1981 Exhaust System

okeefe632 · Nov 22, 2021

Hello - I have a 1981 Z28 350 Manual. Spent a lot of time searching for exhaust systems, but "kits" are limited. Through research it appears in 1975 the catalytic converter was added, and I'm assuming that is why most systems available are for 70-74. I have long tube headers already and my cats are removed - I'm looking for a kit from headers back.

So ultimately my question - should a 70-74 system work for my 1981? For example, wondering if magnaflow kit will be compatible for me:
Magnaflow

Appreciate any info

bhodgdon400 · Nov 22, 2021

70-81 same kits SHOULD fit.

Michael Watts · Nov 23, 2021

It depends if you are going to run catalytic converters. If not you could talk to Magnaflow and or have a custom kit built .Like I did .I have a 1979 Z-28 RS with a supercharged small block ,I used my stock tail pipes and have custom pipes bent with Flowmaster three chamber mullers with 2 1/4 pipe.

X-77 keith · Nov 23, 2021

It should work fine.

okeefe632 · Nov 23, 2021

Thanks much for the quick replies. If there are any recommendations on a system i'm all ears. I purchased the camaro this summer and it had headers and cats removed, Dynomax Turbo Mufflers, with original piping from mufflers back. The care is in amazing shape but the rusty 2.25" tips were awful. I bought the 2.5" Pypes "hockey stick" tips and jury rigged them on... it was okay, but the car was so oddly tame sounding. i purchased Dynomax Ultra Flo mufflers and it sounded better for sure... but it was all kinda cobbled together at that point, and I had one of the previous owner clamps fail last week. I'm over it and ready to replace the entire system from headers back. Was going to buy the Pypes system without mufflers and use my Ultraflos, but honestly, I just don't like the style of the tips as it comes over the axle and curves down, but then curves back toward the center of the car before it curves towards the back. Hopefully that makes sense, I'm getting wordy...

Ideally i should have a shop custom build me a system, but there is no one around here that I would trust, I would end up paying more, and be disappointed...

again, any thoughts are appreciated...

I have attached a pic of my car for reference (with my other fav vehicle) as well is the Pypes curve I don't like...

allanjs · Nov 23, 2021

Whatever system you end up with use band clamps and not the old u-bolt style. Adjustability and disassembly is much better plus they look a lot better IMO. Nice looking vehicles btw.

1981 Exhaust System

okeefe632

bhodgdon400

Michael Watts

X-77 keith

okeefe632

allanjs

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