1969 C10

[Fastereddie]

I was hoping you started on the wiring.

I have a 6 year old optima in my truck, it has out lasted the tires, engine, 4 transmissions and 1 transfer case. The hold down broke and flipped the battery and grounded the positive side terminal to something and has a hole in it.

Unfortunately they don’t make optimas like they used to...

 

[TJ1978]

I have the stock ram horns which I want to continue to run. They are 2", (I was laying on my stomach trying to measure so I think they are 2" and not 2.25)

so I'm thinking running a stock type exhaust which I think, please correct me if I'm wrong, was an H pipe and two tail pipes out each side or?

I also want to run the Thrush Welded mufflers at 2" inlet and outlet as well, if possible.

should I wait to purchase mufflers and wait to see what fits best when that time comes? I ask because, do I run center off-set or center-center etc for this truck? I assume center off-set is the ideal choice

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[6872xtc]

I believe that center to offset will work best.
I personally would bell it up to 2.25" as I believe that it can get a cackle with a small pipe and a louder muffler. I would most likely do the crossover pipe as well, even though I have had several trucks in my early years without. Actually I have one now without a crossover pipe, but the mufflers on it are a little bit quieter than I planned.

 

[mrk5]

You typed "Thrush welded" but your link is a turbo muffler. Not sure if that was intentional. I like the sound of the welded mufflers, but you'll almost always get the best performance from a straight thru design like a Magnaflow.

I would also do 2-1/4" like @6872xtc mentioned.

I don't think factory ever did H pipes on these trucks but nothing wrong with putting one in anyway.

 

[TJ1978]

How do I make 2" Ram born 2.25?

I didn't see the Thrush welded in 2"
so just a mistake on my end in the names typed.

 

[mrk5]

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[TJ1978]

Pardon Our Interruption

Nice... I will definitely go from the 2" Ram horn to 2.25 all the way out.
Thanks

 

[bp71k5]

Nice... I will definitely go from the 2" Ram horn to 2.25 all the way out.
Thanks

For reference, Early corvettes have a bigger center dump rams horn on the left side that works. Can get them for any autoparts stores. There’s some bracket mounting holes you can grind off to use two left side manifolds.

the bumper bracket issue is likely because it’s an aftermarket bracket. The real brackets are like the ‘72 extreme bend tow hooks and not affordable for anyone if you can even find one.

 

[TJ1978]

You think going to 2.5 is too much? To stay 2.25 is good enough?

 

[82355]

Go 2.5"

Martin

 

[mrk5]

No problem with 2.5" either.

 

[TJ1978]

What difference can I expect, sound, hp etc. I'm mainly concerned with exhaust volume, ie. Noise

I'm thinking Thrush Hush mufflers. I don't want anything obnoxious. I want to be able to fire it up in the garage at 3am and drive to work, without waking everything and everyone up.

I don't expect nor want it like my Toyota RAV4, but mellow enough to fire up without noise concerns

 

[TJ1978]

I was reading also that if I go 2.5 I should replace the ram horns with equal size in 2.5. Going from2" ram horns with 2.5 exhaust I won't really get all the benefits of a 2.5 exhaust with a smaller ram horn

some reading

2.5" vs. 2" exhaust - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

2.5" vs. 2" exhaust The 1969 - 1972 Blazers and Jimmys Message Board

67-72chevytrucks.com

https://www.amazon.com/Smoothie-Exhaust-Manifolds-Small-Block/dp/B01MYCGEFM/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=2.5+chevy+ram+horns&qid=1640215936&sr=8-5

 

[82355]

2.25" has a very annoying sound.

Martin

 

[82355]

Corvette-Style 2-1/2 Inch Ram Horn Exhaust Manifolds, Pair

These "rams horn" cast iron exhaust manifolds were patterned off the 1962-63 327 Corvette but are not OEM remanufactured manifolds (no casting numbers). They feature the big 2-1/2" diameter outlets and have provisions to accept original alternator type brackets. They are the perfect addition to...

www.speedwaymotors.com

Martin

 

[TJ1978]

Corvette-Style 2-1/2 Inch Ram Horn Exhaust Manifolds, Pair

These "rams horn" cast iron exhaust manifolds were patterned off the 1962-63 327 Corvette but are not OEM remanufactured manifolds (no casting numbers). They feature the big 2-1/2" diameter outlets and have provisions to accept original alternator type brackets. They are the perfect addition to...

www.speedwaymotors.com

Martin

So, switch to 2.5 ram horns?

These are what I have now. Will switching to the ones that go straight down matter?
I can't even find the angled, anyhow.

 

[82355]

Rams Horn Exhaust Manifold Kit, 1969-72 C10, SBC, Raw

More like a kit than a single part, many of our Exhaust Manifolds include gaskets and downpipe hardware for easier installation. Since this part is a direct replacement, the exact fit adds another layer of efficiency and convenience. Heat-shield may be included for protection of engine...

www.speedwaymotors.com

Martin

 

[centexk5]

Do 2.5” and quit over thinking it. The muffler will have more affect than the piping. Anything less is leaving power on the table and is gonna make it sound weird.

 

[TJ1978]

Do 2.5” and quit over thinking it. The muffler will have more affect than the piping. Anything less is leaving power on the table and is gonna make it sound weird.

Well, hahaha
I just want to know do I buy the 2.5 ram horn or run what I have and go from 2" ram horn to 2.5.

 

[82355]

Can you get away with the center dump ram horn, or would that put your exhaust into the crossmember?

Martin