Are we all in agreement that the y pipe is very restrictive on these trucks? On mine I have the small cat untouched and the big cat gutted then it goes into a y pipe as then has dual turn down tips.. My question is would I do my truck any good to cut off the small cat then put a pipe from there to the big cat or just gut the little one too and putting it back on?

 

Best bet is to get a good set of long tube headers and take it to a muffler shop and have them fab you a whole system. Invest in a set of high-flow cats if you have to pass emmisions, ditch 'em if you don't

 

What would be the difference between shorties and long tube?

 

Shorties are cheaper and are a direct bolt-in replacement for stock manifolds. So if you can't afford to do it all at once you could get the shorties and get the rest done later. The long tubes will get the most performance but you'll have to get the rest of the exhaust made up when you install them.

 

If you spring for headers look for thick-flanged headers and get locking bolts so you don't blow out exhaust gaskets.

 

Okay so what's the difference in performance between shortys and long tube

 

Not sure myself. Maybe the manufacturer has a rough idea of the gains. On a stock 302 there might not be very much difference. Maybe someone with more knowledge in that area will chime in.

I would say that if you have any plans for upgrading the engine like cam or heads then spring for the long-tubes because they will have the most flow and allow for the full potential of the engine.

 

Well correct me if I'm wrong but the 1st gen lightnings have the 351 with gt40 heads and a gt40 intake? My intentions are to rebuild the stock 302 in it now and bore it out,gt 40 heads, good cam, 4:10 gears and a good intake.. So with all that and headers, how do you think that will perform.

 

Like a bat out of hell.

The lightnings are also supercharged. I know the exploders got 302's with GT40 heads.

 

The 2nd gen lightnings are but the ones that are like 93-95 aren't so even tho mines a 4wd if I did all that it would get up and go?