1980...Switching to Dual Exhaust, Accepting Tips and Advice Please

****see previous thread for background if you're interested****

I am returning the y pipe exhaust system to Corvette central which arrived by UPS yesterday. I decided to go with

the true dual exhaust from Corvette central.

This will be way outside of my experience level working on cars, previously the most I've done is change out alternator belts oil spark plugs etc.

I do not enjoy learning lessons the hard way which is a lesson I learned the hard way itself, so I am soliciting advice and tips based upon everyone else's experience doing this job previously. feel free to send me any tips such as special tools or techniques to remove the headers and replace them with the new ones anything else you guys know works well and does not work well. Thanks! E.D.

I went with Corvette Central's 2 1/2-inch Dual Aluminum Exhaust; Magnaflow 2 /12 mufflers; Patriot Tight-Tuck Headers hooked to Eldelbrock E-Street Aluminum Heads. I love the sound and the performance.

|UPDATED|9/25/2014 9:04:00 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Penetrating oil and torch are your friend in removing subborn rusty nuts and bolts. If you don't have a Oxy-Acetylene torch get a small hand held MAPP gas torch. MAPP gas is hotter than the propane torches. 

I have the same exhaust system you are getting and I installed it myself (good thing because exhaust shops won't do it).  Be very careful with the exhaust pipe studs in the original manifolds (if you are using them) - I broke one off and had to remove the manifold to replace it which was a PITA!  And I agree with Sarge - make sure you get things straight and where you want them before tightening anything.  I lived with uneven looking tailpipes for years until I finally went to an exhaust shop and had them straighten them and then weld the joints.  The CC systems are good, though - mine is about 10 years old and it still looks and sounds good.  Are you getting the Magnaflows?  

Kroil is one of the best penetrants for rusty fasteners. Available only by mail tho.

I purchased the 304 stainless exhaust from Mid America and a set of low flow mufflers. No cats or y pipes.

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette/subcategory/c3-dual-exhaust-pipes

I have an older version(painted) of these mufflers  http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette/product/79-82-mufflers-monza-style-w-627458-1

It sounds great up on the rack but not ready for driving yet.

Everything bolted right up no problems.

Yes...I am getting the magnasflows.

Updated info.... Lost the argument with my wife who didn't want me working under the car when it was on four jack stands. So I had to take it to a shop and hand them my dual exhaust kit and tell them to put it all on for me. probably worked out for the better because some modifications to the headers had to be made so they would fit properly. Also, the stock spark plug wires would not clear the new headers due to their configuration and I had to get a new set built. The EGR is gone and I am just waiting for them to get a new bolt in because they stripped one out... Otherwise I would have got the car back today. I'm getting it tomorrow morning and I can't wait to feel how it performs with a new exhaust system no catalytic converter no EGR are and true duals. the biggest downside was I didn't get to do the work myself and the next biggest downside was I had to pay to get it done.... But it was still cheaper than getting a divorce.

 

Good thing is your new exhaust will be completed and you will be ready to drive it. Ive been down the road with the plug wires and I also replaced the plugs with an ACCel plug that was about 3/8" shorter so the wires wouldnt get burnt by being to close to the headers. Accel is the only company I found that made the short plugs. It took about 2000 miles before my original wires burnt thru from the header heat. What mods did they have to do to the headers? On my 74 my mods were around the AC compressor. The 72 fit with no issues except the plug length. Funny thing for me was that both vettes burnt the wires the same week! Enjoy the new roar!
Rodney