Exhaust system recommendations

Hey all, don't show my face around here as much anymore since the GMC hasn't gotten as much time as she used to. However, this spring I decided to spend a check or two on some dress-up to make her feel a little more loved.

1977 k15 Sierra Grande, 350 sbc. Original cast iron headers and original straight exhaust.

Everything is rusting out and I finally got a hole in one of the headers, so it's upgrade time.

I'm looking for everything, header-mufflers. I've been pilling around on eBay and the like looking at some options but would rather take suggestions from those who have them to give.

Not looking to spend a fortune, this is a ranch truck and not a pretty one, but I would like something that works and won't rust out or fall apart.
Thanks in advance...

If you're not going to do it yourself, head to a shop and have them make a full exhaust.

Hooker exhaust manifolds, they're available with a couple of coatings.
Mine are black and have held up well so far.

Longest lasting would be a single system. Stock style H pipe, everything to the rear bumper single tube. Reason I say this is dual systems will run cooler on the right side because of heat riser and exhaust crossover. Exhaust systems usually rust out from the inside. The cool side will not get hot enough during short drives to burn all the water out. Just did this exact thing on a K20 but used a HD truck muffler and 3" tubing. It's not throaty at all and still less restrictive than stock size tubing. Wanted this truck to be quiet.

I should have mentioned, yes, I would like to do this myself. But I suppose that gives me the idea that maybe I should call a couple places and see if they could make me something. But usually I like to do my own work.

I will look into Hooker headers...thank you guys for the tips so far...please keep them coming as I go on my search!

If you’re on a budget but want something that lasts, I’d skip the super cheap eBay headers—they tend to rust out quick and fitment can be hit or miss.
A set of basic coated long tubes (or even good quality manifolds) with a simple dual exhaust and something like Flowmaster 40s or Dynomax Super Turbos would be a solid, reliable setup. Not crazy expensive, sounds good, and holds up way better

Few considerations.
First talking what seems to be an original or original ish 350, and dubbed a ranch truck so just a working truck.
Second, it’ll get salty in the winter.
Neither of these lead onto spending $$$ for exhaust as the use, appearance and hp gains really aren’t there.
Personally I wouldn’t waste the $ on headers for that “20 hp” maybe. Plus $$$ if you get quality ones with thick flanges and ceramic coat for rust. Especially if nothing wrong with the manifolds.
3rd, whatever you put on it, even just aluminized pipe will give you another decade or so of service. Hard to spend big bucks on a beater.
If the manifolds are good I’d reuse them. New manifold gaskets (since you probably will have to remove to put new studs in them) and an off the shelf single exhaust with crossover pipe is the most economical.
If you want it loud use a loud muffler. 177hp can only sound so gnarly anyways!

I have used a couple sets of Flowtech, have to tahe the original paint off and hi heat paint. Had them for years, still goin.

I just put a set of the Hooker ceramic coated manifolds on mine and, so far, I am very pleased. They look great and fit well. There are a couple (bad) pics in my "under construction" thread here.

I had an exhaust shop do 2.5" pipe back to a new cat and magnaflow muffler. Sounds good, but not loud which is exactly what I wanted.

In my experience, a decent exhaust shop can usually whip-up a solid exhaust from aluminized pipe for cheaper than a decent "do-it-yourself" system. I would definitely price that before you buy a kit.