V8 Headers and exhaust

[seaduck66]

I'm in the middle of a frame off restoration on a 76 FJ40. I've put in a Chevy V8 with the stock 4 speed. I would like to run headers but need help deciding on inside or outside the rails with the headers/exhaust. It looks like the exhaust would be tight down the passenger side due to clearance with the T case. I'm not real crazy about a crossover due to ground clearance issues. Any ideas or images would be appreciated.

 

[ghostriders]

Do a search. There is alot of good info and pictures of V-8 exhaust installs. Good luck

 

[JB740i]

i've got a 76 with a sbc and dual exhaust that po installed. I will be getting it changed back to single when I get it running again. the passenger side muffler has nelted the plastic cover on my ss brake line. There just isn't enough room back there for two piprs. The wiring harness going to the tails has been melted in places too.

 

[FJ40 MNTCRZR]

Did you look at Block hugger headers by chance

 

[dgangle]

If you chose the over-the-frame-rail-type headers you get what you deserve for not researching first.

Seven words: rams horn manifolds, competent custom exhaust shop

 

[70CRZR]

I am running outside the frame headers, but that is because the PTO winch shaft would have required several bends. I don't know why everyone crys about how bad they are, it just like anything else - it has goods and bads. I have been running cherry bomb style mufflers next to the frame for years and never had any issues.

 

[alex e]

Listen to Gangle. I just did V8 and 4speed a la Downey. Ramshorns manifolds from a mid 70s vette and a Y pipe. Texican has a thread over on Pirate 4x4 concerning exactly this subject. I got my set blasted, painted and delivered for less than $90. Fit is perfect.

Welcome to Mud.

 

[Plowboy]

Outside the frame headers can't be used with the PU powersteering conversion. The #5 exhaust pipe is less than 1/2 inch directly over the return port.

 

[fj40_73]

rams horn manifolds

Outside means hacking fenders & where do your rock sliders go once you then the mufflers there?

 

[Downey]

I also prefer inside the frame-down the drivewrs side, but be advised; not all block huggers are created equally!!! Many of the China's protrude away from the Head 3" to 4", then point straight down towards the ground. A better choice is the Ultra-Block Huggers that only protrude out about 2.750", then hug the "V" inwards towards the oil pan (actually hug the block) before pointing downward. Those are the ticket!!!!!

 

[allan man]

I did a research on this debate a while back and i have found majority of people that had headers all went back to the ram horn set up...but not all....Good luck! and

 

[marcovgv]

i chose sanderson qp1000 headers to y pipe single exit 3 inch all the way down. magnaflow 14" up top and a 6 inch oval near the end.

 

[dgangle]

...I don't know why everyone crys about how bad they are...

uhh, let's see......
require daily tightening of bolts to head
radiate so much heat that they burn every wire under your hood within 2' and make your floorboards so hot it burns your feet
requires one to hack the crap out of their inner fenders
won't clear a minitruck powersteering box
requires the exhaust to be run outside the frame = smash/dent
cost $250 Headers http://advanceadapters.com/product/2163/717006.html
chrome lasts all but 20 minutes. Spend rest of remaining life rusted
rust through in less than 2 years in anywhere other than an arid climate


If those are not enough reasons, buy up!

 

[aggiecruiser]

X2 on the rams horn headers IMHO. Inside the rail. I have a V8 conversion on my 1/79, and I will be going to Ram's horn headers soon. I currently have block hugger headers from Hedman headers, and they do not clear the Saginaw PS system. The PO hacked a chunk out of the header, welding a piece of bent plate back in place on the drivers side to make room for the steering control rod.

I am told the Rams horn style alieviate that problem. As far as a crossover, mine seems to be tucked up pretty tight around the oil pan.

Hope that helps,
Chris

 

[nadajeep]

A fellow club member and myself have both been running outside the frame headers without any problems!! keep it up next to the frame for protection and all is good... no problem with hot floors either, we both run ours along the frame to the front of the rear springs and tuck it threw and over the rear axle and out the back, we run our flowmaster mufflers in back by the rear axle and its worked/sounds great... and if anything it takes the heat away from the transmission and transfer case area... and it makes it alot easier to work on/remove the drivetrain... the fenders did require minor triming to clear and I've been running the same headers for years without any rust out problems. prior to the headers I did run manifolds and they worked Ok, I didn't like crossing under the motor and It makes a tight fit next to the transfer case... Doug

 

[camcruiser13]

inside the frame rails with ramshorns

out the back with single pipe


no issue with ground clearence if you have a guy who is semi compitent doing it


i have ran bothe, after a year of headers outside the frame rails youll need ned mufflers and colonge

they will get smashed and they are stinky. and they melt everything plastic under your hood.




enough said

 

[camcruiser13]

buy these and take them to a shop, shouldnt be more that 2 hundo for them to build exhaust for you

Shop 1A Auto® for 1957, 1966-90 Chevy Small Block 305ci 327ci 350ci Exhaust Manifold for your Corvette

 

[dgangle]

...have both been running outside the frame headers without any problems...no problem with hot floors either...the fenders did require minor triming...using the same headers for years without any rust out problems....

Like I said, if they work for you, buy up. Without a need, these certainly would not still be produced. Unless it's for the people that either don't know all the downsides or haven't figured out a better way. Rock on.

 

[Cirbo]

I did the center dump cast manifolds and two into one pipe.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/213110-77-fj40-buildup-charlotte-finally-5.html

 

[seaduck66]

Thanks to everyone for all the different ideas. I have been leaning towards the block huggers but will take a look at the rams I have now on it. Maybe just a new design on the exhaust with better flow and muffler. The V8 is out of a corvette that I built and converted to EFI. I just finished the complete tear down to the frame last night so it's all up hill from here..........