Hey everyone ive got this 84 Trans Am and it needs major exhaust work. I am trying to find information on what I need to do to replace the entire exhaust system. I am looking for any and all ideas right now. I would like to replace the exhaust manifolds with a set of headers and run the exhaust back from there. I would like to know what I need to think about in terms of the headers, the y or intermediate pipe, the muffler. Ive searched for a while and still havnt found the answers I need so any and all help is appreciated. It has a 350 in it right now if that makes a difference.

 

Does the 84 model year have a.i.r tubes on the manifolds? If yes, get:

2055-HKR headers from summit. They are emissions legal with air tubes, and come with an excellent y-pipe.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Catco 9118 catalytic convertor
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Any flanged 3" catback of your choice. Three popular, high quality ones, are:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
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Oh, and if you dont have to pass emissions, you can use an off road test pipe:

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/in...OD&ProdID=1223

If you dont have an A.I.R system, there are some cheaper header options available too, but you still need at least a 3" y-pipe for best flow.

 

i have a 84 trans am also. i went with hedman elite long tubes into 3 inch y pipe no cat 3 inch all the way into flowmaster 80 series and out 3 inches and it sounds real tough at an idle and when u get on it sounds like a monster real deep with that slight header noise in it which sounds great. the only downfall is that u have to notch ur frame a little for long tubes and you need to find a shop that will not put a cat on. Cost a total around $900.00. PM me for any questions because i no my 84 inside and out after 4 years of tearing and repairing it

 

Do any of the companies currently make a y pipe or exhaust system to utilize the long tube headers they sell. I have looked all over and cant really find anything but, "find an exhaust shop". Thats cool, but I want something I can bolt together in the garage.

 

Just about all the longtubes require a custom y-pipe. Your best bet for bolt together is a shorty system.

 

Thanks for the info. The car doesn't have the air system anymore, it has the air headers but the pump isnt connected and a lot of the pipes for it are rusted through. I have historic tags so no emissions. Would it be better to buy the headers and y pipe and then just get a muffler shop to create something from the y pipe back. The converter is already off and theres just a piece of tubing from the cat location to the rest of the exhaust. The last owner did a real half-assed job on the exhaust. would these do well for what I need.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

 

I guess it would work... you really trying to save money?

Hooker makes a set too-
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

it costs more, but it looks from the picture to have the y-pipe replace the catalytic convertor.

Really though, for perfromance, you should look into the combo I suggested before. You can always plug the a.i.r tubes on the hookers, and then you will get the benefit of the 3" y-pipe, and you would use the MAC test pipe from hawks to delete the cat.

For the catback and muffler, you really want 3" too. The dynomax system you posted is only 2.5", only slightly better than stock. Plus the dynomax muffler isnt loud.

 

Yea I am trying, I am only 16 and working on a limited budget but I am just looking for suggestions right now. I called a muffler shop around here and they said from the headers back they would charge like 300 including a muffler to run custom tubes and delete the cat. Do you think that is a better deal or get something that will hang in the stock location?

 

$300 from headers back for 3" pipe? Thats pretty good IMO. Most cat backs, not including y or cat, are between the 200 and 500 range.

Just make sure they are quoting on aluminized tubing at least, and a decent muffler. Although if they do a stock 1 in 2 out muffler and you dont like how it sounds, you can get another muffler for relatively cheap.

 

i realize u are only 16 and money is a factor. but here is what i am doing right now. just waiting for the weather to clear. i also have an 84 T/A. i removed all my emissions except for the egr of course.

i have hedman lontubes with hedman x-tensions. Summit H-pipe 2 1/2". with a pair of advance auto parts 2 1/2" x 18" (Long) pipes. and some Dynomax Bullets 2 1/2" in and out.i will prolly have to cut the straight pipe down a bit and i will put some turn-out tips on for now. i am ony putting the advance pipe on until i can get them run over the axles into some 3.5" tips.

right now i am painting the headers with some hi-temp ceramic paint. i am waiting another day to put on the last 2 coats. 4 coats total. i am also waiting for my polly engine mounts to come in. i figured while i'm there,why not.

i have approximately $360. bucks in this so far. i would keep it dumped but my wife said she won't ride in it if i do.lol. i should leave it dumped then huh. i figured at most another 300 to run it out the back installed with tips. it will prolly be cheaper than that.i'm just figuring high.

but all in all,it should sound mean as hell and cost less than a hooker with shorty headers and y pipe combo.well good luck.

i should add that the 300 allready spent does not include the stg 8 all stainless locking fasteners,the percy 3 layer alum header gaskets or the percy alum collector gasket. for a total 137 shipped from summit. thanks.