The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Task Force V8 exhaust

One of the next projects for my '57 2 ton LCF will be replacing the exhaust system. The original set-up was a flex-pipe cross-over under the front of the engine. I don't like flex pipe and it was rotton so I did away with it, I cobbled together a separate exhaust for the right bank and it is currently a true dual system. I have done some searching but have not found any stock type pipes available, everything comes up as performance exhaust, stainless steel, header back, etc. I will keep the original rams horn manifolds in place, I want to run duals to stay away from a cross-over. Has anyone found a supplier for conventional down pipes, intermediate pipes, etc.? Thanks for any info you have.

I don't know about the LCF, but the "normal" truck used a crossover under the front from the factory. It was not flexpipe, but it was routed that way.

If yours was the same from the factory, you probably need a new set of exhaust manifolds to do it "right". Any of the SBC ramhorns should fit, then you can get your favorite brand of pipes to connect to them and route as desired.

Note: I am assuming you have a V8. If not, ignore everything I said and let us know what engine you do have.

I see your title is Task Force V8....and you say you have ram horns. I believe you are asking for pipe to make a new exhaust system.

Search the internet for "dual exhaust kits" and "universal exhaust pipe and tubing".
You need to get a few quotes at muffler shops. Could cheaper and a better job. (your ride is probably inoperable?)
Also, I found one who would sell me pipe. Saved me money, no shipping. Maybe a small independent nice shop will even bend to a wire form pattern.

Yup, my original 283 V8 has the original rams horn manifolds, those are staying as is. I'm looking for all or most of the pipes, I've searched using 1/2 ton through 1 ton just because I know they would be more common. Napa doesn't have a listing for any pipes, several on-line resources only list performance big pipes, stainless, pipes for header systems, etc. A local custom exhaust shop can do it but in the $1000 range, I was hoping to do it myself without a bunch of cutting and welding. Won't need a lift, I can do everything under the truck with good room to work.

What side pipe do you want.

The manifolds are sized for 2" pipe, it then expands to 2-1/4", I assume it would be 2-1/4 the rest of the way. I want to replace both sides. At this point the mufflers are under the cab, I'm pretty sure that the original single exhaust placed the muffler under the box and that is what I plan to re-create with 2 mufflers.

IsThis getting close to what you want? You obviously have the down pipe flange already.

Yes, I looked at that, it's probably as good as I'll find if I want to DIY. I didn't see any bell/ flange to fit the manifold, I could probably contact them and ask for details. I think Summit sells a similar kit.

Three hole ball flange? Donut flange? This type?
'

Yes, three hole, I can't remember if the pipe is a ball or if it is a flare. I replaced all 6 studs a few years ago when I had the engine out of the truck and they still look good so I won't have to worry about them. The truck is licensed, insured and I drive it, I can take it to some close shops for estimates, but I doubt it'll be much different than the phone quote of $1000.

Also, I found one who would sell me pipe. Saved me money, no shipping. Maybe a small independent nice shop will even bend to a wire form pattern.
I think you probably have the donut type?

Looks like you are all set and have searched and found.
Are you just going to weld onto the manifold connection pipe you have and go on from there?

I would be a little reluctant to try to form a wire pattern, it doesn't take much inaccuracy to really throw things out of wack with longer pipes. I'll look at the Speedway kit a little more, I can probably salvage my ball/flare stubs and build from there. Certainly the custom shop could do it with fewer joints and hopefully make it look good but the price reflects it. There ain't no free lunch!

Thank you, gentlemen, for putting thought and time into this, it will probably wait till spring as I have some Vette work to do first.

I'd drive the truck to a local shop, you might get a better price once they see it. They always seem to guess high over the phone...

Maybe just get them to bend the Exhaust pipes and then you can run the straight pipes and hang the mufflers...

Make sure you run the pipes out the sides or out the back...don't stop under the truck or it will be really loud!

Use brass exhaust type nuts on the studs so they can be remover at a later date...

Mike B

I like that idea Mike, the shop closest to me might be willing to fab the pipes to get it behind the cab, then I could take it from there. When I replaced the manifold studs I did use tall brass nuts on all six, they should spin off with no issue. I don't think I'll go all the way out the back, it's a 15 foot grain box, I'll just get the mufflers under the box and get the tail pipes outside the frame rails and aim them back and down a little.