I got a few questions about a good exhaust for my 396 that I'm building. I'm not worried about emissions because they never check it where i live, all I need is it to sound legal. I know a few friend of mine who run open lt headers around hear and all they get is a warning for noise. They dont even look at or under the car. I got a few ideas and I was wondering if you guys would be able to tell me what you think and if it will sound legal.

#1. LT headers (either Dynatch, Hooker, or the JetHots), directally followed by a Flowtech warlock muffler, and a QTP electric valve on the straight through part of the muffler.

#2. LT headers, followed by electric cutout, followed by someother performance muffler that is cheap.

#3. Lt headers, with the car chemistry 3disk collector insert installed (jegs pn 176-3D135L)

#4. Lt Headers, Electric cutouts, Have a custom Y-pipe made, and connect to existing cat-back.

Just a couple more ganeral question. What do you guyws think of glasspacks or the moroso spiral flow muffler? Also, what about a good collector-muffler? would it make me quiet enough?
And finally, my las question is kinda dumb but if I remember right, the exhaust bolt pattern on the LT1's is the same as the onl SBC's. Well I was wondering if i could buy a cheap set of gen-1 SBC headers and get them to work? Whats the differences? I understand if they physically dont fit but if the only diff is the emissions (which I'm removing anyway) it is way cheaper th\o buy the old style headers isn't it?

Sorry for all the questions. I tried to get help from summit but as soon as the guy I was talking with found out it was a street car, with these ideas, he wanted to be a jack***.I guess they are more concerned with the environment than making a sale. o well

 

The bolt pattern on the header flanges is different between SBC's and LT1's. I'm putting converted aftermarket SBC heads on right now and I need to change the header flange to match the new heads' bolt pattern.

The only setup that will "sound" legal is #4, as long as you keep the cutout closed. The rest will be loud to varying degrees. If the police in your area don't care, then you can make your decision based on your individual pain tolerance.

 

If you don't mind my asking, what SBC headers are you using. How are you adapting them to your car? Are u just using plates between the heads and headers. It's a lot cheaper to but SBC headers than LT1 and if it's not too dificult I think I will opt to save the money. I just want to make sure they will fit in the small amount of room between the fender and the engine. Has anyone else used old style headers and if so, what kind were they?

 

He said aftermarket SBC heads not headers, just to clarify.

 

Thanks jonaddis84. You are correct. The headers I'm using are for an LT1 and the LT1 flange has to come off and is getting replaced by one that will bolt to the new heads.

 

I have a friend with an 89 mustang with a 460ci, hooker super competition long tube headers, and warlock mufflers. when he has the caps on the warlocks, the car sounds infinitely quieter than when they're uncapped- almost like they're a stock sounding muffler! and as far as when it's uncapped, it sounds quite a bit quieter than when he runs open headers, but still pretty damn loud! he was also thinking about electric cutouts since he keeps burning himself uncapping them!!!

I realize this is a totally different car, but just thought it may help. Warlocks: capped=quiet, uncapped=loud.

And as far as fitting this configuration with two mufflers under the floorpan on an F-Body-- Good Luck to you. some people pull it off, and some people murder their ground clearance.

 

almost forgot i wanted to answer this one too!

Unfortunately Gen 1 SBC headers won't physically fit. 89 friggin bucks for a pair of headers would be nice though.

I'd personally go with option #4. there are plenty of cat-backs for f-body's for just about anyones needs/wants.