cab.....

as long as you don't crack er open around any cops you should be fine.

kcackler · 08-13-2009, 10:47 PM

Thanks for the info. Guess I'll just leave her sitting until I've got the cash.

72 CustomCamper · 08-13-2009, 11:03 PM

Running open headers is one thing, running open manifolds is asking for burned valves. With headers the cold air has to travel up the pipes more than with manifolds...

Chuck

Driveway Dreams · 08-13-2009, 11:16 PM

I wondered the same thing because I had my right side exhaust break off about the back of the cab. But both of my good friends, who happen to be mechanics for a living, told me I was fine till I can get it all re done.

While we are talking exhaust, what have you guys spent on having your exhaust done?

texasfunk · 08-13-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driveway Dreams

I wondered the same thing because I had my right side exhaust break off about the back of the cab. But both of my good friends, who happen to be mechanics for a living, told me I was fine till I can get it all re done.

While we are talking exhaust, what have you guys spent on having your exhaust done?

had a full true dual done once on my elky from the header to the back bumper, 2 1/2, had my own mufflers, 220

3r!c84 · 08-13-2009, 11:33 PM

175 from the manifolds ,no cats,flowmaster 40s ,and turndowns befor the rearend

pics are after a year

thirdstreettito · 08-14-2009, 09:35 AM

Just buy a passenger stock manifold, much cheaper and you dont have to get custom, and get rid of your already bought pass side.

cjracing15 · 08-14-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

Just buy a passenger stock manifold, much cheaper and you dont have to get custom, and get rid of your already bought pass side.

kcackler · 08-15-2009, 09:57 AM

I was going to go that route, but I figured there was a reason they put this one on in the first place (Not the stock engine, so maybe for fitment reasons?)

cjracing15 · 08-15-2009, 03:41 PM

What kind of engine is it?

kcackler · 08-15-2009, 04:34 PM

Either a 305 or 350 - Not sure which. I think it came out of a nova back in the day.

I just figure they had a reason for leaving the driver side as stock but changing the passenger side...

Driveway Dreams · 08-19-2009, 03:22 PM

I just called around to shops here. The best quote I got was $325, thats from headers, through turbo mufflers, and out in front of the back tires. Or for $350 he would do it off the stock manifolds. What do you guys think? (Most of the other quotes were in the neighborhood of $500 but they all 'had to put cats in it')

westie 666 · 08-19-2009, 05:14 PM

I had to change out the passenger side manifold when I went to rams horns, this was to clear the starter, I used a drivers side manifold as it went straight down and ground off the lugs to make it look neat and tidy.

MOJO1963GMC · 09-16-2009, 03:37 PM

Tag.... I've got a '63 GMC that already has a set of mani's on it. I have some new Hookers that I'm planning on putting on it. I was thinking about putting the headers on myself and then driving the couple of miles to the exhaust shop to have them put the rest on.......If there is any problem with the fit of the headers I really don't want it to be discovered at the shop.

08-13-2009, 06:09 PM	#1
kcackler Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Russellville, AR Posts: 164	Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? So here's the story...Was driving along and had the muffler drop out on me. Ordered a new set of mufflers and pipes for the truck to do it myself. Did the driver's side just fine, but after I got the passenger side off, I realized that the passenger side new pipe doesn't fit because the passenger side exhaust manifold isn't the one originally from the truck. So basically I've got driver's side pipe right now, but just the exhaust manifold on the passenger side. I won't have enough cash for a couple of weeks to have a muffler shop weld up something custom for me, so in the mean time, is it safe to drive short distances without any pipe or will it burn up the valves or something if I go without? If it's not safe to do daily trips in, is it safe enough to drive it 3 miles to the muffler shop in a couple of weeks? Just don't want to hurt anything. __________________ Blue - 77 Chevy Scottsdale

08-13-2009, 06:12 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? I wouldnt drive it at all __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

08-13-2009, 06:35 PM	#3
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? I have driven a truck with just headers/manifolds (and straight pipe) for short trips for a couple of days so I think you would be fine. I would take the driver's side off to just to keep each side equal. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

08-13-2009, 08:24 PM	#4
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? are all the plug wires right there?wont it burn them up? __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

08-13-2009, 10:00 PM	#5
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? Get a pair of ear plugs and keep a window cracked.I had bolt on purple hornies on my headers on my mustang they was loud and you could smell exhaust sitting at a red light.If your exhaust is pypes brand good luck getting it to fit.

08-13-2009, 10:14 PM	#6
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? friend of mine has an electrical header opener. its noisy as hell, and it stinks up the cab..... as long as you don't crack er open around any cops you should be fine. __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

08-13-2009, 10:47 PM	#7
kcackler Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Russellville, AR Posts: 164	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? Thanks for the info. Guess I'll just leave her sitting until I've got the cash. __________________ Blue - 77 Chevy Scottsdale

08-13-2009, 11:03 PM	#8
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,368	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? Running open headers is one thing, running open manifolds is asking for burned valves. With headers the cold air has to travel up the pipes more than with manifolds... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

08-13-2009, 11:16 PM	#9
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? I wondered the same thing because I had my right side exhaust break off about the back of the cab. But both of my good friends, who happen to be mechanics for a living, told me I was fine till I can get it all re done. While we are talking exhaust, what have you guys spent on having your exhaust done? __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

08-13-2009, 11:33 PM	#11
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? 175 from the manifolds ,no cats,flowmaster 40s ,and turndowns befor the rearend pics are after a year Attached Images __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

08-14-2009, 09:35 AM	#12
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? Just buy a passenger stock manifold, much cheaper and you dont have to get custom, and get rid of your already bought pass side. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

08-15-2009, 09:57 AM	#14
kcackler Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Russellville, AR Posts: 164	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? I was going to go that route, but I figured there was a reason they put this one on in the first place (Not the stock engine, so maybe for fitment reasons?) __________________ Blue - 77 Chevy Scottsdale

08-15-2009, 03:41 PM	#15
cjracing15 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lexington, TN Posts: 1,427	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? What kind of engine is it? __________________ The fleet 94 Chevy 4x4 reg cab 2018 Traverse (wifes car) 1977 SWB stepside 1949 Chevy truck

08-15-2009, 04:34 PM	#16
kcackler Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Russellville, AR Posts: 164	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? Either a 305 or 350 - Not sure which. I think it came out of a nova back in the day. I just figure they had a reason for leaving the driver side as stock but changing the passenger side... __________________ Blue - 77 Chevy Scottsdale

08-19-2009, 03:22 PM	#17
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? I just called around to shops here. The best quote I got was $325, thats from headers, through turbo mufflers, and out in front of the back tires. Or for $350 he would do it off the stock manifolds. What do you guys think? (Most of the other quotes were in the neighborhood of $500 but they all 'had to put cats in it') __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.



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08-19-2009, 05:14 PM	#18
westie 666 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: AUCKLAND NZ Posts: 264	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? I had to change out the passenger side manifold when I went to rams horns, this was to clear the starter, I used a drivers side manifold as it went straight down and ground off the lugs to make it look neat and tidy. __________________ 77 Cheyenne no longer in bits

09-16-2009, 03:37 PM	#19
MOJO1963GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 89	Re: Safe to drive without exhaust pipe? Tag.... I've got a '63 GMC that already has a set of mani's on it. I have some new Hookers that I'm planning on putting on it. I was thinking about putting the headers on myself and then driving the couple of miles to the exhaust shop to have them put the rest on.......If there is any problem with the fit of the headers I really don't want it to be discovered at the shop.

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