How to build your own 3" Y-Pipe for 96-98 longtubes, no bender needed, for $100.

[linexrandy]

I finished my Y-Pipe this evening and since I took pics I figured I would do a write up on it. I built this myself in about 2 hrs due to living in the boondocks with no decent exhaust shops within 1.5 hrs away. By the way this is for a 96 chevy regular cab with a 350 and pacesetter longtubes.
First, buy this from Jegs:
2 Stainless steel band (lap) clamps, 3" - $7.99 each
1 J-Bend ALMZ 3" OD X 4" radius, $24.99
1 Exhaust Tubin
3" x 4', $16.99

Ebay:
1 3" merge collector, I think it as $24.99
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0058.jpg
I know in the pic there is 2 pieces of straight pipe, you only need one, and will have about 2' of that one left over to run from the merge collector back to the muffler.

First, cut the J-bend in the center of the radius, no pics, pretty self explainatory.
Use the longest leg of the J-bend on the Drivers side header
The shorter side will come off the merge collector and be joinded with a short (mine was 8.5" long) piece of straight pipe. Mock it up and see if you need to bevel the end of the shorter J-bend leg to clear the tailhousing of the transmission:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0060.jpg
When your happy with the fit, Tack it together:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0061.jpg
Fit the assembly back up into the drivers side header collector and cut your passenger side straight pipe to fit:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0062.jpg
Thats all there is to it, finish welding up the seams (I used a hobart handler 187 with .030 Flux and pulse welded (bunch of tacks) it.)
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0064.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0063.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0065.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0066.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg238/linexrandy/IMG_0068.jpg
Fits great, no leaks, and didn't have to use a pipe bender. Enjoy!

[linexrandy]

Also I need to buy a few more band clamps, one will go on the pipe from the passenger side header to the merge collector, one on the rear of the merge collector to the pipe going to the muffler. This makes everything come apart easily if need be.

[Big2500Red]

looks good, can you tell a power difference?

[linexrandy]

looks good, can you tell a power difference?
Definite power difference! Runs like crap until I get a tune lol!