Customer comments may be received on 1987 and 1988 RV Models built prior to VIN breakpoints (GMC-JF527803 and Chevrolet JF165082) equipped with 5.7L or 7.4L engine, of low hanging or throaty sounding (rumbling on acceleration) mufflers. Mufflers designed for usage on TBI equipped engines are of a high flow/low restriction design for improved engine performance and are somewhat louder than mufflers used in previous years. If either of these conditions are experienced, they can be repaired by installing a revised muffler and tail-pipe assembly.
Parts Qty. Number Description Application Req'd ------ ----------- ----------- ----- 15616421 Muffler R1,2 5.7L Federal (NA5/NA6) 1 R2 7.4L Export (NM8)
15616422 T/Pipe R1,2 5.7L Federal (NA5/NA6) 1 R2 7.4L Export (NM8)
15616423 Muffler R2 5.7L Calif.(NB2) 1 R2 7.4L Federal (NA5(NA6)
15616424 T/Pipe R2 5.7L Calif.(NB2) 1 R2 7.4L Federal (NA5/NA6)
15616425 Muffler V1,2 5.7L Federal (NA5/NA6) 1
15616426 T/Pipe V1,2 5.7L Federal (NA5/NA6)
379360 Clamp R/V 1,2 5.7L only 1
15624612 Hanger Muffler V1,2 only
15624613 Shield Muffler All 1
14029140 Bracket, Shield All 2
15549331 Hanger T/Pipe R1, 2 1
15549332 HangerT/Pipe V1,2 1
435611 Bolt 3/8" - All 2 16 x 1.00" 103321 Washer 3/8" Flat All 2
9414034 Nut 3/8"-16 All 2
180083 Bolt (T/Pipe Hgr) R1,2 1 5/16 x 18 x 1.5" V1,2 2
9439511 Washer(T/Pipe Hgr) R1,2 1 5/16 Lock V1,2 2
9439493 Nut (T/Pipe Hgr) R1,2 6 5/16 x 18 x 14 V1,2 9
9418918 Bolt (Conv Shld/ T/Pipe Hgr) (R Model) 5 5/16 x 18 x 1" All (V Model) 8
11514363 Bolt (Conv Shld) M6 x 1 Self Tapping All 1
456846 J-Nut (Conv Brkt) 5/16 x 18 All 2
2436162 Washer (Conv Shld) 5/16 Flat All 2
Parts are currently available from GMSPO. When making the above changes to the exhaust system, it is necessary to replace the muffler heat shield to maintain proper passenger compartment temperature. It is also necessary on V models to add a secondary T/Pipe hanger to maintain proper alignment. On all models it will also be necessary to replace the tailpipe hanger.
1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Remove muffler and tail pipe following procedures in Section 6F - Engine Exhaust, of the appropriate year service manual.
3. Using an air chisel or a high speed cut off wheel, remove the original muffler heat shield flush with the floor pan, see Figure No . 1.
4. Assemble the new muffler heat shield, see Figure No. 2.
5. Slip the new muffler assembly onto the catalytic converter and align muffler. Do not install clamps.
6. Slide assembled mumer heat shield over muffler and position shield onto frame. Shield must be centered over muffler. Mark bracket bolt hole locations on frame, see Figure No. 2. Remove heat shield and muffler assembly. Using a 5/16" drill, drill the four (4) holes in the frame side rail. Using a 3/16" drill, drill the one (1) hole in top of the frame rail. Install the heat shield on the frame and torque side rail bolts to 20-28 Nm (15-20 ft/lbs), and top rail bolt to 14-20 Nm (12- 20 ft/lbs).
7. Using an air chisel, grinding wheel, etc., remove the two (2) rivets from the existing tailpipe hanger. Install the new hanger for the ap- propriate model with 3/8"-16 x 1.00" bolts, nuts, washers and torque nuts to 27-40 NM (25-35 ft/lbs), see Figure No. 3.
8. Install muffler and tailpipe using procedures in Section 6F of the appropriate service manual.
9. Lower vehicle and road test.
Use: Labor Operation: T7700 Labor Time: 1.2 Hrs.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.