I just finished up with installing timing chain, timing chain cover, water pump, oil pump, distributor, spark plugs etc. The truck runs as good as when I bought it. I am now considering installing an exhaust system. The truck has 200,000 miles on it. Is it worth it/recommended on a truck this old? What are a good brand of headers and are there any differences between really expensive and cheaper? I have never done an exhaust system on a vehicle and can use some advice.

 

The difference between the cheaper and the more expensive headers is usually just the small details. However, a small detail like a 1/2 in. difference in placement could be the difference between fitting and not fitting.

What year is it? What engine do you have? And do you have a dual tank setup?

 

It's a 1996 XL long bed dual tank 302. I was looking for something not hugely expensive. Maybe under $1000 for headers and exhaust.

 

just put headman long tubes on my 96 302 its tight but they fit

 

Friend of mine just had duals installed on his 302 out to the back after the converter, without the muffler and it sounds great and only cost him just under 200$

 

it depends on what you want from it, most after market exhaust systems will give your truck a nice growl sound and a bit of a pep in your step as well, One thing i would higly recomend is stay away from cheap chrome headers they rot out quickly, and ceramic headers are the best for preformance and long lasting. for the exhaust system true dual with a cross pipe would be the best set up for a stock engine or mild engine set up, for the mufflers if you want them mind you, flow master cherry bomb thrush there all good flow master seems to rust out quickly from what i seen.
if your not sure what sound you would like go on You tube theres tons of videos of sound bites of different set ups on our trucks or simmilar engines. For my 94 I6 i went with a 2 1/2 in y pipe cat and glass pack, but after ahwile of driving around sounding like a pissed off tractor i went back to the oem style water tank muffler.