I've got an 89 B2 with a stock 2.9L and I'm kicking around the idea of some headers on it, but after that I'm kind of lost. I saw some JBA ceramic coated headers for like $741 on ebay, does that sound like a good deal? I'm just wondering what to do after the headers. I haven't been able to find any kits, so I'm assuming that I'll have to buy the cats and the mufflers and then just get someone to make a system for me. My main dilemma is I don't know how to figure out what size pipe I need to run, so I can buy the right cats and mufflers and are they all mix and matchable? Like, I've heard good things about FM 40s, but are they only for V8s and can you only use them with certain cats? I've heard Magnaflow mufflers create less backpressure than FM, but is there a magic amount of backpressure that your engine needs? I just want a good sounding exhaust that will pass emissions, but I have no experience, so I just don't know what is right for the engine if it's not a kit. I'll like to run dual exhaust either in front of the back tires or straight out the back, but I don't know if you can do it on a B2. I guess I would just go headers and a Y pipe to make it similar to stock. Lastly, will exhaust modification mean that I need to make computer mods too? If so, can someone explain what that involves? I don't mean to be so long winded, but I'm deployed, so I don't have access to asking a mechanic his opinion, but I want to start planning what I'm going to need when I get back. I want to make everyday of my leave count and use your experiences to educate myself. Thanks everyone.

 

As someone that has owned three BIIs (84,86,87) I can say any "performance" mod with exhaust on a 2.9 is a waste of your money. 2" exhaust for the stock motor is fine and the headers and stuff do not make sense$. If you are going to spend that kind of money you might as well throw a rebuilt $1200 302 into it.

If you want more performance, search the B2 forum about shortening the gas pedal cable and auto tranny cable I posted, switch to the larger throttle body from the 86/87 2.9 and put a chip in it if you want to spend the extra money running prem. gas.

One mod that I did to my exhaust for off-road was put in a body lift and run my exhaust down the right side of the vehicle and out between the body and rear bumper. It ran right next to the wheel well. Put a shield between it and the gas tank. That way it was not hanging down and getting caught like it was when it was placed before and after the rear tire. You have to make sure you do not burn the tailgate and valance panel with this route.

Before I did exhaust I would do dual front shocks. For a BII, that is a very good performance/safety mod. imo.

 

if you just want the sound and a cat is not needed in your area, then go with a 1 in dual out 40 series flowmaster. i had that on my old 84 2.8 and it really sounded mean. i had it dumped and it was wicked but it would look and sound good with bells out the back

 

Thanks for the feedback, I do have dual Ranchos around the truck, I bought it that way, I think it's got a 3 or 4 inch suspension lift and I'm pushing 31x10.50s. I like a nice sounding exhaust and I thought that if I went with the headers I may get better fuel mileage. My main concern is knowing whether it will mess up anything computerwise, since it's EFI and I want to be able to pass VA state inspections. It is a lot of money if I go with the headers, cat, and a single in, dual out 40 series; so I'm still thinking about it. I just don't think that altering the exhaust would be worth it without the headers, it would just be sound and that's it. I'll have to find your post about the gas pedal cable, Rebocardo, never heard of shortening it. Thanks again, Happy 4th.