mbolzies
Junior Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2025
- Posts
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- MN
- First Name
- Michael
- Truck Year
- 1981
- Truck Model
- c10
- Engine Size
- 250 inline
Hi All:
I’m hoping someone here has run into this before.
The Truck
I’ve got a 1981 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale, 2WD with the original 4.1L (250 cid) inline-six. Truck is stock and still running the factory-style catalytic converter setup.
My Issue
The front exhaust pipe (head pipe / manifold downpipe) — the section that bolts to the exhaust manifold and runs down to the catalytic converter — is split at the bend and needs replacing. Since it is the i6, I have a single pipe setup (not a Y-pipe).
Can anyone help me find this part? I have looked everywhere and can't seem to find a preformed, bolt-on replacement front pipe that connects from the stock exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter. I am ideally trying to avoid custom fabrication, but may have to go that route if I can't find the part.
What I’ve found so far is that there are plenty of parts for everything after the converter (Walker 43697 intermediate pipe, tailpipes, mufflers, etc.). But I cannot seem to find a clear, direct-fit front/head pipe for the 4.1L trucks. Most listings tend to point me to earlier (pre-1979) 250 setups.
All that to say: does anyone make this? I have not found a true preformed manifold-to-converter front pipe for this truck. If it does exist, does anyone have a part number (Walker, AP Exhaust, Eastern, etc.)?
Appreciate any guidance — this one’s been surprisingly hard to track down!
I’m hoping someone here has run into this before.
The Truck
I’ve got a 1981 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale, 2WD with the original 4.1L (250 cid) inline-six. Truck is stock and still running the factory-style catalytic converter setup.
My Issue
The front exhaust pipe (head pipe / manifold downpipe) — the section that bolts to the exhaust manifold and runs down to the catalytic converter — is split at the bend and needs replacing. Since it is the i6, I have a single pipe setup (not a Y-pipe).
Can anyone help me find this part? I have looked everywhere and can't seem to find a preformed, bolt-on replacement front pipe that connects from the stock exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter. I am ideally trying to avoid custom fabrication, but may have to go that route if I can't find the part.
What I’ve found so far is that there are plenty of parts for everything after the converter (Walker 43697 intermediate pipe, tailpipes, mufflers, etc.). But I cannot seem to find a clear, direct-fit front/head pipe for the 4.1L trucks. Most listings tend to point me to earlier (pre-1979) 250 setups.
All that to say: does anyone make this? I have not found a true preformed manifold-to-converter front pipe for this truck. If it does exist, does anyone have a part number (Walker, AP Exhaust, Eastern, etc.)?
Appreciate any guidance — this one’s been surprisingly hard to track down!
