Exhaust system on a budget.

[trail mule]

I have an 85 Grand Wagoneer. I swapped in a comps cam magnum cam and Offenhauser dual port intake manifold and a Holley 670 truck avenger carburetor. I was looking at some Headman long tube headers and running a 3 inch single exhaust all the way back... But cash is the issue.:( I read that some people recomend getting the 79 and earlier drivers side exhaust manifold and installing that and getting rid of the log one on the drivers side. Then they say to run a 2.5 to 3 inch exhaust out back. I want to know if it is true that this set up with the exhaust manifolds is worth the time and effort in torque and horsepower? Have you tried it, and what was your experience? What did you run from the exhaust manifold back? Is there a better and cheaper combination?

[rockjeep44]

Forget headers, waste of money.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG6uBA2TRuc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j07MYgvoiaQ (watch the first then fast foward through the recovery to 3 min and there is another good sound clip driving off)
Stock manifolds, same setup you are talking about with the '79 drivers side, 2.5" single exhaust, dynomax race bullet muffler (which is like $40). I get compliments all the time on how good my motor sounds.

[jeeping1974]

Hedman headers are not worth it. I have a set on my j10 and have gone through so many gaskets. I finally double gasketed it and called it good.

[Tad]

Forget headers, waste of money. I didn't watch Andrews links but I agree.
I have never had good results on a 4X4 with headers where I wanted low end torque and low maintence.
I never really had the gasket issues but I spent way too much time fixing cracks and lost more low end than I could have read about.

I'm sure there are ways to do it but I can't see that being an option for a budget setup like mine.
Straight 2.5" back to duals (I know I lose some low end there too), tucked up high, no issues.
IIRC I built my setup for about $90 + my time.

[billyrb]

I get compliments all the time on how good my motor sounds.

you must be hearing wrong....when they say she sounds SWEET, they are complimenting your wife :)

[elbastardo]

My 73 j400 with the 401 had headers (came with the truck). And it seemed like about once a month i would have to tighten them up. It happened so often I had a 7/16 wrench in the glovebox just for it. I swiched to the copper raised face gaskets and it helped. I wheeled that truck moderatly.

Since then though if i have a rig with headers I run the raised face copper gaskets, if nothing else there reuseable, so you only buy one set:thumbsup:

[bushwood44]

Forget headers, waste of money.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG6uBA2TRuc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j07MYgvoiaQ (watch the first then fast foward through the recovery to 3 min and there is another good sound clip driving off)
Stock manifolds, same setup you are talking about with the '79 drivers side, 2.5" single exhaust, dynomax race bullet muffler (which is like $40). I get compliments all the time on how good my motor sounds.

I agree the bullet muffler sounds good

[The_Turd]

Do you guys have pics of these setups by chance? Im looking to get mine re-done as well (on the cheap) but I am trying to avoid going under the trans/t-case due to clearance issues....

I was thinkin going out the side between the frame and front springs (theres a member on here who's done that, cant remember his SN) and it looks doable... Then I was gonna run the good old Cherry bomb... But if I can get away with a single muffler with 2.5-3 in that would cut costs quite a bit..

Sorry to hijack :o

[rockjeep44]

Please don't run a cherry bomb. I want to punch babies every time I hear one of those things. Go with a dynomax race bullet if you're trying to save money.

[The_Turd]

^ LOL!

Well you aren't then only one!! Only 2 real reasons I was thinkin those is b/c they are only like $30 a piece (or less) locally And their size... And honestly i've heard a "few" that dont sound bad... I want something to tuck nicely under the door (if i go true duals) so in the future i can run rocker guards without any interfearance of the muffler... But i will look into the dynomax here shortly...

Thanks for the laugh tho! :thumbsup:

[deadironrat]

Please don't run a cherry bomb. I want to punch babies every time I hear one of those things. Go with a dynomax race bullet if you're trying to save money.

Lord forbid you're in a nursury when you hear that sound! Lol, sorry, couldn't resist.

I agree, I'm so tired of hearing every truck on the road that has glass packs. I personally like the chambered exhaust.

[The_Turd]

Haha at least he'd have plenty to choose from tho! :o

Yes I prefer chambered as well but my budget does not... And the space where I plan on putting them as well...

I just googled the Dynomax race bullet, thanks for that info! Altho it looks just like a cherry bomb/glasspack... Is also a few more $$... I may go that route... I dunno yet.. I just know I need to get my head outta my Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley and get it done already...

[rockjeep44]

Yea, the race bullet is a little more expensive but not much. Plus it's small and shaped like the glass packs so it's easy to package. Last thing it won't wear out like a glass pack so it should last much longer although I think most 'necks can't wait for their glass packs to wear out...WAAAAAAAPOWWW WAAAAAAAAAPOOWWWW

[chr1s]

Please don't run a cherry bomb. I want to punch babies every time I hear one of those things.

LOL

you have a way with words sometimes man :thumbsup:

[djongeward]

I got to pricing exhuast systems, local instalation prices and workmanship etc. Even though I am not personally into the deep rumble sound, the system that BJ's offers was a deal I could not pass up. Free shipping too. If I was back on the coast I would have Mesa Muffler in Costa Mesa do it. I have had nothing but crap welding at the shops here in the desert. It took me only a few hours work to saw out my old system and clamp in BJ's one. 3" mandrel bent aluminized pipe, all the clamps (I usually prefer to have em welded) and a nice Jardine tip with the best stainless, welded (not crimped) muff that really flows. My built engine really thanked me.

[lost1]

Please don't run a cherry bomb. I want to punch babies every time I hear one of those things.

Is it wrong that I kind of want to now? Granted, I need a new muffler since mine has rotted out anyways...:D

[The_Turd]

Yes I like the sizes of the glass pack and that dynomax... And i'm always partial to a little longer lasting piece of equipment... and not a huge fan of the "WAAAAAAAPOWWW WAAAAAAAAAPOOWWWW" lol I really do appreciate the sound of a great exhaust... and I know you get what you pay for as well...

Has anyone looked at the Flow Tech Purple hornies?? Or heard them for that matter?? Supposedly theyre a Holley product and I also appreciate a good holley!

I've looked at BJ's setup and REALLY like the note it has on the video but says it's for 80-91 rigs... I have a 78.... Theres a couple shops locally that im confident know what theyre doing when it comes to exhaust, still have yet to go get quotes so thats something I will be doing... Just thought since ive done 99% of everything else on the Jeep, why stop now???

Keep it coming! And hopefully the thread starter has got some ideas too! Sorry for the hijack again :o

[j20brett]

Above all, if you have a welder, pic up some tubing of the size you want (mines 2.5") and start fabbing. Its not super hard and can save you money from having a shop do it. Plus you can route it how you want it

[The_Turd]

Ya I thought about doin it myself... And would really like to... but access to a welder may be hard to come by :( plus, i havent welded in a LOOOOOONNNNNGGGGGG time... but we'll see what happens!

Thanks!

[DAHoyle]

Forget headers, waste of money.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG6uBA2TRuc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j07MYgvoiaQ (watch the first then fast foward through the recovery to 3 min and there is another good sound clip driving off)
Stock manifolds, same setup you are talking about with the '79 drivers side, 2.5" single exhaust, dynomax race bullet muffler (which is like $40). I get compliments all the time on how good my motor sounds.

That thing sounds sweet, mind if I copy?

[rockjeep44]

That thing sounds sweet, mind if I copy?

Be my guest. Here's a few more I added today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0N_6Cdud8s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4WQMMkACT8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee045Pz-utA