I have a 1983 camaro z28 with the 305 crossfire injection. I am looking around for a new exhaust and am planning on buying a pair of headers and mufflers and taking them to an exhaust shop to have them make a dual exhaust system for me.

I am wondering what ar some good headers for around $200 or
$250. also what will fit my car.

As well I would like some suggestions on a good pair of performance mufflers for about the same price as the headers.

Any other suggestions or experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

The 83 cars had the old, pellet style cats along with dual mufflers and was very restrictive from the factory.

I'm not a fan of dual exhaust systems for these cars unless your motor makes so much power that a single 4" exhaust is restrictive. Lots of extra weight and complexity for no real gain at the sub 400hp level.


You have a few good options:

1) Go headers, 3" factory style cat, and 3" cat back (most $)

2) Go TPI manifolds (cheap used), Magnaflow TPI y-pipe, 3" cat, 3" cat back (less $)

Headers will give you 5 to 10hp more than the TPI manifolds and y-pipe, but otherwise expect a minimum 30hp gain with the right exhaust.

 

Is it possible to gain horsepower but loose torque in that situation ?

 

Maybe some TQ at 1500rpm, but with the extra exhaust flow you will gain volumetric efficiency and add TQ up to the redline (and HP too).

Problem is that the CFI, LG4, and TBI cars all were artificially restricted with exhaust from GM to lower their HP ratings to leave room for the L69 and LB9 options...

 

There is such a thing as too much exhaust, like the guys on here with stock 305's and the single 4" catback. With the 305 crossfire, I would look in the direction of 1 5/8" primary headers and 2 1/2" - 3" single catback with a new cat from some place like random. I would strongly recommend against the TPI manifolds, you would be replacing a turd with a polished turd.

 

I don't care what you do as far as headers. make damn sure you go with spin tech mufflers. I have yet to meet one person who has used them and isn't sold on them. Ill never buy anything else. The sound is incredible

 

Me. I had one on my IROC and hated it. It made the car sound like a 77 Buick with a hole in the muffler. I eventually replaced it with a Dynomax Ultra Flow muffler.

 

thanks for the help. I found a dual exhaust from headers back on summitracing.com. i just bought a 350 that I am going to rebuild and put in my camaro. can anyone help with how to setup a mechanical throttle. also what would be a good duration and lift for a cam in order to get good performance for a street car