I want to get some extra horsepower without showing a lot of difference on the outside so, what would you guys recommend for a 77 bird with a 305U engine ?
Also I don't like the loud "rumping" idle so no glasspacks or any other noisemakers please. I also would prefer a true dual exhaust. List your 3 choices below and an explanation. Thanks.

Catalytic -
Headers-
Mufflers-

Hmmm...well honestly if you go with a complete exhaust setup, no matter WHAT you get, it will be significantly louder. There is just no escaping that because you are freeing up the exhaust system so much with the headers, cats, and catback. BUT here are what i would recommend for you:

-Headers : Edelbrock makes very good, reputable headers for the 305 motors...i would check them out first. (not too pricey either)
-Cats : Definitely the Random Technology High-Flow metallic cats. In my opinion, best on the market
-Cat-back : Not too sure what to go with here because it's very subjective...but if you want to keep it quiet as possible, stay away from Flowmaster. I would go with maybe the borla system or the edelbrock system. Both of those are relatively quiet.

What do you think of this combo:
(2) Hooker Aero Chamber Mufflers.
(2) Random Technology cats. Universal or direct fit ?
(1) Set of Headers. Edelbrock, any fit ?

Does anyone know if Edelbrock makes headers that will fit a 305U chevy engine ? Also the size I'm aiming for is 2-1/2" to 3" pipe. Which would be more for the price ?

Thanks

that sounds like a nice setup. I am pretty sure that Edelbrock makes headers for the 305U, but i am having trouble finding them on any performance-parts websites. You could also look at hedman headers and hooker headers (hooker makes good ones too).

You can get a free Edbrock catalog frm the site. It has a lot in there. Also you can try Classic Industries, http://classicindustries.com/ or, www.paddockparts.com/ ,just a couple that I've come across. Oh also DynoMax has sum nice set ups, well I have them for now and in mine and all my buddies opinon it sounds nice.

Check on Jegs besides on the sites that amptuttle listed. I remember seeing headers on one of those sites for the 2nd gen cars since I've been looking for ones for my 79.

Stuff like this is all over ebay to. I got most of my car stuff from ebay.

3" pipes will give you a deeper, lower rumble.

The smaller the pipe, the louder the exhaust.