My Hooker Header rusted through at the collector and fell to the street last week. I needed complete system because the original duals were all welded together and needed replacing anyway. The local exhaust shops will not touch (legally they say) any exhaust system that doesn't have cat's. My 81 didn't have cat's and didn't plan on putting any on. Going through the various catalogs, I found complete system from JEG'S. I ordered the system and it arrived in 3 days. The only draw back I can see is the Dynomax headers that comes with it. But again they do fit better that the Hookers did. The system is 2 1/2 inch with all hardware needed. As usual the headers were the most difficult. The front must up at least 20 inches and starter, oil filter, shift linkage, and even transmission dust cover must be removed. Their crossmember fit perfectly. The old pipe on the drivers side was smashed with a sledge hammer I guess to fit under the original crossmember. The sound is terrific with low rumble and not too obnoxious. Only problem I has was the pipes that go over the axel were about 4 inches short and wouldn't reach the muffler. The local auto store had 2 1/2 inch extension for next to nothing. They exit about 2 inches past roll pan. Great looks but have to get some chrome tips next. Total cost was $430 and change. I won't give you the time it took because I had not help, no garage and weather was a factor. Here is their part nos. headers: 028985121, duals: 055530556, and crossmember 055041050. I'm very satisified with the results.

that sounds like a pretty good deal!! $430 for a complete exhaust system!! maybe i might get that next!!

so I presume you had to weld up all the parts or was the part after the header collector all bolt-up?

There have been several bad comments about that Jeg exhaust but your installation went ok. That extension was necessary due to the longer El Camino wheelbase? I wonder why other NECOA members had so much trouble?

It was all bolt on. Thats the primary reason I decided to try it. I don't have welder handy. No leaks as yet. Plan on replacing clamps with the Stainless Steel ones. It probably will be a good idea to have them welded at some point. The headers are the only questionable part and probably won't last too long but can be replaced with better ones later. I just needed something quick and easy. Their collectors was longer than normal but they helped to adjust the forward and backward positioning. It all went together rather easily. I could not use their hangers but the universal hangers from the auto store worked well. It's all tucked up nicely underneath and I have a steep drive but no dragging. I have the air shocks a little high but I just made dump run with about 300 lbs of junk and you can see the mufflers if you are far enough back..looks sort of cool.

i went to JEGS.com last night but i didnt find this set! i looked pretty good but maybe i just missed them

The part numbers just need to be formatted a little different.

Use these numbers in their search feature on the Jegs.com website:

289-85121

555-30556

550-41050