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Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
"Could"? Sure, if you're into masochism. Otherwise stick to something designed to fit. Thirdgens don't really have room for duals. People can and have done it, but generally they're a compromise in one way or another, often in ground clearance - or rather the lack there of.
No; there's no room under a 3rd gen for that or any system like it.
Originally Posted by ShiftyCapone
You can buy the Holley true duals for our car for like $500 more than that kit.
^^^^This is the only system of which I'm aware that might fit. The issue is trying to squeeze two exhaust pipes down a pathway only intended for one while still maintaining adequate clearance from not only the ground, but also from the transmission, driveshaft, the underbody, and the rear axle/suspension, all the while not creating a handful of rattle problems.
If you do decide to go the Holley route, please document the install with photos.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by ironwill
^^^^This is the only system of which I'm aware that might fit
Well, there's that Dynomax header-back dual setup... But it's intended to bolt up to their junk headers, and uses restrictive piping, and isn't emissions friendly (no cats). Just overall there's a reason it's not a popular kit. By design it should fit, it'd probably perform just marginally worse than a stock style single 3" exhaust.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by Drew
Well, there's that Dynomax header-back dual setup... But it's intended to bolt up to their junk headers, and uses restrictive piping, and isn't emissions friendly (no cats). Just overall there's a reason it's not a popular kit. By design it should fit, it'd probably perform just marginally worse than a stock style single 3" exhaust.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by ironwill
No; there's no room under a 3rd gen for that or any system like it.
^^^^This is the only system of which I'm aware that might fit. The issue is trying to squeeze two exhaust pipes down a pathway only intended for one while still maintaining adequate clearance from not only the ground, but also from the transmission, driveshaft, the underbody, and the rear axle/suspension, all the while not creating a handful of rattle problems.
If you do decide to go the Holley route, please document the install with photos.
that’s a lot of money I’ll have to save for a while. But I’ll check it out when I have the funds. Currently I’m pulling the motor to seal the oil leaks and put in a (mild) cam and intake
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by Drew
"Could"? Sure, if you're into masochism. Otherwise stick to something designed to fit. Thirdgens don't really have room for duals. People can and have done it, but generally they're a compromise in one way or another, often in ground clearance - or rather the lack there of.
ok I’ll just save up and get a 3” single then any recommendations for a y pipe?
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
y-pipe is specific to the headers
the 3" dynomax cat back system for the fourth gen can be fairly easily modified to fit our vehicles. Search for it under Dyno Don. There's a thread that covers it.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by naf
y-pipe is specific to the headers
the 3" dynomax cat back system for the fourth gen can be fairly easily modified to fit our vehicles. Search for it under Dyno Don. There's a thread that covers it.
couldn’t seem to find it, could you link the exhaust you’re referring to? I need headers, y pipe and exhaust as I’m considering a 3” single
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
I haven't looked lately, but Dynomax/Walker has been systematically discontinuing their third and fourthgen exhaust systems over the past few years. The last time I looked into the 2 piece 3" intermediate pipe, one piece or the other was no longer available from most sources. FWIW.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by Drew
I haven't looked lately, but Dynomax/Walker has been systematically discontinuing their third and fourthgen exhaust systems over the past few years. The last time I looked into the 2 piece 3" intermediate pipe, one piece or the other was no longer available from most sources. FWIW.
Dang that’s just my luck! I’ll have to make do with what I have until I can find a muffler shop (I can’t weld)
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
It's no big deal. The 3" Dynomax pipe was just a pick and choose alternative to buying a cat-back exhaust kit, or settling for a 2.5" or 2.75" intermediate pipe that necks down to 2.5" at the muffler. It's potentially no longer relevant because Walker/Dynomax discontinued the 4th gen kit those parts were made for. Someone thought they needed to have a bullet muffler in the middle of the intermediate pipe, so the 54064 pipe isn't available anymore.
The new Dynomax 4th gen setup -
Summit sells the AP Exhaust APH-X5500, which they say is a 3" intermediate pipe alternative to the Dynomax numbers. Might be a decent substitute.
There should still be plenty of nearly bolt-on aftermarket setups to choose from. Magnaflow, Flowmaster, Dynomax, Hooker, Borla, etc or stock replacement type parts from Walker (parent company of Dynomax), AP Exhaust, etc. The harder part is finding EXACTLY what you want. The options for picking and choosing this piece or that piece of an aftermarket kit are just about gone, but complete cat-back exhausts are still out there, and stock replacement stuff is still out there.
Magnaflow
Flowmaster
Hooker
Summit
Borla
Hooker
Most of the aftermarket stuff for a 87-89 350 thirdgen will be a 2.75-3.00" intermediate pipe design that will fit any 82-92 with a little work. Some of the 4th gen setups will fit with some changes to the hangers. Just gotta look around a bit. Avoid the mix and match approach, because a lot of times the individual parts aren't available separately, and they aren't designed to fit together.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by Drew
It's no big deal. The 3" Dynomax pipe was just a pick and choose alternative to buying a cat-back exhaust kit, or settling for a 2.5" or 2.75" intermediate pipe that necks down to 2.5" at the muffler. It's potentially no longer relevant because Walker/Dynomax discontinued the 4th gen kit those parts were made for. Someone thought they needed to have a bullet muffler in the middle of the intermediate pipe, so the 54064 pipe isn't available anymore.
The new Dynomax 4th gen setup -
Summit sells the AP Exhaust APH-X5500, which they say is a 3" intermediate pipe alternative to the Dynomax numbers. Might be a decent substitute.
There should still be plenty of nearly bolt-on aftermarket setups to choose from. Magnaflow, Flowmaster, Dynomax, Hooker, Borla, etc or stock replacement type parts from Walker (parent company of Dynomax), AP Exhaust, etc. The harder part is finding EXACTLY what you want. The options for picking and choosing this piece or that piece of an aftermarket kit are just about gone, but complete cat-back exhausts are still out there, and stock replacement stuff is still out there.
Magnaflow
Flowmaster
Hooker
Summit
Borla
Hooker
Most of the aftermarket stuff for a 87-89 350 thirdgen will be a 2.75-3.00" intermediate pipe design that will fit any 82-92 with a little work. Some of the 4th gen setups will fit with some changes to the hangers. Just gotta look around a bit. Avoid the mix and match approach, because a lot of times the individual parts aren't available separately, and they aren't designed to fit together.
i was reading a thread that showed some of those exhausts to decrease hp? Which would be best over stock? And where can I find the y pipe and headers that bolt to the other side of the cat? You’ve been very helpful I’m grateful for your help
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by Drew
Well, there's that Dynomax header-back dual setup... But it's intended to bolt up to their junk headers, and uses restrictive piping, and isn't emissions friendly (no cats). Just overall there's a reason it's not a popular kit. By design it should fit, it'd probably perform just marginally worse than a stock style single 3" exhaust.
Many years ago---against my advice---a friend bought a similar setup for his '84 (?) Z28 (305 HO, IIRC) and under protest, I installed it for him. It was a mess from the git-go, requiring some welding, re-bending, much tweaking of hangers, etc. Not only did he not realize any performance gain, but he was constantly under the car fixing rattles. A few months later, we pulled it off, tossed it in the trash, and put the factory system back on.
There just isn't much room under there for two pipes.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by ironwill
Many years ago---against my advice---a friend bought a similar setup for his '84 (?) Z28 (305 HO, IIRC) and under protest, I installed it for him. It was a mess from the git-go, requiring some welding, re-bending, much tweaking of hangers, etc. Not only did he not realize any performance gain, but he was constantly under the car fixing rattles. A few months later, we pulled it off, tossed it in the trash, and put the factory system back on.
There just isn't much room under there for two pipes.
im good with a 3” single I just need a complete system of some kind. Headers, Y pipe , middle pipe, muffler, tailpipe
i just can’t find anything and I’m not good at fabrication and don’t know anybody who is. Also none of the muffler shops in my area will bend exhaust either
are those catback systems? I imagine 4” would be overkill for my mild build but 3” would be good. I don’t really care that much if it’s dual or single I just want a less restrictive system that includes headers/better manifolds, y pipe, and everything else back. I don’t have the equipment to make or fabricate my own so I’ve got to get a premade kit
Last edited by 82Firebird5.0; Dec 9, 2019 at 10:29 AM.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by 82Firebird5.0
.....I’m not good at fabrication and don’t know anybody who is. Also none of the muffler shops in my area will bend exhaust either
That's an issue, for sure, when considering a custom system from the cylinder heads to the back bumper; if you have no specialty shops in your area, that leaves you on your own.
"Bolt-on" systems rarely are; welding equipment is expensive, and the learning curve to acquire fabrication skills is steep.
Re: Would this dual exhaust work on my 1982 firebird?
Originally Posted by 82Firebird5.0
i was reading a thread that showed some of those exhausts to decrease hp? Which would be best over stock? And where can I find the y pipe and headers that bolt to the other side of the cat? You’ve been very helpful I’m grateful for your help
In some circumstances, one or another might flow a bit better or worse, but I would argue the performance difference between them, is secondary to the cosmetic appearance you prefer. Pick one your like, and jump on Google and search for reviews. Usually you can find youtube videos showing how different kits sound, etc.
