3 inch exhaust on an 80 Z28?

sweetblackz · 06-21-2002, 10:14 PM

I have a friend who just purchased a 1980 Z28. The exhaust right now is headers into 3" pipe into mufflers ending right before the rear axle. He would like to run it clear out the back but local exhaust shops told him it was impossible to run 3" over the axle. Is this true? I don't believe it, It looks like he has more space than my 94, and I have 3". Are there any "kits " available for 2nd gen cars, like what is available for for 4th gen? Any good good web sites you can recommend specializing in 2nd gen parts? Thanks for your help guys.

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94 Z28 Black, T-tops A4,3.23's,K&N fipk,!maf descreened, gutted cat, borla adujstable cat back,performance shift mod, 2001 formula wheels, goodyear eagle gsc's

JST8A50 · 06-21-2002, 10:27 PM

Check out these guys.

http://torquetechexh.com/

They make tail pipe kits for his car in 3" mandrel bent tubing. A guy had a set for his 70 Chevelle when I was having my 3" X-pipe installed. They fit and looked great on his car.

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1981 Z28 12.97 @ 103.91
355ci.,272 HMV Crane am,Dart 200cc Iron Eagles,Performer RPM,750 Vac. Sec. Carb, 3.42 gears,2800 stall.

1981 Z28 T-tops
355, 215CC Dart Iron Eagles, 284 xtreme energy cam, Victor Jr. intake, 750 Double Pumper,3500 stall, 3.42 gears NOS Cheater. No times yet
http://members.tripod.com/gainesvillepower/index.htm

sweetblackz · 06-21-2002, 10:36 PM

thanks!

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94 Z28 Black, T-tops A4,3.23's,K&N fipk,!maf descreened,Mac headers, OR pipe, borla adujstable cat back, high performance tranny rebuild, 2001 formula wheels, goodyear eagle gsc's

Capn Pete · 06-22-2002, 07:42 AM

I don't think there should be a problem running 3" exhaust over the back axle. My old '81 only had 2-1/4" exhaust, but there was still plenty of room IMO to put bigger exhaust. Even if you don't get a pre-bent aftermarket system, I'm sure that any good shop can do a custom job to make 3" pipes fit.

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1996 Sunfire coupe - 2.2L, M5 - performance mods?? Needs too many to list!!

1981 Z28 - sold Aug. 2000 - why? I don't know!
- 383 stroker, TH350 trans., 3.42 posi
Pics

JST8A50 · 06-22-2002, 09:45 AM

The guys at the exhaust shop where I had mine run said there was room to run the tails if I wanted but, since they would have to make such a sharp bend coming out of the mufflers they would have to be mandrel bent otherwise it would just kink the tubing.

sweetblackz · 06-22-2002, 02:07 PM

thanks for the replies guys. That is what the shops around here said, they couldn't bend the pipe that sharp without kinking. The mandrel bent pipe thru torquetech seems the way to go. Now if he'll be willing to spend the $400 or so to do it is another thing.

BamaZ28 · 06-22-2002, 02:34 PM

Hey sweetZ, I am from Mason City! I am stationed in Alabama right now though. Whats your name?

BamaZ28

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1981 Pontiac FB originally V6, converted to SBC (HEI), Performer RPM, Holley 750 Vac Sec., Chrome Dress up, True Duals

Zedzag · 06-24-2002, 02:48 AM

I have full 3in exhaust on my 81Z. It fit rattled a bit at first but took very little work to fix that.The torque tech system would be a good way to go.

Jeff H · 06-24-2002, 09:23 AM

Check out www.taperformance.com as well. They have 3" mandrel bent systems for the 1st and 2nd generation cars. I think they listed the 70-81 3" system at $319.

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Jeff H - 69 Z28 Hugger Orange, GM crossram, GM fiberglass cowl induction hood, factory TI setup & factory installed JL8 4 wheel disc brakes - original #'s matching and documented, being restored), 87 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Turbo

talos · 06-24-2002, 11:54 AM

ya im running 3" on my 80 there will be no problem... but don't go to cheap on the bent pipes... get it done right!