Picking out a 73-87 chevy truck exhaust kit is one of those projects that really changes how your square body feels on the road. There's just something about that old-school Small Block Chevy rumble that makes a truck feel finished. If you've been driving around with a leaky manifold or some rusted-out pipes that rattle every time you hit a pothole, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Replacing the exhaust isn't just about making the neighbors mad—though that can be a fun side effect—it's about letting that engine breathe and getting a bit more pep out of your throttle.
When you start looking at kits for these trucks, you realize pretty quickly that the "square body" era covers a lot of ground. From 1973 to 1987, Chevy changed things up quite a bit, but the bones of the trucks stayed largely the same. Whether you've got a base model C10 or a heavy-duty K20, finding a kit that actually fits without requiring a master's degree in welding is the goal. Most of us just want something we can bolt on in the driveway over a weekend.
Why a Pre-Bent Kit Beats Custom Shop Work
A lot of guys think they need to take their truck to a local exhaust shop and pay a premium for custom-bent pipes. Don't get me wrong, a pro shop does great work, but the cost can be eye-watering. A high-quality 73-87 chevy truck exhaust kit is usually mandrel-bent in a factory, which means the pipe keeps its diameter all the way through the curve. When a shop uses a standard bender, they often "crush" the pipe a bit at the turns, which restricts airflow.
Buying a kit also means you know exactly what you're getting. You get the hangers, the clamps, and the mufflers all in one box. It saves you from that annoying situation where you're halfway through the job and realize you're missing a specific three-inch bracket. Plus, if you're working on a classic Chevy, there's a certain pride in doing it yourself. There's nothing like the first time you fire it up after installing fresh pipes and hearing that deep, clean idle.
Choosing Between Single and Dual Exhaust
This is where the debate usually starts at the local car meet. For many, a square body isn't a "real" truck unless it has true dual exhaust. A dual 73-87 chevy truck exhaust kit gives you that classic look with two pipes coming out the back or tucked behind the rear tires. Sound-wise, true duals give you that distinct rhythmic "thump" because each bank of the V8 is breathing through its own dedicated pipe.
On the flip side, a single-in, dual-out setup or even a large single exhaust can be more practical. If your truck is a daily driver or you're worried about clearance around the fuel tanks, a single system is way easier to route. Remember, these trucks often have the saddle tanks on the outside of the frame rails, which can make routing dual pipes a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. If you're going for performance, duals are usually the way to go, but don't sleep on a well-designed single system if you want to keep things simple.
Material Matters: Aluminized vs. Stainless Steel
It's easy to just go for the cheapest kit you find, but you have to think about where you live. If you're in a dry climate where rust isn't a thing, an aluminized steel kit will probably last you a decade or more. It's affordable, it looks decent when it's new, and it gets the job done.
However, if you're in the rust belt or anywhere near the ocean, you'll want to look for a 73-87 chevy truck exhaust kit made from stainless steel. 409 stainless is the common choice for exhaust—it'll turn a brownish color over time from the heat, but it won't rot through. If you want that show-truck shine, 304 stainless is the top-tier stuff, but be prepared to pay for it. Most of us just want it to last, so 409 is usually the "sweet spot" for a solid build.
The Muffler Choice Defines the Character
The mufflers included in your kit are going to be the biggest factor in how much you enjoy driving the truck. If you go with a straight-through glasspack style, it's going to be loud, it's going to bark, and you're probably going to have some "drone" inside the cab at highway speeds. It's a classic 70s vibe, but it can get old on a three-hour road trip.
Chambered mufflers are the more popular choice for these trucks. They give you that deep, muscular growl when you step on it, but they quiet down nicely when you're just cruising. It's that "gentleman's muscle truck" sound. When you're picking your 73-87 chevy truck exhaust kit, look at what mufflers they include. If the kit doesn't specify, it's worth asking, because the muffler is the "voice" of your Chevy.
Installation Realities and Clearance Issues
Let's be real for a second: installing an exhaust kit on a 40-year-old truck is rarely a "perfect" bolt-on experience. You're going to deal with old, crusty manifold bolts that want to snap off. You're going to be fighting with years of road grime. My best advice? Soak everything in penetrating oil a few days before you plan to start the job.
One thing to watch out for with the 73-87 chevy truck exhaust kit is the transmission crossmember and the fuel lines. Depending on if your truck is 2WD or 4WD, the routing can change. 4WD trucks have the transfer case to deal with, which usually means the pipes have to be tucked up a bit tighter. Make sure your kit is specific to your drivetrain. Also, check your bed length. A long bed kit will have longer intermediate pipes than a short bed (C10) kit. Most kits are designed for the long bed and tell you to "cut to fit" for short beds, so keep a hacksaw or a Sawzall handy.
Headers vs. Stock Manifolds
Most exhaust kits are designed to hook up to the stock manifolds. If you've upgraded to headers, you're going to need a set of reducers or a kit specifically designed for header back applications. Adding headers to your square body is a great way to wake up a 350 or 454, but it does add a layer of complexity to the exhaust install. If you're staying stock, the kit should go right up to the "Y-pipe" or the manifold downpipes.
Final Touches: Tips and Exit Styles
How do you want the pipes to look when someone is following you? You've got options. Straight out the back under the bumper is the classic "hot rod" look. It looks symmetrical and aggressive. But, there's a downside—if you use your truck for hauling or if you have the window down, you might get more exhaust fumes swirling back into the bed or the cab.
The "side exit" behind the rear tires is a bit more practical. It keeps the fumes away from the tailgate and gives the truck a clean, factory-plus look. Whichever you choose, make sure the 73-87 chevy truck exhaust kit you buy includes some nice chrome or stainless tips to finish it off. A raw pipe sticking out the back just doesn't do these beautiful trucks justice.
At the end of the day, upgrading your exhaust is about making the truck yours. It's one of the most rewarding DIY jobs you can do because you get to hear the results every time you turn the key. Just take your time, measure twice before you cut anything, and make sure those hangers are secure. There's nothing worse than a beautiful Chevy truck with a tailpipe that's sagging or vibrating against the frame. Get a good kit, set aside a Saturday, and enjoy that V8 rumble.