1978, F250, 460, 2WD, C6

Ok I'm looking for the easy way out. Well it's more of an attempt to aid my over zealous attempt at multi tasking wood working projects, restoration of a 1960 R60 BMW motorcycle, keeping house, feeding the dogs and the cats, getting a divorce, working full time, and yada yada yada. Jeeeezzz may I should post this on Anne Landers instead. :-) VBG

Now that you all feel sorry for me. (yeah, I doubt that too)

I need/want a dual exhaust system for my truck. I want a set of decent headers, mufflers, all the piping pre-bent, and any misc. parts I need. Sounds like a just take the damn thing to a shop and pay dufus but being the type A, manic ADD dufus I am I still want to be the first to take it all out of the box (like XMas) and I want to do the nasty torch work to get the old crap off and install the new system.

Here's where you folks come in. Before I call some store and talk to folks I don't know I'd like to ask for a short discussion on recommendations from your wealth of experience.

Yeah, here comes the "he's a cheap *&*&*& part". :-) I want decent equipment but I don't want top ceramic race quality stuff either. I'd like the headers and pipes to last say, 5 years and I don't mind changing the mufflers out every couple of years. Although I don't actually drive this machine that much. I ride a motorcycle every day except when there is snow/ice or I need to haul something the bike can't handle.

What do you think:
- What components do think make the best match
- How much should a decent, complete kit cost
- Is there a preferred auot supply business you would recommend

Last bits of info - I'm looking for mild performance & some good grumble (sound). My truck is my toy. Truck doesn't need converters.

 

My $.02........Check out Gibson. They make a high quality setup from headers to tailpipes.

 

First, Hedman headers. As long as you're not in a rust belt they'll last. No one makes kits for those old trucks. You'll need a shop to do it if you don't have a welder. You can buy prebent parts and fab one up but it's alot of work. I used Dynomax Super Turbos(the longer ones) on my 73 w/460. The choice for mufflers is endless. Stick with 2 1/2" tubing. No smaller. I used 4 90 degree mandrel bent elbows and had both pipes exiting in front of the rear tire. You can buy these parts here: www.jcwhitney.com. You can buy these parts and take them to the shop. Have them use their bender only to make small adjustments. You'll end up with a smooth free flowing exhaust. Having the pipes bent to go over the rear axle will add alot of backpressure.