454 exhaust options???

[Chatim Racing]

I am new to the board as I just purchased a 1987 GMC 3500 w/ 454 w/ 72,000 original miles. Everything is still all stock and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for what headers and exhaust systems would be the best to use. I don't have to worry about emissions in my state so I was thinking that a dual exhaust with no catalytic converter would be best at least to start? Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks.

[Prerunner1982]

get a set of ceramic coated headers... like hedmans, or edlebrock or something along those lines... not flowtechs or any of those cheap brands.. they work, but have inperfections. if you plan on lowering it go with shorties.. otherwise longtubes would be good. what are your plans for the motor? keep mainly stock, mild, or 500+ hp? dual 2.5"s would probably work but you might go with 3"s.. as far as mufflers, most around here will tell you... dont go with flowmasters! quite a few guys around here like hooker aero chambers...

[Tom]

GO WITH FLOWMASTERS!!!
I still love my flows. You guys are just getting old :p

If its 100% stock, go dual 2.5". If you have plans for any type of improvment [even a intake] then go dual 3". Its a huge motor, you wont lose any torque.

[swervin ervin]

Don't forget, you will need to weld a bung in the collector for the O2 sensor, or else your TBI will pitch fits. You don't have to keep the converter because the computer doesn't use it in it's adjustments. You may can remove the AIR pump, but I would think you would need to use another prom in the ECM since this delutes the exhaust some and affects what the O2 reads. Saying this, this truck did come the AIR pump, right?

When you start messing with TBI engines, it's a whole nuther ball game.

[rage'nrat638]

if you want to wake the hood use the flow masterbaters....
if you want a sweet sounding mechine your friends will envy
use the hooker areo chambers.....

[Jonboy]

you can disconnect the AIR pump and it won't make enough difference to need another PROM. Just take it off, and move the wiring to the pump out of the way. I would suggest a decent set of coated headers as well.

[ocbaud]

my dad has a 427 in his 52' deluxe and he has headers, 3 inch piping coming into dual 50 series flowmaster delta flows dumped before the axle and it sounds NICE.

of course the engine isnt completely stock though

[Chatim Racing]

Thanks a lot!! This gives me a lot of options to think about. Yes this truck is 100% original. I actually bought it from my dad who was the original owner. No I won't be lowering it as it is a 4X4 - so long tubes will be the way to go.

[Low83]

THORLEY Tri -Y's are the way to go, 2.5 dual exhaust and FLOWMASTER 40 series.

[Grim Reaper]

Originally posted by Chatim Racing
Thanks a lot!! This gives me a lot of options to think about. Yes this truck is 100% original. I actually bought it from my dad who was the original owner. No I won't be lowering it as it is a 4X4 - so long tubes will be the way to go.

Think again. Long tubes will probably hit the front drive shaft or the spring shackle.