[mrnewt]

I was looking at pypes systems, they seem to be aluminized.
Does aluminized last as long as stainless?
The x-pipe systems are for cars with headers, or ra manifolds, right?
The x-pipes are of no use with standard exhaust manifolds, right?
I see in the PY catalog they sell RA manifolds for 1964-72(RPE650H),
would these be worth the investment?, and are they easier to install
than headers? Thanks for any replies

[goatless]

There isn't a need to put headers on, or even change to RA manifolds for that matter, unless you're trying to eek out those last couple of hundredths at the track. I'm running log manifolds with the 2 1/2" Pypes X system. With a 462, stock intake, stock cam, stock heads and Summit 2802 cam and 3.08 gears my 4100 lb. Lemans will run in the high 12's. So the logs should be fine on your 389.

[mwritter]

Originally Posted by mrnewt

Does aluminized last as long as stainless?

No, but most GTOs don't see enough bad weather/conditions to make the additional cost of stainless worth the investment, IMO. All my cars have aluminized and look as good as the day they were installed. IF you are really concerned, get the system coated prior to installation. Magnaflow might be you're only option in stainless for a complete system. Others offer stainless mufflers but not pre-bent pipes.

The x-pipe systems are for cars with headers, or ra manifolds, right?

Not necessarily, I am pretty sure PYPES offers the correct downpipes for stock, RA, and longbranch manifolds if you don't use headers.

The x-pipes are of no use with standard exhaust manifolds, right?

Again, not necessarily. There are plenty of guys using x-pipes on cars with standard, RA and longbranch manifolds, as well as headers. Probably not as great of a performance gain, but a noticeably different tone. I'd say it's worth the expense if you are doing the whole system anyway.

I see in the PY catalog they sell RA manifolds for 1964-72(RPE650H),
would these be worth the investment?, and are they easier to install
than headers? Thanks for any replies.

Haven't installed them myself, but I am planning on it. They can't be any harder than headers, but there are good and bad fitting headers out there. I have heard lots of good things about the RA manifolds.

[mrnewt]

thanks for the prompt replies. your right, im not trying to eke out every
xtra hp i can. just a street cruise type car. So maybe aluminized would
be all i need. I dont drive but on sunny days.

ok so i can get down pipes for the stock manifolds, and use the x-pipes
system. I see PY offers various different mufflers, which do you
prefer. thx again for the help!!