Exhaust Question on 95 Suburban

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Corkwheats

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Hi Guys,

This is my first ever post here. I'm attempting to educate myself, as I am considering buying a 94 or 95 Chevy Suburban. The only thing it needs is exhaust.

I'm an old timer, and normally mess with Trucks from the late 60's/early 70's. So, I'm quick to think I may wanna install some headers to give me a little better performance and gas mileage.

But, I suppose I'll have to deal with Catalytic Converters, Oxygen Sensors, etc., and this is all new ground for me. My question(s):

If you wanted to install a low restriction/high performance exhaust on a vehicle like this with a 350, what would you do?

Do you need to go with shorties?

If I re-did the entire exhaust from the heads back, (and forgot to install the Cats) would it give me weird codes, or cause performance issues?

How difficult is it to replace the exhaust?

Is there a brand of Headers that are quality, but low price?

Thanks. I'm looking forward to learning here.

Bob
 
for header selection I would look at www.summitracing.com and www.jegs.com . Not sure on a 1995 truck if you would have OBD-1 or OBD-2. Either companies tech line would be able to advice you on fittiings for oxygen sensors and which brand has them available.
 
Hi Guys,

I posted this over here because I didn't wanna get too far off the subject on the other fellas thread.

I just found out that this Suburban I may be buying (that needs Cat Back exhaust) may be a 1997 instead of a 1995.

So.....it looks like there may be TWO existing Catalytic Converters to hook up to, instead of one. This is actually good for me, because I'm leaning more towards just doing a better flowing Cat Back exhaust, and not messing with exhaust manifolds/headers right now.

I found what I thought is about the least restrictive, easiest to install system I could find. If I owned a muffler shop, etc., I could get more creative.

The main reason I like this is that it doesn't go directly into a single exhaust at the Cats - but continues on into duals that go into a low restriction muffler. Then, it exits out with a 3" tailpipe. I could live with that. I'll worry about the "other end" (Headers) of the exhaust down the road.

Here's a PDF of the Install Sheet with a diagram on the bottom. I'd like to know what you guys think:
http://www.heartthrobexhaust.com/2009345.PDF

Thanks!
Bob
 
Only thing I would wonder about is who makes the muffler and anyway of hearing it before you buy it. A 3" pipe is the same no matter who makes it but the key is the muffler which can be very subjective sound wise. What one person likes another one may not.
 
Thanks for the input.
I went by and checked, and it is definitely a 1995 K1500 LS.

I crawled up under there, and the exhaust broke off right at the front of the muffler. There is a pipe that runs from the Cat to the muffler (approx. 1'-2'), and it is in pretty good shape. Looks like 2.5" to 3".

But, darn those Y-Pipes are a very small diameter! To me, that says this is quite a restrictive (stock) exhaust system. I may not have the $ to do the whole system at this time, but would like to set myself up to be able to tie in to what I'll do now with some Shortie Headers down the road. One piece at a time for us poor folks. I'll be darned tempted to at least get some larger diameter Y-Pipes, though.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has done performance upgrades of any kind to this model. VanGo mentioned that site with the T.B.I.'s - I may check into that.

The main reason I want it to run strong is that it will be pulling heavy hay trailers up here in the winter. I'll also be doing a tune up on it right away (it's due). Any advice of what type of plugs, wires, etc. are the best would be appreciated.

Has anyone ever installed a K&N Cold Air Intake on one of these puppies? Are they worth it?

I'll be doing research on the site here, as well. I'm an old Ford Guy with a 71 Truck (2WD) with a "warm" 390 (325 H.P./450 Torque). I'm not only attempting to learn more about GM's, but these newer vehicles in general.

I'm really pumped about getting this Suburban. It's really nice. And, I'm getting it for a song from somebody I know. They tell me that they are real work horses - I know it will be awesome for our needs!

Bob
 
For the purpose you are using it for I would think the K&N is not worth it, you need more torque at lower speeds not more horsepower near the redline. I would stick with AC Delco plugs and you can look at some aftermarket wires from MSD or Moroso or Accel.
 
zora said:
For the purpose you are using it for I would think the K&N is not worth it, you need more torque at lower speeds not more horsepower near the redline. I would stick with AC Delco plugs and you can look at some aftermarket wires from MSD or Moroso or Accel.
Click to expand...


Thanks. Funny thing you mention that. In that article on the CFM Tech site that VanGo recommended they say that in their testing they determined the standard AC Delco Plugs were the best all around. Break my heart.....they're the least expensive, too. (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/acf-cr43ts/overview/)

So, these would be as good or better (for the money) than the AC Delco Platinums, or do you think the Platinums are significantly better? (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/acf-1/overview/year/1995/make/chevrolet/model/k1500-suburban)

For plug wires here's what I picked out: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-5562/overview/make/chevrolet/model/k1500-suburban

The mechanic in town recommends and uses these MSD StreetFires. They seem like a good value.

I also looked at these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-35599/overview/ Like the spark plugs, I wonder how much better the more expensive ones are. Any opinions would be appreciated.

I really appreciate all you guys' input. I'm totally new to GM's, and am very excited about getting this Suburban. I'm a good student, and do lotsa reading. When I get it (hopefully this week) I'll see if I can post some pictures of this beauty on here.

Bob
 
Platinum plugs became necessary because emissions regulations required a longer life plug lasting as long as 100k miles. There is no performance benefit that I have come across. There is no reason you need 8.5mm wires go with the cheaper set.
 
Thank you for your knowledgeable input. That's what I figured.

I will most likely be getting it this week. The price is going to be $1500.

I think it's s steal, and am looking forward to the challenge of tinkering with a GM 350 (Everybody's Favorite Engine!).

I will do some of the more performance related things (headers, T.B.I., etc.) later on.

Speaking of which, one thing I wondered about.....on our old Ford F.E. Engines, for good low end power, we will install an Edelbrock Performer aluminum manifold (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-3704/overview/make/chevrolet). Have any of you guys ever used one on a Suburban?

Bob
 
Thanks. This is exactly what I'm out to learn. I don't wanna throw money at this thing and purchase some part(s) just because they claim to give better performance. I like hearing from the guys who have "been there....done that".

Bob
 
After much searching/researching, I found a real nice set of Headers (comes w/O2 bung) that has a matching Y-Pipe that will fit my Suburban perfectly.

But, because of temporary lack of $, I'm starting at the other end. The Cat Back exhaust system I'm installing will fit just right with the Headers/Y-Pipes/CC that I have picked out.

There is also an O2 bung in the Y-Pipes that go with these Headers. Does anyone know how many Oxygen Sensors there are on a '95 Suburban K1500 LS with a 5.7 T.B.I.?

I would have the answer myself, but I don't have it here until later this week. I'll probably get a Haynes Manual for it.

Bob
 
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