EXHAUST (Part 1 of 6)
I did this work on the exhaust system between June 3 and August 18, 2011.
While I was doing all the aforementioned work in the bed area, I evaluated the existing exhaust. I decided to chuck the PO's system for several reasons.
* The headers obstructed access to the spark plugs, were in direct contact with a brake line, pipes had been crushed to clear the frame, and they were basically in the way of everything. Some plug boots were burned where they hit the pipes.
* The header pipes interfered with the tiny hex head attaching bolts such that the bolts could not be torqued properly. It was a looseygoosey, leaky arrangement at best.
* The driver side muffler had broken away from the pipe. The passenger side wasn’t too far behind.
* It was all way too noisy for me. I want smooth and quiet, not rough and noisy.
So out it all came. Another easy job (taking stuff apart is a piece of cake). BTW, please feel free to heap abuse on me for using the Fram filter shown in the first pic below.
I wanted straight dual exhaust using original GM part number exhaust manifolds (aka ramhorns). I figured I could install an exhaust kit myself because I installed a kit on my Vette long ago (still in good condition, too). I found several kits available for 67-72 trucks and eventually decided on the Hooker 16621HKR with Hooker 21005HKR mufflers. I found a few threads where guys had used this kit and had no issues with it. If it all comes from the same manufacturer it should fit like a glove, right ?
The kit instructions --->
http://www.holley.com/data/Products/...l/16522HKR.pdf
I found a passenger side exhaust manifold on eBay (GM 3896956) and I bought the driver side from teeitup in the Parts Board (GM 3932469). The old studs are usually a problem (rusted in and so on) but I figured I could get them "good enough" and if there were problems later, I could either get new Dormans or better used ones. So I drilled and tapped and JB Welded and wire brushed and ground until I felt they were good enough to use.