I'm getting ready to get my 1965 C10 shortbed fleetside back on the road.
Years ago I swapped in a big block Chevy and TH400, was pretty sure it was 454, after running the numbers, it turned out to be a 1968 Chevy truck 396, 310 gross HP.
I bought Pro Flo 4 multi port fuel injection for BBC with oval heads, and thinking of adding headers and new exhaust before the conversion.
Wanting to try Hooker Aerochamber mufflers, also need O2 sensor bung welded on, I don't have welding skills.
Went to exhaust shop, owner says 2.5 inch pipes are plenty, also he does not believe in x pipes, also he doesn't have mandrel machine or use mandrel pipes.
The quote for me driving up with my new long tube headers installed already, and 2 brand new mufflers I have bought through online place like Jegs or summit (he has never installed Aerochamber mufflers) for him to bend up some 2.5 pipes and weld, it will be roughly 450 bucks.
He went on and on that mandrel bent it not needed.
I may build a 454-496 big block one day, to drop in truck.
Right now the exhaust is 2 in duals with super turbo mufflers, dumping out in front of rear tires, this was taken from the 1974 C10 BBC truck, it's decent no leaks, except driver's side muffler has a loose baffle and sounds kind of weird when revving up.
Are exhaust shops with mandrel pipes hard to find?
I'm in the Phoenix area.
