Joined: Wed Dec 21 2005, 07:34AM
Location: indiana
Posts: 791
Got my new Hedman shorty headers installed and completed my 2 �� X-pipe system several weekends ago. Due to time (and enthusiasm) constraints I did it all in stages, but this allowed me to pinpoint the changes each component made.
Stage 1: 2 �� mufflers and TTI tailpipes (remainder is 2 �� to engine). Car got much throatier and raspier, felt like it gained maybe 10hp over the previous 2 �� �quiet� mufflers and tailpipes. The TTI tailpipes did NOT fit as well as I'd hoped, I guess that they've been made universal to fit 65-73 and there may have been some compromises to do that.
Stage 2: Installed 2 �� piping from crossmember rearward, into the X-pipe setup, and into the mufflers. Had to connect to the log manifolds with 2 �� flexpipe. Car got noticeably quieter and attained the �mechanized/tuned� sound that I got in my last X-pipe car. Performance was about the same, I presume the smaller diameter flexpipe negated any gains that the X might have added.
Stage 3: Installed the Hedman shorty headers, Dakota mini-starter, and plumbed 2 �� pipe back to the remainder of the system. Noise level went a little higher but not as much as anticipated, power was about the same (disappointment) but I hadn�t touched the carb yet.
Stage 4: Did a little metering rod changing in the carb (richer) and WOW what a difference I got. I just recently finished installing my wideband O2 system so I know I�m not fully tweaked. However, snow season is here so my tuning season is over. Overall, I�d estimate that the headers, 2 �� tube size, and the X have all added 40 hp to the car.
Joined: Wed Dec 21 2005, 07:34AM
Location: indiana
Posts: 791
To answer some questions:
The system is 2 1/2" throughout. I bought 2 Summit X-kits, used 1 full kit and 2 of the 45degree bends from the 2nd kit (leaving most of that kit as surplus for the next car!) Needed 2-15degree bends from Napa and some small sections of straight pipe.
Approximate costs: TTI tailpipes $220 X-kits $150 (this price has gone up recently) 15� bends $15 (pair)
Figure your pricing for mufflers of choice and clamps (I used the $10 band clamps) and you get an idea.
This was expensive for a home built job but I did it for several reasons: Nobody near me does mandrel bending. Everybody around me balks at using 2 1/2" pipe, they say they can't make it fit... I have not yet found anybody near me will do duals for less than $400, if they do, they fail on the next criteria - Only 1 shop near me will try to do a nice job that an enthusiast would appreciate.
As for pictures, I got some uploaded showing closeups of the header area and also a 65 413 car for comparison of the FU 65 motormount. I'm now at my disk quota, though, so if we have any options for me loading more pics let me know. Maybe I'll set up a Fotki site or somethign this weekend.
Joined: Sun Feb 26 2006, 08:46PM
Location: Kingston,Ontario
Posts: 5622
I am surprised that the tailpipes did not fit as well on your car.
I am using the complete TTi system, from manifolds back,and had no problem fitting the tailpipes onto my '68 New Yorker. The brackets and hangars are top drawer and with a little tweaking they fit nice.My car had the holes in the shock crossmember to fit the brackets.Some cars had to be drilled out--a five minute job..
Tuning will be a major improvement--it did on my car.I was able to crank up the timing,put in lighter metering rods,and richen up the mixture.I now have GOBS of torque! Responsive throttle and good MPG--for a 440!! <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Sun Dec 10 2006, 09:00PM ]</span>
Joined: Sun Sep 24 2006, 10:33PM
Location: Lisle, Ill.
Posts: 168
That's pretty freakin sweet. I've never heard an old school big block with an X...kinda curious. I've always heard that an H is better for sound, and X is better for power/torque.
Joined: Sun Feb 26 2006, 08:46PM
Location: Kingston,Ontario
Posts: 5622
From the angles of the pics were taken,do the pitman arm/idler arm hit the pipes?? Kinda looks like it. Looks sweet,though. !thumb You'd better get them thar oil leaks fixed... !stars
Joined: Wed Dec 21 2005, 07:34AM
Location: indiana
Posts: 791
The Pitman and idler don't hit the pipes at all, at least not that I've noticed, I'll have to check them for small shiny spots next time I'm under there (which won't be to fix oil leaks, mind you, I'll change the gaskets when I change the engine next summer ).
