Picking exhaust

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H/O84

Greasemonkey
Nov 29, 2016
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Hi guys,
Im trying to pick out a 3 inch dual exhaust system for my 84 hurst. Thinking about the hooker blackheart 70501364-RHKR kit but I cant find any reviews about it. Anyone here running it? I would like to hear about how it fit and what you think about it. Any other good 3 inch kits out there? I tried a local shop but the guy wanted $1500 to do from the headers back so I will stick with a kit.
Thanks
 

Injectedcutty

G body LS mafia
Nov 24, 2014
6,057
22,807
113
Louisville, KY
What engine are you running that makes you want a 3" exhaust? Not to rain on the parade, but most, if not all small blocks and some big blocks flow just fine with a 2-1/2" exhaust.

There are more kit options in 2.5" as well.
 
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H/O84

Greasemonkey
Nov 29, 2016
181
44
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What engine are you running that makes you want a 3" exhaust? Not to rain on the parade, but most, if not all small blocks and some big blocks flow just fine with a 2-1/2" exhaust.

There are more kit options in 2.5" as well.
going to be a built 455 within the next year just trying to do some things the car needs now to be more driveable. 3 inch is what I want to run with the power it should be making.
 
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SRD art

G-Body Guru
Jun 16, 2011
550
442
63
St. George, UT
FWIW I personally like a single exhaust to save $, weight, help with scavenging and works well with a G body floor pan. I ran long tube headers into 2.5" duals then a Y pipe by the trans with 3" single back to the rear bumper. That system was with a 406 small block that was roughly 300-325 hp and 400 ft lbs., the car weighed 3800 with me, had a stock TH350 and 3.42 gears and ran 13.60 at the track. I already had a muffler and Flowmaster Y pipe and also needed two resonator tips I already had joined into a Y and it cost me $400 at a custom exhaust shop for pipe and labor. I've now installed a different 12.5:1 406 small block that should be roughly 525+ hp and 500+ Tq. I had a long conversation recently with Boyd, owner of Dr. Gas who invented the Y pipe and is influential in Nascar exhaust development. He told me the pipe size right off the headers is most critical and once past the X or Y conversion it's not as critical, past the mufflers is to a large degree unimportant to hp because it's cooled enough by then to not matter. I asked if I could get away with a single system and he said 3" duals right off the headers into a Y and then 3" single for the rest of the system would work just fine.

Depending on your hp output, a 2.5" dual system may work ok and save $, as might a 3" single. If you did the single you could use a single inlet / dual outlet muffler or have it split behind the axle if you're after the dual tips look. Dual 2.5" Y'd into single 3" flows the same as dual 2.5" and I've heard it been suggested to support upwards of 450 hp. Remember dual 3" on a lower hp motor will give up velocity and may actually rob power potential, in the same way you wouldn't put 1 7/8"+ primary header tubes on a street motor that has lower hp numbers and rpm limits.

Here's a good post to give a little insight. Although hp to pipe dia. figures vary a little depending on who you're talking to, from what I've seen they're all close enough that they must be fairly reliable. http://forums.superchevy.com/super-...-calculate-muffler-size-and-exhaust-pipe-dia/

Good luck!
 
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SRD art

G-Body Guru
Jun 16, 2011
550
442
63
St. George, UT
Just saw the other posts about the 455. There are some articles out there that also suggest tubing per hp and factoring in cubes. Might be worth a little research just to be sure. Generally speaking lower rpm torque monsters often appreciate some velocity (smaller tube) over volume (larger tube). Sorry if I'm preaching to the choir and you're already aware of all I've said, my thoughts are directed at everyone that may be reading.
 
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TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
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I have to agree 3 inch may be to big which will hurt performance.

I run the Hooker Aero Chamber mufflers and love them
 
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454GrandPrix

Master Mechanic
Jul 27, 2016
429
818
93
Lehi, Utah
Any other good 3 inch kits out there?

There are many factors in choosing an exhaust system. Others have already shared some technical information, and those are definitely things to consider. Still, at the end of the day we each make our decisions and we live with them.

When I built my GP, I chose a Pypes dual 3" header-back Race Pro system with x-pipe (part number SGG13R). I got it on sale for $475, though I see they now go for $545. Even for that higher price, I think that's a really good value. I had my muffler guy weld it together for me, and the result looks great.

YZ9tnXx.jpg


I did have him deviate from the kit in one way: Pypes designs it for tailpipes to poke straight out the back like a Monte SS, but I had my guy modify the tailpipes to aim slightly downward right behind the rear tires like a GN.

Sizh7wu.jpg


Overall, I am very pleased with this system. My only complaint, if anything, is I wish it were a bit louder. Pypes makes three different mufflers for this kit (all for the same price), and there are times when I wonder if I might have been happier with the Violator design (which Pypes says is louder but also more restrictive). Oh, well, I chose the high-flow Race Pros and I'm living with them. ;)

FYI
 
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H/O84

Greasemonkey
Nov 29, 2016
181
44
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I did have him deviate from the kit in one way: Pypes designs it for tailpipes to poke straight out the back like a Monte SS, but I had my guy modify the tailpipes to aim slightly downward right behind the rear tires like a GN.
I would have to do that too. The Monte ss pipes in my car would be a sin
 
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