How to cram the most exhaust in there

[SmashBack]

So I've dropped the lq4/4l80e in my 79 Big 10 (longbed of course). Had a 5" aluminum driveshaft built. I've got drop hangers and shackles out back so about 4" drop and have CPP drop spindles with stock springs in front.

About to build the exhaust with 2.5 inch piping. I was thinking I was going to run this x-pipe but I'm not sure now. Pretty certain it won't fit under the driveshaft since it's so fat, at least not without hanging down real low. I might be able to fit it above the driveshaft, but it will need to be behind the cab. Trying to make sure I've got enough room without the driveshaft bumping it. I've jacked the rear up to get an idea on how far down the shaft will drop, and have tried to measure as close as possible how far it's going to swing up as well.

Anybody else done anything similar? If I can't fit it or if it will lose its benefit because of funky placement I'll go with an H instead if I need to. Here's some pics of me playing around to see what we can do.

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[4WDKC]

why not route it over to the other side and make it duals that exit on one side?

 

[bucket]

The benefits of an X-pipe are marginal at best, hardly worth the trouble, especially when packaging is an issue.

I'd go without the X and do basic duals, with an H-pipe but only if it's convenient.

 

[SmashBack]

Routing both to one side is the same amount of effort IMO and I don't care for the two tips on one side. Must be some kind of OCD!

I've seen wildly varying results from X-pipes but all the results I've seen are more than marginal at best. It would be great to compare side by side on my own vehicle but I'm not going through that trouble I've got it sorted out now with new headers, the only thing that may give me an issue is the e-brake but I'll deal with it when the time comes.

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[bucket]

All the tests I've read about have shown maybe 5hp or so, and in a specific rpm range.

 

[dvdswan]

I ran 2-1/2" pipes to a y-pipe with 3" out and 3" muffler on my toy. I know its not dual but its an option.

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[bucket]

Routing both to one side is the same amount of effort IMO and I don't care for the two tips on one side. Must be some kind of OCD!

I've seen wildly varying results from X-pipes but all the results I've seen are more than marginal at best. It would be great to compare side by side on my own vehicle but I'm not going through that trouble I've got it sorted out now with new headers, the only thing that may give me an issue is the e-brake but I'll deal with it when the time comes.

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So those are different headers than the first post? It looks like you do have it sorted well.

 

[SmashBack]

Wow looks like 4x4 you have to be even more creative. Who'd think on a big ole truck that the exhaust routing would be so difficult!

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Yes, those are the Speed Engineering headers. I can't imagine using them with any mounts other than the Tejas with how low they'd hang (a lot like the Summit brand I had on the 350, so terrible). I was this far in so spending an extra couple hundred bucks to get optimal fitment was worth it for me.

If the engine were any lower I'd recommend the Schoenfeld headers for sure.

Working on the pipes rearward of the x-pipe now, trying to decide what to do there. Looks like running all the way back and hanging the mufflers (center in, offset out) I may be able to run a straight pipe from the offset out over the axle and then a 45 or two to get them pointed out behind the rear tires. That's assuming coming off the muffler will put the pipes above the bottom edge of the frame rail. I like to tuck them up and just have a little tip showing.

 

[shiftpro]

So I've dropped the lq4/4l80e in my 79 Big 10 (longbed of course). Had a 5" aluminum driveshaft built. I've got drop hangers and shackles out back so about 4" drop and have CPP drop spindles with stock springs in front.

About to build the exhaust with 2.5 inch piping. I was thinking I was going to run this x-pipe but I'm not sure now. Pretty certain it won't fit under the driveshaft since it's so fat, at least not without hanging down real low. I might be able to fit it above the driveshaft, but it will need to be behind the cab. Trying to make sure I've got enough room without the driveshaft bumping it. I've jacked the rear up to get an idea on how far down the shaft will drop, and have tried to measure as close as possible how far it's going to swing up as well.

Anybody else done anything similar? If I can't fit it or if it will lose its benefit because of funky placement I'll go with an H instead if I need to. Here's some pics of me playing around to see what we can do.

You must be registered for see images attach

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hey Chris can you please further explain how you dropped your engine and tranny? I take you dropped it a bit lower in the frame? I'm confused because you also mentioned dropping the suspension... How is your oil pan not sitting on the road? I'm trying to picture this and only seeing a train wreck, please advise... it sounds interesting!

Also, in your photo (side view) it look like the tail of the transmission is pointed lower than the angle of the driveshaft? is that what I see? Because if it is, I'm afraid that might be problematic for you down the road... like literally.
Maybe the pics are just in mock up stage... most likely..

 

[Rusty Nail]

X pipe, H pipe, make it easy on yourself, there's no difference!
ESPECIALLY not for a street truck...

 

[SmashBack]

hey Chris can you please further explain how you dropped your engine and tranny? I take you dropped it a bit lower in the frame? I'm confused because you also mentioned dropping the suspension... How is your oil pan not sitting on the road? I'm trying to picture this and only seeing a train wreck, please advise... it sounds interesting!

Also, in your photo (side view) it look like the tail of the transmission is pointed lower than the angle of the driveshaft? is that what I see? Because if it is, I'm afraid that might be problematic for you down the road... like literally.
Maybe the pics are just in mock up stage... most likely..

Maybe that was a little ambiguous. By dropped in a meant I installed it. The Tejas mounts raise the engine and trans vs other mounts.

The only picture showing the trans/shaft angle is before it was shimmed up so yes it was bad in that picture.

 

[shiftpro]

Maybe that was a little ambiguous. By dropped in a meant I installed it. The Tejas mounts raise the engine and trans vs other mounts.

The only picture showing the trans/shaft angle is before it was shimmed up so yes it was bad in that picture.

Oh that makes more sense, sorry I was having a blond moment too.
Well post more pics as thing progress. Curious to see if you can get that x-over in there.

 

[Blue Ox]

If you make the X or H cross under the driveshaft it can double as a D/S hoop.