Dynomax header back exhaust install

[Highpsi]

I finally got around to doing a complete exhaust system replacement for my truck over the past few nights. I was looking for a relatively quick, low cost and easy install that came in a kit so I decided to go with the Dynomax system. Summit racing has them for about $130 in a header back kit (I have Dynomax full tube headers too) and they even have free shipping and handling right now. Though the kit is only 2 1/4" piping, that's no problem considering my small block is probably only putting out about 325 hp. at the crank. I'm not planning on keeping this setup long term either, so for the mean time this was the best option.

My old system had Flowmaster 40's in it, and when I finally swapped out the 305 for my mildly built 350, I really noticed a big change in tone and the characteristic "tin can" sound and I found it to be really annoying. Besides, the collector piping had a big hole blown in it and it was time to take everything out.

After looking at lots of input from other threads, I decided to go with some mufflers that most people would consider quiet - Walkers. IMO, you simply can't beat only $60 for a pair of universal mufflers. I went with a straight through design type as opposed to chambered or turbo.

One big issue I ran into though was where the piping exits at the rear. With my trailer hitch receiver, and ORD shackle flip kit, the pre-bent piping doesn't want to cooperate very well with exiting behind the wheels at an angle parallel to the ground. I'll get some photos later but I had to make the pipes point toward the ground at about a 30 deg. angle. I think they look a bit weird right now and I'll probably end up cutting them and bending some more pipe or something.

I had a chance to drive it just very briefly last night and it is amazing the night and day difference in the sound. For the first time since I can remember, I can actually HEAR things when driving the truck! It still sounds great too when I lay into it - the tone is nice and deep and no more twangy tin can sound.

Overall I'm very happy with the results for that price. There's no real good exhaust shops in my area so DIY was the way to go!


Out with the old....

And in with the new... (No laughing at my ugly booger welds! I'm way outta practice! )

 

[Bowtie85]

I started with a dynomax kit on my k20, front pipes fit well. I used glass packs and different tailpipes though(exited above back bumper/flatdeck).

Put the tail pipes w/thrush welded on the old mans camper special, they fit super nice as well.

I agree, for the price of the kit, you cant go wrong

 

[Duntz00]

Ran the same kit on my 86 k15 with hooker aero chambers for a few years then cut the mufflers off and put glass packs on, when I did the shackle flip I cut the tailpipes off at the mufflers.

 

[Highpsi]

I started with a dynomax kit on my k20, front pipes fit well. I used glass packs and different tailpipes though(exited above back bumper/flatdeck).

Yea - I found it goes downhill pretty fast with the bends on those pipes going over rear axle. I'm definitely really happy with the kit and bang for the buck though. It would probably fit great with a stock truck...

I've got to do something also about my ORD brake line extension being awfully close to the pipes too, the darn bracket to hold the upper part of it in place is super close to the pipe now.

Here's a couple other photos. Try not to laugh at all that ancient 1/2 ton gear under there too, its coming out soon when I get a chance to do the 1T swap! IMO the exits look pretty ridiculous right now, but heck will work fine for around town and some of the towing work I'll need to do hear in the very near future. Then its time to fix those exits later & and

That hitch receiver is a real PITA!!!

 

[Duntz00]

I would run it straight out the back if you plan to keep the hitch.

 

[Bowtie85]

Kind of funny how they dump out like that. Them tail pipes fit perfect on the camper special though, dumped out nice and flat right under where the back spring hanger would be. Glide away spare is even clears good.

But it is an all stock truck though

 

[Highpsi]

I would run it straight out the back if you plan to keep the hitch.

Yea, I think that's probably gonna be the most sensible thing to do. I definitely have plans to take this thing off road once I beef up the drive-train, so this ridiculous way it currently exits will never work long term.

I finally got a chance to drive it up into town today and go run some long overdue errands. It is VERY quiet, but does have a nice low rumble with the cam and headers - just perfect for the current way I'm going to use it. Those Walker mufflers are about as night and day different than the 40's I had in there. Not that I didn't expect that, but when I re-power with a big block I will definitely want something with more bark than the Walkers.

Here's few more pics, since we all like photos! I have to say I really like the stance with the shackle flip at the back now.. Though this isn't permanent, I can see how just doing that alone would look nice (well, at least to me). This is the first time I've had it out since doing the flip last winter.