I've finally got my engine in, (86 302 efi) and now I'm trying to decide what to do for the exhaust. I have put a better cam in, so I really don't want to put the stock manifolds back on. I know this question has been beaten to death, but I've been searching the forum all afternoon, but could'nt find a definite answer.

To those of you running headers, which ones do you have? how did they fit? how did you route your exhaust pipes?

 

What kind of cam did you use? Speed density won't tolerate much larger than stock. I would give you advice on headers, but they've been backordered for 2 months.

 

I used a comp cam 31-255-5 made for sd efi

Sent from my garage using IB AutoGroup

 

I ordered a set of Pacesetter long tubes with a slip-fit connector. Everybody complains how they can't get the 3 bolt connectors to seal, so I went with slip fit. My plan is to run true duals down the passenger side and out each side at 45° behind the tires. Wish I could give you specifics on fitment and routing, but I'm still waiting for them to arrive. If you have no reservations reusing the stock exhaust system, shorty headers are a definite upgrade over stock manifolds anyway, and require no modifications.

 

I used a set of stock fox body mustang headers i picked up for cheap . I pieced together a 2.5" exhaust with a Jones dual in/out muffler exiting in front of the passenger rear tire . Not as free flowing as aftermarket headers but should flow better than the cast iron manifolds and y pipe . If I want to upgrade them later aftermarket fox body 5.0 shorty headers are plentiful .

 

Avoid Hooker long tube headers on these trucks....

 

This.

Especially when it comes to driveshaft clearance issues on 4x4s. Stock manifolds on mine have clearance issues.

 

Yep, I saw one of the guys on here doing a frame off and he used the same headers I used on a 4x4 and had clearance issues with some of the running gear.

 

My truck is 2wd, so I have 1 less obstacle to work around. I actually bought a set of flowtech headers about a month ago, went to try them on while the engine was on the stand, and the drivers side hit the side of the oil pan. I'm not sure if the ones I had were mis-boxed, or their just that bad, I sent them back to Summit and got a refund.

 

I used 6912-HKR hooker long tubes, the clearance between the C6's servo piston is so close, you almost don't get it out. Also, on the drivers side it bent in a bit, and when you put a pipe on it, the C6's shift lever hits the top of the pipe by the time it gets to neutral. I just recommend people stay away. Caused me several problems.

 

My dad didn't want fender wall exit long tubes due to clearance issues with 33x12.5s and couldn't get shorties in there without rubbing on the driveshaft especially off road. The manifolds we used are off a Ranchero I think or some car and it rubbed until we dented the pipe with a hammer. That was 15-20 years ago the first time and probably about 12-13 the second and by the sounds of it there aren't many options out to this day.