I cannot decide...

[Davidsingletary]

Hey, it is my 18th birthday, jan 23, and my parents said that they would get me something for my truck...I have an 93 d150 with 164k on it. A while back, I posted a rather lengthy conversation about headers, I think its on the 2nd page of this board.


My main issue is this: dual exhaust, or should I go with the headers, yeah I know, they kind of go together... My initial solution to this problem was to get the headers myself and let my parents get the exhaust system and use them both. I am wondering if getting headers and/or exhaust on a higher-mileage truck is a good idea, would it stress the engine to have all that dumped in???

[charlie1935]

The only stress on the engine would come from the driver getting on the loud pedal to hear that good sounding exhaust.:) :gr_patrio

[gatordodge]

:secret2:Just be sure you get quality headers and not "cheapies." If you get headers with a thin flange "cheap" you will be plagued by leaks and come to hate yourself. :0)

[Davidsingletary]

I am planning on getting a 250$ summit shortys, if you look on the post marked "headers for the 318" (should be on page 2) it gives links to the headers as well as a crapload of information about them. My stock manifold's bolts are rusted on pretty well and might have to be broken...and I think I want to keep them in case the headers go whack on me, but its a good brand. thanks fot the replies.

[Jesse-James]

:secret2:Just be sure you get quality headers and not "cheapies." If you get headers with a thin flange "cheap" you will be plagued by leaks and come to hate yourself. :0)

How thick should the flange be? I'm looking at a Dynomax set from summit that says it's 5/16", thick enough to end headaches?

[threetwos]

Those headers and dual exhaust will not hurt anything in your truck David. As a matter of fact it will allow slightly cooler temps in the exhaust seats, this is a weak area on our LA/Magnum engines. Due to the fact that there are only 4 fasteners around each cylinder, and the inner two exhaust ports are very close and if the engine ever overheats, these exhausts seats tend to crack. Having headers and a dual exhaust will help with the exhaust scavenging and reduce chamber temps on the exhaust stroke somewhat. I wouldnt expect huge power gains either. Maybe 10-20 H.P. and the same torque for what you want to do. A set of duals with decent mufflers will net you 1/2 that. It will also help with the gas mileage a bit, maybe 1 more mile per gallon. Use premium exhaust gaskets and you wont have a problem with leaks.

[Davidsingletary]

Okay, I called a mechanic/exhaust specialist that my friend goes to for routine maintenance. He said it would be best to go for true duals and without looking at the truck(i plan on dropping by there tomorrow) he gave an initial estimate for the exhaust only as 700$ NOT including taking off the stock manifolds(which are probably seized) and installing the new headers. I dont really think thats a good deal, does anyone have some input or comments??? He also said that if I go with magna-flows or flowmasters(a nicer brand) it could go up more, like $150-250 per muffler. Is it just a lot more expensive than I thought, or is that too much?

thanks for the replies...

[Davidsingletary]

Okay, here's what I've turned up after browsing some websites. I figured to cut down on the price, I'd go with these parts http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Flowmaster-530504-Muffler-Big-Block-50-Series-Dual_W0QQitemZ220339046652QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item22033904665 2&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 and this: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DG9044&N=700+4294924761+4294918680+4294908110+4294840085+ 400304+115&autoview=sku would it be okay to get a muffler like that?(first pic) and would it be as good as getting 2 seperate mufflers, 1 for each pipe?

[threetwos]

Thats quite a bit David. But a lot of pro muffler shops will charge that. Did he also quote that price including catalytic convertors? In my state you have to use a single exhaust if the vehicle is equipped that way from the factory. This may add up to 300-500 to the price if he didnt quote the cat! It's Federal Law.

[Davidsingletary]

okay, i just got back from the mechanic...he wrote up an estimate to get it done the cat-back way(keep headers, y-pipe, and cat converter):

flowmaster muffler 40 series-85.00
2 tail pipes- 40.00
chrome tips(3'' x 24'')- 48.00
labor to install and bend- 160.00
shop supplies- 5.00
4 hangars- 20.00

TOTAL----------------------------
$358.00 My mechanic said that in order to get good quality headers and to get true duals, it would be anywhere within $1300-1600, so i guess i'm gonna go with the exhaust and no headers.

[moe7404]

moe in wichita ks
only my idea, i have had headers on the street, wont do it again. for what you get and the trouble they are it isnt worth it.