New member

[MFPvette80]

Hi,

Just checking in as a new member with a few questions for the group. I've got 1980 with a GM LM-1 crate motor installed (around 20K miles on it). It has an "RV" cam, but no other performance modifications. The TH350 tranny leaks, and is currently being rebuilt with a B&M shift improver kit going in.

Not much of the car is original, but it's fun to drive and is in good shape. I'm planning some other improvements during the "off" season here in upstate NY. In particular, I'm going to dump the original exhaust and go to true duals without the cat. conv. that is no longer required for a vehicle of that age in my state.

Any opinions on a good, affordable header brand? I planned on going with a 1974 dual exhaust set-up, but need to get a different tranny crossmember. I'm still working on that. Mufflers are something else I'm undecided on so if anyone has an opinion on what sounds good please pass it along.

Brake calipers will also be up-graded over the winter. Planning on SS-lined calipers, but not sure whether to go with lip seal or o-ring design. I'd appreciate anyone with experience to weigh-in on this topic also.

Thanks in advance. I look forward to further participation in the forum.

- Mike

[FinWolf]

Mike welcome I cant help with any of your questions but want to say hi. good luck with all your work.

[DavisZR1]

Mike welcome
Lets see some pic :usaribbon :wiggle: ;bt

[UtahZR1]

welcome
:wave: :chevy: :usaribbon

[vetteonr]

First of all, welcome to the shark infested waters. :wave:

Now to your question. I have an '80 (as you can see by my sig) and the set up I have is a true dual system from Mid America that's made for my year. I also have chrome "shortie" headers so I had to do a little modification to it. It's no big deal. My mufflers are Flowmaster delta flow 40's. You WILL notice a big difference in performance with this set up. Good luck and have fun with it! :cool:

[MFPvette80]

Thanks for the reply. I looked into the Mid-America offering and found that the pipes ran below the transmission cross member. That concerned me since the car is pretty low already. What's your experience with their exhaust package?

I'm looking into some Hedman shorty headers. I assume the mods you had to make involved cutting back the pipes and welding on a flange. The Flowmasters sound like the right way to go. I'll bet the high flow air cleaner you've added helped performance quite a bit also. Looks like you/ve got a nice ride there.

-Mike

[HT99+63]

:wiggle: ;bt :shift:

[vetteonr]

I've found that they run simular to the original pipes, except there are two of them. I've had no problems with clearance. With the headers, I had to cut back the exhaust pipes a little bit, then have my muffler shop make me two elbow pipes to weld up to the exhaust system. Like I said, it's no big deal.

Once finished, you'll be able to do a lot of this........:shift: :shift: :LOL:

[MFPvette80]

Sounds like a good way to go. I'm still looking for a "dual pipe" crossmember just to maximize the ground clearance. From your account it doesn't seem necessary though. What brand headers did you use? I also noticed from your photos that you're using what looks like an Edelbrock air cleaner. I'm thinking that with better flow on the exhaust side, I'll need to get more air into the carb. How often do you need to clean the filter element?

Also seen that you've replaced the air plenum above the fan shroud with a piece that has the Corvette name on it. I thought I'd seen that item in a catalog somewhere. Looks good. Did you also put a cover over the windshield wiper linkage?

Now that the exterior of my '80 is done and the interior is in good shape, I'm starting to turn my attention to the "under hood" stuff. Hope you don't mind all the questions.

- Mike

[vetteonr]

I don't mind the questions at all. The only bad question is the one that's not asked. ;bt

My headers are from a company in North Carolina (I can't recall the name) that sells them on ebay. I think they still do. The air cleaner is an Edelbrock pro-flow foam element type. It's very easy to clean and I do it about once a month depending on how much driving I do. The corvette name plate on the fan shroud was from Corvette America. Ecklers, MidAmerica, Corvette Central, and many other catalog stores carry them. It's only about $15, so it's a pretty nice touch. The wiper compartment cover I got from Ecklers when I bought my new rear spring. I think it was about $49 and it really completes that area nicely. The other catalogs carry them also. Post some photos when you get them, it's always nice to see another guys ideas. Good luck!

[MFPvette80]

I'll attach a picture as soon as I figure out how to shrink it down from 248 mb. I tried to post a reply but when I attached the file that was too large my message was deleted. Oh well.

Anyways, I took another look at the Mid-Americal dual exhaust conversion for the 80-82. Looks like they run both pipes throught the cross member notch where the original single pipe ran. Is this true, and if so do the pipes fit up in there OK? Maybe I'm a little too paranoid about this ground clearance issue, but I'm trying to get as much information as possible before I dump cash into a new system.

I like the under hood treatments you've used and will probably do the same, now that I know they'll fit.

I'll keep looking for headers. Thanks again for all your help.

- Mike

[vetteonr]

The system fits just fine. Remember, without the catalytic converter, there's a little wider space to run the pipes. They run side by side so they wouldn't be any lower than the original single pipe. Once it's all clamped together, take it to your muffler shop to have welded together. That will get rid of those unsightly clamps and seal it much better. Have fun!

[MFPvette80]

OK, here comes silly question #37: The "shorty" headers I've seen in a million places look the same the ones described as "block hugger" headers in most ebay ads. In both, the outlet points straight down. I'm making the assumption that these are the style you used, and found no clearance problems. The need for an elbow adapter to match-up with the dual pipes is obvious in this case.

-Mike

[vetteonr]

You assume correctly Mike. There are companies that make headers specificly for C3 vettes that fit with no problems. You can go either way, but remember, the true dual system is design to bolt up to your stock manifolds. With headers, some modifications will have to be made.

[MFPvette80]

Regarding the use of the dual exhaust option and shorty headers, did you specify the 2 1/2" pipes when ordering the exhaust? I ask this because the 1980 and 81 pipes are listed as 2", while the 1982 pipes are 2 1/2". This comes form the Mid-America catalog/website where the dual exhaust system is offered.

My thinking is that the 1982 (2 1/2") set is needed to match up with the headers. Make sense to you? I've got my old system torn out now and I'm ready to order the new stuff. Still looking for the place that has the headers you told me about. One outfit in CA has ceramic-coated ones that look good, but I don't know much about the quality.

- Mike

[vetteonr]

When I ordered my system, it was listed to fit '80-'82 vettes. The pipes are 2.5". I think the difference is the '80-'81 has a 2" manifold and the '82 has a 2.5" manifold. If you're going with headers, which I think you should, it won't matter.

As far as headers go, do a google search for "chevy 350 headers". I have the chrome ones, but I would go with ceramic coated if I were you. I'll probably end up changing mine to ceramic very soon. You can do the same search on ebay. It's always better to buy from a company than a individual on ebay. Good luck!