Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
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From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
The 88 IROC I have had a set of Edelbrock TES headers when I got it. I don't really like them because the collectors are terrible and the merge in the Y-pipe is a real disaster. I'm replacing the catalytic converter and making a new 3" intermediate pipe that's not crush bent. I'm also installing subframe connectors which is why the Y pipe is off.
I'm trying to keep this car a budget build, or I'd have already bought a set of Dyno Don's headers. (I have a set on my GTA and they are fantastic) The header collectors are bad enough, but I just couldn't stand to look at the Y-pipe. It is absolutely terrible as you can see.
Step one was to tack weld some support pieces on to keep the pipes in place while I work my magic.
I'm trying to keep this car a budget build, or I'd have already bought a set of Dyno Don's headers. (I have a set on my GTA and they are fantastic) The header collectors are bad enough, but I just couldn't stand to look at the Y-pipe. It is absolutely terrible as you can see.
Step one was to tack weld some support pieces on to keep the pipes in place while I work my magic.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
Once I had the collector cut off, I used a cutoff wheel and a sawzall to cut the middle out of the merge. A band saw would have been really nice but I don't yet have the space for one.
After I got the middle cut out I began cutting a template for the section I was going to weld back in.
After I got the middle cut out I began cutting a template for the section I was going to weld back in.
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iTrader: (9)
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From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
I then cut out a few pieces of steel the same shape as my templates. The steel I used was the same thickness as the exhaust tubing. I welded the plates in starting at the collector and working my way up. I used a hammer to fold the metal patch down between the pipes. Now its all welded and just needs a coat of paint before I reinstall it.
It's not glamorous but its bound to be better than it was...
It's not glamorous but its bound to be better than it was...
Last edited by 1MeanZ; Dec 24, 2015 at 06:28 PM.
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
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From: ms. gulf coast
Car: 91 R/S , 89 dodge p/u
Engine: L31 GM crate re-cammed , 318
Transmission: T-5 , 4 speed auto
Axle/Gears: 3.42 , ?
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
LOOKING GOOOOD !!!!! should be the same on most other "Y" pipes . I have HEDMANS on my car . I will be checking out mine the next time I have it on the lift . DAMN , so many good ideas on this site . hope it never stops , good luck and thanks ..............
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 71
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From: Washington D.C. area
Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird s/e
Engine: 305 Chevy
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 for now
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
Glad some else noticed this on the edelbrock stuff. The outlets on the headers should be 2-1/2". The y-pipe is also pretty bad. I'm a Headers By Ed guy, I recommend getting their catalog and cassette tape , because it's great reading/listening .
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From: Waxahachie Texas
Car: 88 IROC Z/28-under re-construction
Engine: 5.7 Tuned Port
Transmission: It's in there....
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt Borg-Warner
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
i have the same on mine and thought the same as you.. good work
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,915
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From: Far West
Car: 1986 Camaro Z28 IROC-Z
Engine: 350 Tuned Port Injection, for now.
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Posi - 3.23
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
1MeanZ. Do you have any updates on our mod? Im considering on doing the same to my y pipe.
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iTrader: (9)
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
what updates are you looking for? I did the work over winter do I can't say if it made the car feel quicker or not. it was properly welded and supported so it didn't crack or break. That's about all I can add.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,711
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From: Orange, CA
Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
Engine: 355 w/AFR 195's Elem. 400/430 HP/TQ
Transmission: Tremec T-56
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
Or this.....PM me
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,001
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Car: 1988 camaro "SS"/ 1991 305/T5
Engine: 383 LT1 in progress/LT1TBI 355 soon
Transmission: Probuilt 700R4 3600 stall/ T5
Axle/Gears: Moser axles, 3.42 Eaton Posi
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
Genius work. If I ever have the misfortune of dealing with edelbrock headers again I'll have to do this lol
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From: CT
Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.0 Liter 4-BBL V8 High Output
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
Guess That's One Of The Reasons Edelbrock Dropped Their Entire Exhaust System Line.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,001
Likes: 62
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Car: 1988 camaro "SS"/ 1991 305/T5
Engine: 383 LT1 in progress/LT1TBI 355 soon
Transmission: Probuilt 700R4 3600 stall/ T5
Axle/Gears: Moser axles, 3.42 Eaton Posi
Re: Making Edelbrock y-pipes suck a little bit less.
Oh they did? I had no idea lol
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