V6 between frame blockhugger headers and other exhaust questions

I just finished about 2 hours of searching and reading, what is the final word on the fitment of block hugger headers for a V6 with factory motor mounts and Ross steering?

It appears there are two manufacturers, Downey and Sanderson. I called Sanderson and they didn't quite understand my explanation of my stock 67 Jeep with a factory Buick V6 fitted with two passenger side manifolds to clear the Ross steering box. They told me I could order two passenger side headers R)

If you have actually seen block hugger headers on a stock CJ5 V6, please reply with specifics.

My engine has just been finished and I'm trying to prepare for my exhaust project, here are my exhaust requirements/ideas:
-I want to stay away from fender well headers
-I want a single exit exhaust (thinking about 2.5" to compliment the cam and 4 barrel carb)
-I'm planning to use a flowmaster 40 or 50 series single in single out muffler
-I have a shop willing to construct the Y-pipe and exhaust (they did my single 3"/flowmaster 50 series and 92 corvette factory block hugger's on my 77 CJ7 with a built 350) it sounds absolutely awesome
-I'll use the factory manifolds if necessary, but I'm not really fond of the forward facing drivers side manifold. Has anyone ever used a center exit manifold - do they exist???

I open to suggestions, thanks!

 

That might be the best option, I was just thinking of making the exhaust neater. I don't imagine that u-turn on the front of the D.S. manifold is very efficient though

From what I've read single exhaust systems are actually more efficient than duals:
-scavenging effect
-pressure equalization
-weight reduction
-cost savings

Although, the reasons above don't apply to all vehicles and there are many variables. I'd also mention I personally like the sound of a single system on a SBC better, but duals on a SBF.

 

I didn't think that anybody made block hugger headers that would fit a stock CJ with the Buick 225. My father-in-law has an intermediate CJ-5 that he pieced together with a Buick 225 and he has block hugger headers and full length exhaust inside the frame rails that he had custom made by an exhaust shop (his master cylinder is firewall mounted). It looks pretty sweet but is definitely a tight fit. My guess is that custom headers would be your best bet.

 

I think the block huggers are only for "modern" (pre 88 ) tall port EF heads. Besides, if you have a stock or Saginaw steering, I doubt there is room on the left bank. Stock exhaust works great -- if you can find any I'm messing with headers right now on the 2A and not too impressed. I'd trade em for a clean stock setup.

 

Check out my exhaust in the gallery. http://www.earlycj5.com/gallery2/v/picBank/album_008/ It's 2 into 1 stock setup (Rossbox, forward dump manifold) w/ the Flowmaster extreme (heavy duty super 44). It's all contained w/in and tucked up into the frame out of the way. As far as in frame headers go, unless you have a custom set made up you're out of luck. The Ross box negates any rear dump headers and the size of in frame shorties(out from block) makes for a very creative saginaw setup. In fact w/o the skinny driver's side manifold you have some work to do to get around a manifold even. Besides unless you're planning on spending a lot of time in the top 1/4 of the RPM band manifolds are IMO the better choice.YMMV:v6:

 

That's a very clean looking install! Do you have any more pics of the Y-pipe? What pipe diameter did you go with? What are the spec's on your engine? How's the sound on your system? Any audio clips?

 

I'll get you some more pics in the morning. It's 2" pipe, stock V6 225. It sounds a lot like a cammed V8 when idling but has a definite V6 sound at speed, pretty quiet in the cab but you can hear it. Sorry no audio clips.:v6:

 

What is the pipe diameter before the Y, is it two 1.75" into a single 2"? I think I want to go into a single 2.5" pipe after the Y just to help it breathe a bit better with the Edelbrock 500CFM, Offy 360, and Comp 252H.

That muffler you have looks pretty tough, Do you know how many chambers it has?

 

It's a 2-chamber muffler. Super 44 w/ a heavy duty case. http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/44_super.html
Pipe size is up to you, but you'll start losing low end torque if you go much over 2". That said your setup is different than mine and upping the pipe size may work better w/ the bigger carb.:v6:

 

why not route the exhaust like a flathead ford :v8: and run the left exhaust over to the right side under the front of the motor and have a "Y" pipe just after the right sde manifold?

 

for you, thats a good idea. I'll have to take a look and see how that works, it might get a bit tight near the transfer case.

 

Here's some more of the y-pipe.
View attachment 22365

View attachment 22366

I got the TC out right now and the skid plate is off, but everything tucks above the skidplate.:v6:

 

You've inspired me, I think I'll copy your system, but with a 2.5" pipe and stainless 50 series muffler.