86 5L muffler swap?

733 Views 23 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Etx86, 13 d ago

Etx86

Discussion Starter · 25 d ago

I have an 86 with 305 and no cat. Does anyone know if a mid 80s era Camaro (or other G body) dual outlet muffler would fit?
Thank you for your response.

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

Karadjgne

· #2 · 25 d ago

Maybe, last Camero muffler I saw was a sideways mount, right behind the rear bumper, had inlet on one end, and outlets opposing, so that style muffler would not exactly work.

A standard muffler has inlet on one end and outlet on the other, some straight, some offset, so will fit most any standard application. The question needed answering most is what size are the pipes? If you have 1½" pipe and 3" input at the muffler, that's going to take some MacGyver-y to get it fit.

Etx86

Discussion Starter · #3 · 25 d ago

Karadjgne said:
Maybe, last Camero muffler I saw was a sideways mount, right behind the rear bumper, had inlet on one end, and outlets opposing, so that style muffler would not exactly work.

A standard muffler has inlet on one end and outlet on the other, some straight, some offset, so will fit most any standard application. The question needed answering most is what size are the pipes? If you have 1½" pipe and 3" input at the muffler, that's going to take some MacGyver-y to get it fit.

Hi again and thanks for your response.
Well - I guess I've displayed my ignorance once again - but not being able to crawl underneath the vehicle (yet - I hope) I assumed my memory was serving me correctly in that the Elc muffler was also a sideways mount just behind the rear end.
I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row before i tackle some of these tasks, or have someone else accomplish them for me. I'm glad to have had my heart repaired but it sure has put a crimp in my work habits!
I guess my next step on some of these items it to take the Elc somewhere and have them put it on a lift so I can do a visual inspection of exactly what I've got to deal with. In the end it may not be worth the trouble.
Thanks again for your comments.

Caballero Joe

· #4 · 25 d ago (Edited)

Your original question was can you install a "Camaro" type muffler on your el camino (single input/ dual output). Maybe 86/87 Monte Carlo SS muffler?
I'm a firm believer that, nearly anything is possible. The mufflers do mount similarly; single input over the rear axle, dual output either side of the vehicle.
A good muffler shop should be able to accomplish what you're after. You may want to take your truck to a shop and ask them if they're able to. Seeing it in person and taking a few measurements may be more valuable than the unseen advice.
Give it a shot. Make your truck the way you want and enjoy it

Reactions: 2

Etx86

Discussion Starter · #5 · 25 d ago

Caballero Joe said:
Your original question was can you install a "Camaro" type muffler on your el camino (single input/ dual output). Maybe 86/87 Monte Carlo SS muffler?
I'm a firm believer that, nearly anything is possible. The mufflers do mount similarly; single input over the rear axle, dual output either side of the vehicle.
A good muffler shop should be able to accomplish what you're after. You may want to take your truck to a shop and ask them if they're able to. Seeing it in person and taking a few measurements may be more valuable than the unseen advice.
Give it a shot. Make your truck the way you want and enjoy it

Thanks for your comments and positive reinforcement. If I had a better engine I'd probably bite the bullet and install headers and complete dual exhaust, I guess at this point it's just a matter of cosmetics . . . . Thanks again for your input.

Reactions: 1

57 Handyman

· #6 · 25 d ago

Ralph, don't understand why you're trying to use a Camaro vice El Camino muffler? For the life of me, I can't remember if EC's had dual muffler outlets. 🙅‍♂️

Etx86

Discussion Starter · #7 · 25 d ago

57 Handyman said:
Ralph, don't understand why you're trying to use a Camaro vice El Camino muffler? For the life of me, I can't remember if EC's had dual muffler outlets. 🙅‍♂️

Just brainstorming. . . I didn't realize no Elc ever had dual outlet mufflers. Maybe Caballero Joe's suggestion of a Monte SS would work. I don't know if they had true dual exhaust or just dual outlet mufflers. Thanks for your input.

Karadjgne

· #8 · 24 d ago

Dual outlet, that way they used a single catalytic converter, single O² sensor etc.

Stock 305 doesn't really benefit from headers, not enough HP, but can suffer from headers which can lower the low end torque. Best just to leave the stock manifolds as is. Now using 2" dual exhaust with high flow cats and low restrictive mufflers and an H pipe will do a bunch for letting a motor breathe, increasing HP and torque, as well as catching a decent rumble.

Reactions: 1

pbr400

· #9 · 24 d ago

Walker and others used to make a single in/dual out crossflow; it fit the ‘79 Olds W30 Hurst cars. It’s been discontinued now.
Patrick

elcodude

· #10 · 24 d ago

pbr400 said:
Walker and others used to make a single in/dual out crossflow; it fit the ‘79 Olds W30 Hurst cars. It’s been discontinued now.
Patrick

Not available for El Camino but this (18375) is for the Camaro -https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-18375

Reactions: 1

Nicks 1984 elcamino

· #11 · 24 d ago

Our G body gutless had the same system with the muffler sideways behind the pumpkin. I was able to put on a duel outlet muffler on it. No issues. 😋

Reactions: 2

Etx86

Discussion Starter · #12 · 23 d ago

Nicks 1984 elcamino said:
Our G body gutless had the same system with the muffler sideways behind the pumpkin. I was able to put on a duel outlet muffler on it. No issues. 😋

Nicks 1984 elcamino said:
Our G body gutless had the same system with the muffler sideways behind the pumpkin. I was able to put on a duel outlet muffler on it. No issues. 😋

Do you remember what make/model muffler it was?

Etx86

Discussion Starter · #13 · 23 d ago

elcodude said:
Not available for El Camino but this (18375) is for the Camaro -https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-18375

IMHO Walker used to make good mufflers.

RoadToad84

· #14 · 23 d ago

I had my collapsed cat removed and replaced with a Flowmaster muffler, then had an exhaust shop make up stainless pipe from the "cat" back to run over the axle and exit behind the driver rear wheel. Unconventional maybe, but it sounds and looks great.

Reactions: 1

Nicks 1984 elcamino

· #15 · 23 d ago

Etx86 said:
Do you remember what make/model muffler it was?

The muffler shop fitted one. I think it was a Walker brand. I had them exit like the Grand National style. Our Gutless had the 3.8 V6

Reactions: 1

Etx86

Discussion Starter · #16 · 23 d ago

RoadToad84 said:
I had my collapsed cat removed and replaced with a Flowmaster muffler, then had an exhaust shop make up stainless pipe from the "cat" back to run over the axle and exit behind the driver rear wheel. Unconventional maybe, but it sounds and looks great.

Yes - a bit different but whatever works for you . . .

dakazman

· #17 · 20 d ago

Etx86 said:
I have an 86 with 305 and no cat. Does anyone know if a mid 80s era Camaro (or other G body) dual outlet muffler would fit?
Thank you for your response.

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dakazman

· #18 · 20 d ago

I have a 350, auto with headers . I fabricated the crossmember for dual exhaust . Purchased a welder from harbor freight and pipes from speedway. It was still cheaper than having it done. It turned out perfectly and the car runs much smoother.

Reactions: 1

davidgrabsky

· #19 · 20 d ago

Etx86 said:
I have an 86 with 305 and no cat. Does anyone know if a mid 80s era Camaro (or other G body) dual outlet muffler would fit?
Thank you for your response.

We used a Camaro muffler. I can send pictures if you would like. Thank you, David

Etx86 said:
I have an 86 with 305 and no cat. Does anyone know if a mid 80s era Camaro (or other G body) dual outlet muffler would fit?
Thank you for your response.

Reactions: 1

Caballero Joe

· #20 · 20 d ago

Take a look at the Magnaflow 12265
Single 2.5" in dual 2.5" outlets

Reactions: 1

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