'69 Dart GT 273 Exhaust System Fitment Advice

[freedomfarmer]

Hey Folks,
It's time for a new exhaust system for my Dart, and I've been doing a lot of research on my options, but I want to hear about others' experiences.
It currently has the original 1-3/4" or 1-7/8" single pipe that's starting to rust apart, and I was looking into installing a pair of Doug's Stainless long-tube headers paired with a Pypes 2.5-inch crossmember-back exhaust system. (Maybe it will sound less like a desk fan and more like a muscle car!)
My main concern is passenger-side clearance on these A-bodies, especially getting the right-side tailpipe around the fuel tank without things getting too tight or creating heat issues. I know the driver’s side is usually easy since the car already has the single pipe running through there.
The car is completely stock except for the BAC/Borgeson steering box kit I installed this past year, and it has just over 200k on it.

If anyone has:
Experience with Doug’s header fitment on a small-block Dart, and if there are any supporting changes needed to get them to fit.
Tips on getting the Pypes tailpipes to clear the passenger-side tank corner
Whether heat shielding was necessary and where.
Or if there are other header and pipe options I should be looking into
I’d appreciate any advice.

 

[RustyRatRod]

My advice would be to hawk youtube looking at similar exhaust systems to what you're wanting. That way you can hear them before you buy.

I'l also throw this in for what it's worth...nuthin. lol But my personal opinion is I don't like the way cross overs make one sound. It removes some of the "crispness" of the exhaust note and gives it a kinda "blahhhhh" note to it. There are those who will say they add power and all. Maybe. I've had one on my 65 Valiant and when I removed it I felt no difference at all and the exhaust note got better. Just my 2 cents. I'm sure you'll get more.

 

[Professor Fate]

Consider this, since you're keeping the 273, and are concerned with fitment of the duals:
An Accurate Exhaust Systems reproduction of the '65-'67 HiPo single exhaust system and resonator. Factory fit and finish. Increase in horsepower, and a unique exhaust tone that leaves no doubt as to the car's intent. The '67 version will bolt up to your '69 manifolds, no banging on or denting expensive new headers to get them to fit. No having to come up with the reproduction passenger side exhaust hangers. Fits like a factory system, because it is. Higher performance and better sound to boot- you definitely won't mistake it for a desk fan.
A-Body HiPo Exhaust System-(See option menu for applications

 

[VOETOM]

I agree with Professor Fate all the way!

 

[JDMopar]

Honestly, I'd just put the headers on it and take it to an exhaust shop and let them bend pipes from the headers to the bumper.

 

[CRUZE 418]

If you buy a dual 340 exhaust kit for your car, it will all fit. If you want the exhaust tips, get stainless steel. The hangers for them will bolt right in. You will also need a hanger bracket for the passenger side, hanger itself will attach to it. I personally like the H pipe cross over, softens the sound, so it doesn't sound like side pipes sound.

 

[Professor Fate]

No, 340 pipes won't fit 273 manifolds.
340s have a fixed flat flange and gasket at the manifolds, 273 manifolds have a flared mount with a loose flange on the pipe.

 

[CRUZE 418]

Thought that he said he was going to install headers, going to cut the front tubes anyway.