I ordered my replacement motor today from Jeg's as well as a Edelbrock Performer intake and a set of Edelbrock headers and Stage 8 locking bolts (and other necessities.) All 50-state legal so I can pass the CA smog inspection. I was planning on getting a ZZ4 Crate Motor, but was told that I'd basically have to de-tune it in order to pass smog, so I opted for the slightly weaker 350. Still 260 horses and 350 tq. aren't bad numbers considering the 150hp 305 I had originally. My concern now is with the exhaust setup. The headers are going to be alright from what I've heard, but I need to sort out mufflers and a cat. I wanted true dual exhaust, but figured a cat-back system would do fine. Are there any available setups? I haven't found any, but my ideal system would be cat-back into dual Flowmasters. I want it to be loud, yet fairly practical. I'm not overly concerned with interior resonance as I have a pretty potent stereo to help "cancel it out." Also, would you recommend an H or X pipe and are dumps a good idea or should I have full pipes out the back?

Thank you for any info you all can give me!
-Kris Horton
'84 El Camino SS

With a cat back dual exhaust, I don't think an H or X pipe is going to do anything except add to the expense of the system. If you do decide to add dumps, to be as effective as possible, they would need to be between the headers and the Y pipe before the catalytic converter.

Two thoughts come to mind immediatly.

1. Do you need to retain the AIR system to pass emissions?

2. Where are you going to put the Oxygen sensor in the headers?

If you want a cat back dual exhaust, Dynomax sells one for the MCSS that can be modified and lengthened to fit the El Camino.

If you want headers, and you need the AIR and the Oxygen sensor, go with an Edelbrock TES (Tubular Exhaust Systems). The TES headers accept all stock emissions equipment, and all AIR and oxygen sensors.

:mrgreen:

For Headers you might also want to look into Thorley Tri-Y, they are smog legal, look good, and were easy to install.


August

Wow, I'm so glad I have a '70 and don't have to deal with the California Smog BS on one of my cars anyway. Kris I'm not much help to you here on this one but just to let everyone else know that has a '68-'72, I love my brand new Flowmaster American Thunder system that I bolted up behind my new ZZ4. They made this system just for the El Camino's. 2 1/2 with 3 inch stainless steel tips that exit just behind the rear tires. It looks as good as it sound too....Since I have had it i have not turned on my stereo system yet! Sometimes there is only one sound of music that is important to all of us. :wink:

Wow, I'm so glad I have a '70 and don't have to deal with the California Smog BS on one of my cars anyway. Kris I'm not much help to you here on this one but just to let everyone else know that has a '68-'72, I love my brand new Flowmaster American Thunder system that I bolted up behind my new ZZ4. They made this system just for the El Camino's. 2 1/2 with 3 inch stainless steel tips that exit just behind the rear tires. It looks as good as it sound too....Since I have had it i have not turned on my stereo system yet! Sometimes there is only one sound of music that is important to all of us. :wink:

I have the AT from Flowmaster also. I've had to have the "H" Pipe rewelded twice now. Well once so far but it broke loose again. I like the system but that "H" pipe set up is weak, or on the one I got it is.

Hey Elky Pete...thanks for the tip on that as I will keep an eye on it since my system is still so new! Good to know.

Dave

Thanks for the info so far. I did order 50-state headers and they are specially made for the oxygen sensor, so I don't see that being a problem.
Ideally I'd have dual flowmasters on it, but if I can't get a Flowmaster cat-back, how good are the Dynomax systems?
Thanks,
-Kris

I have a cat back exhaust from CGS Motorsports. Check out there website and see what you think.

I did order 50-state headers and they are specially made for the oxygen sensor

What type did you get?

:mrgreen:

Edelbrock, so they should be decent.
-Kris

85-ss-Elky,
I checked out CGS Motorsports and I think I have just decided against the Flowmaters. I like what I see and what they describe is what I would like for my El Camino. How do you like the sound? I wish they had some sound clips. :-( I also like their rolled exhaust tips. If at all possible, I want the tips to exit in the rear and I think those would look really sweet.

Also, instead of starting a new thread, does anyone know of a California-legal carb that will work on a G-Body. I hate the stock carb, but have been unable to find anything that will work.
Thanks!
-Kris