The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 3100 Exhaust

I have put an SBC in my 1954 3100. For those of you that have done your own exhaust, what kit did you use? Leaning toward a dual exhaust system. Engine has stock ram manifolds on it.

Thanks in adavance!

Im sure the experts will chime in if a ready made exhaust exists. But another option would be to find a muffler/exhaust shop the has a pipe bender and have what you want made.

its all about what you plan on putting under the truck.
In other words make sure everything is in place before deciding routes for exhaust.

Lines, Tanks, shocks, mounts even the hitch if you putting one on. Trans mounts
Then you can try and make a kit fit. I went to local muffler shop and ask for their custom install price. Mine had a nice fixed price included all parts labor and muffler. he custom routed everything and it it was a decent price based on kit cost and labor involved I didn't have to do.

If your a welder and have a pipe bender or you just a stock on stock truck then the kits may be the route to go as they normally fit fine in stock setups.

Mine was a dual exhaust as well.

Saluki,

Would add a cautionary note when installing exhaust systems different than original. Be aware of clearance/proximity between mufflers and pipes with underside truck bed wood. Original set up included a heat deflector plate mounted to the bed underside above the pipe going over the axle as it could/would char and damage the wood. Others have made mention of this problem in the recent past (see this link).

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1458718/a-cautious-reminder.html

Here is another link to a previous conversation that includes great info on original exhaust system as it could be helpful when creating a dual set up.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1058394/all/exhaust_system.html

(All credit for these conversations and posted information to the original posters!)

Also a note that the above links were founding using https://www.stovebolt.com/search.html (link in left margin of the forum pages). This is a fantastic resource for finding already existing knowledge and conversation gathered from throughout our community!

Let us know how your exhaust project turns out (pictures are always welcome)!

Dan

I had a 283 in my 1957 NAPCO and currently have a 348 in it. In both cases I went to a muffler shop and was glad I did. With their resources it was an easy job(s) for them. Also, it was very reasonable cost-wise each time. I haven't installed a lot of exhaust systems: stock ones seem fine, but custom ones for me, I found can be a pain if you don't have the tools (benders) and specific parts (e.g., reducers). Also, unless you have a pre-configured system, you seem to end up buying parts you only need elements from and doing a lot of cutting and fitting. All that is eliminated by a good muffler shop that has the tools to create an exhaust system with a minimum of cuts, clamps and welds. For me it initially seems like it should be a straightforward job, buts gets really annoying fast, especially if you don't have a lift. This is just one person's experience/opinion.
don

I went to a shop and it was done right. Duals by the way.

Saluki On my first v-8 283 I learned to hack saw and grind manifolds for a pretty good match-up,then weld with stainless 309 stick rod that worked fine. Later found a 66 bellair left manifold worked good on the steering problem,never shimmed my steering outboard more than 5/8 ths. inch,kept the whole driveline centered. Cut and torch welded all exhaust pipe to fit. Oh yes I could see back then 1967 !!

Thanks to all! Great advice.