I'm in the market for a set of headers and I kinda wanted to find a sent that included a matching Y pipe or one avalible that fit the headers. I dont want to run a cat (no emmision laws here) and I want do just be able to replace the cat with a pipe to the Y pipe and the existing exhaust. I seen a few headers that I like but some of them only fit 86-92 F-bodies while some of them say they fit 82-92. What is the differance? Can anyone suggest a set of headers that come with a Y pipe that will alow a slip fit to a replacement tube for a cat?

 

The difference is whether or not they will bolt into the stock exhaust. If they say '82-'92, they will not.

Any header for 3rd gen SBC will fit your engine and chassis. Any headers that are emissions legal for '86-'90 TPI single cat application will have a y-pipe that has a slip fit to the cat. Hooker 2055's always come to mind because they have a very nice y-pipe included, arguably the best available. Others will do the same, but typically don't have a full 3" after the two down-pipes join before heading for the cat.

 

Great, I'll check out the hookers then. One question, will the Y-pipe's slip fit fit only the cat or could I slip fit the exhaust right to it? I dont need to run cats here and mine only has one on it now.

 

Not sure exactly what you meant by slip the exhaust right to it, because the exhaust won't reach. But, you can slip any 3" ID pipe onto the y-pipe end.

 

Yea, thats what I meant, I just didnt word it right I guess : ). But anyway, that solves my problem. Thanks!

 

Most pipe is sized for OD. Cats are sized for ID. Therefore, a slip-fit inlet cat will slip onto the 2055 (and others) y-pipe outlet. However, a 3" piece of pipe will not. You'd have to get the pipe expanded to 3" ID for a couple of inches. Or butt weld it.