I need any suggestions about an exhaust system for my chevelle. It has a 383 stroker with about 400hp, 3.55 rear, and a bunch of other goodies. I need suggestions all the way from what size headers, mufflers and exhaust system to use. I don't wan't to lose bottom end power though. Also, I need suggestions about whether they should be aluminized or stainless steel. Thanks.

Riz, go with a pair of 1 5/8" coated headers into a 2.5" aluminized or stainless steel headpipe and then into 2.5" mufflers with full 2.5" tailpipes. Have a 2.5" H-pipe welded in as well. As a twist, you could also install an X pipe from Dr. Gas. Reportedly offers a different exhaust tone and better breathing without killing bottom-end torque.

As a side note, some may suggest a 1 3/4" primary tubed header but at 400 hp, that's too large IMO and will flatten your strokers' mid-RPM torque curve. Humbly, I admit that I made that mistake http://www.chevelles.com/forum/rolleyes.gif on my last 383 which was also producing right around 400 ponies.

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502 Rat Infested 1970 Malibu - Gold Member #39
Keep America Beautiful - Drive A Brute Force Chevelle!
http://pages.about.com/wescolby/personal.html

Wes has covered most of the situation.

Personally I would go with Aluminized rather than Stainless. Nice satin finish and easy to clean with SOS or similar scuff pad. A lot more economical as well.

Good luck.



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ACES #4241, TC #947
69 SS Sedan (http://www.angelfire.com/rock/69ss)

Riz, nearly same as above but I would opt for 3" headpipe. This becomes quite easy if you decide to use an X pipe as you can configure it to run 3" in and 2.5" out. Alternatively ( and much less expensively)use one of the long header extensions from Torque Tech. This will take your 3" header collector and reduce it down to 2.5" across maybe a 20" length.

An Xpipe exhaust looks like this, and it works really well...

www.chevelles.com/showroom/chaas4.jpg (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/chaas4.jpg)

[This message has been edited by 427L88 (edited 12-19-2000).]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 427L88:
Riz, nearly same as above but I would opt for 3" headpipe. This becomes quite easy if you decide to use an X pipe as you can configure it to run 3" in and 2.5" out. Alternatively ( and much less expensively)use one of the long header extensions from Torque Tech. This will take your 3" header collector and reduce it down to 2.5" across maybe a 20" length.

An Xpipe exhaust looks like this, and it works really well...

www.chevelles.com/showroom/chaas4.jpg (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/chaas4.jpg)
[This message has been edited by 427L88 (edited 12-19-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

427L88,

Thanks for the info. and great picture. Would you be so kind as to include some info. about how I can get in touch with Torque Tech and if it is a good idea to go 3" in and 2.5" out when using a 383(400hp). Thanks.

I have the same gears, a 383 putting out 427 HP with Brodix 2.08 heads, 280 degree cam, in my 12 second Corvette (Street tires) at about 3400 pounds with me in it. I shift at 5900 RPM.

I am using 1 3/4 Hooker Supercomps, ceramic coated.

So, if you have big valves, long duration cam, and shift at 5800+, I suggest the 1 3/4 would be the best choice and the 1 5/8 ones if much less than this.

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Redrum (or Mike)
68 Corvette - 383 CI 427 HP
69 SS Chevelle being updated to Pro-Touring
97 Z-28