jcloving

UPDATE 28.Apr.11: Lots of new pics at end of this thread. Enjoy.

Video here:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...w-exhaust.html

==original thread===

Hello Everyone,

Now that my clutch project is done I have moved on to the exhaust system. I have cut out the old cat, cat shield, Y pipe and mufflers. They were all filthy and rusty.

On Saturday I pulled out the old manifolds:


I did not break any bolts, round any heads or anything like that. They came out easily.

In their place I will be installing these headers:


I did a test fit this morning and they fit well:





I have ordered the magnaflow 16842 system from Jegs:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Magnaflow/642/16842/10002/-1

My plan is to ceramic coat the headers and the first section of the pipes and the x-pipe.

I also want to use the 9018C Accel plug wires.

Could someone recommend a good set of shorter-than-stock plugs? My bosch plugs are too long.

I will post updates as I progress

John

jcloving

Guys, what kinds of plugs do you recommend to go with my new headers. My regular length plugs will not work.

6inarow

who made the headers?

LB66383

I'm sure you're aware that Accel makes shorter spark plugs for headers. I've used them, and they held up just as well as ay of the "name" brands.

gcusmano74

The exhaust kit you show looks to be designed to fit the earlier cars. I believe your car will require different mufflers. Are you sure they'll fit?

jcloving

6inarow,

They are from Josh at Custom Image Corvettes.

LB66383,

I will check the Accel catalog.

gcusmano74,

I have the dual exhaust crossmember. That system has the downturned tips but I will check again. Pypes only had crossmember back systems. I have a call into Allen's now.

I checked and Allen does not do x-pipes so they are out.

Tim H

Regular length plugs fit my Summit brand headers just fine.

jcloving

Lookie what showed up on my doorstep today. Jegs said it would not ship till Mar. 8 but here it is. I will check it out tomorrow.

jcloving

Here are some shots of the pipes and mufflers. It looks great so far.

Neo Fender

++1

jcloving

Some pics with it assembled on my shop floor:











The collectors and headers were purchased separately. I'll put everything in , minus the manifold downpipes and then let my muffler shop cut them and mate them to the reducers for proper fit.

I am still working on the fit. The muffs and rear end pipes are in. I am guessing the straps tie together when fully assembled.

Can someone with the same magnaflow system (16842) post a few pics showing the fully assembled system?

Thanks,

John

6inarow

WOW!! It looks great so far. Post a couple of photos when its all assembled and still on the rack. I am curious what the headers look like from underneath. It would be great to see clearances etc.

Lookin' pretty nice so far!

Grumpy 427

Wow thats a fabulous Garage floor.

jcloving

Thanks 6, and Grumpy,

It has a few cracks and scratches now. I wish I had put down a thicker coat of the epoxy when I did it. I did add sand which has been a lifesaver.

I will take lots of pics.

Grumpy 427

The new exhaust looks fantastic too.

qwank

That exhaust is 10 times nicer then the Corvette Central system I have. I wish Magnaflow made a kit for '80-'82s.

jcloving

Wow, has a month gone by since I last posted? Guess so. Well, I have been very busy. My exhaust upgrade turned into a replace rear main/replace steering system/refinish everything project.

These pics are from a few days ago, not 2004:







In short, I replaced the rear main seal, refinished the oil pan and installed a new gasket. The pics look red but it really is Chevy Orange.

The drivers side header is in:



I used stage 8 fasteners and the headers are from Josh Powers. Copper gaskets. New water temp sender. You can just see the new steering box and the freshly painted frame.

Here's one more shot from underneath (chevy orange) showing both headers in place:



Note the fresh pitman and steering cylinder bracket.

I'm working on the drivers side header next and I will be trying to fit the Corvette Central AC compressor bracket:

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....ort~1~cadefibQ

Has anyone else used this bracket? I know where it goes but I would like to see the finished look with the compressor in place and hardware.

jcloving

I bolted up the pass. side header last night. I had to grind the corvette central ac bracket about 0.0625" on both sides but then if fit just fine. I will have to grind the Stage 8 teardrop locks to get them to fit. It is very tight on this side.

I also got the plugs in Accel 576S shorty header plugs. Good fit. They have about 0.5" from the tip of the plug to the tubes. Should be good to go. Pics to come soon. Reassembly is an exciting time.

qwank

that Fel-pro oil pan gasket is awesome. I just did mine last week

Tim H

I don't understand why regular length plugs didn't work with your new headers???
I use them with room to spare.