Exhaust pipes

[Dino]

My exhaust needs an H-pipe added so I'll likely get one of these kits:  http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-642025/overview/

My question is should I change the existing pipes or not?  They are rusty but solid.  I can clean them up a bit and paint them but if anyone knows where to get the same type of tubing cheap I may just change them.   

How can you tell a muffler is bad?  I don't have any leaks but for all I know they're plugged.  Any way to check?

Lastly, the triangular things that bolt together at the collector are all deformed.  Do I need to replace the entire collector to replace them?

[firefighter3931]

If everything is solid and not leaking i'd leave it alone for now. 

Just hit it with a wire brush and brush some por-15 paint on the pipes and call it good. I'm sure the mufflers are fine....if they were plugged up you would know it....the engine would overheat and run poorly. Usually when mufflers go bad it's the baffles inside that break off and start making noise/rattle sounds. 

The collector flanges can be replaced later but it does require some cutting/welding...if they're not leaking leave it alone 


Ron

[Dino]

Thanks Ron!  The collectors are not leaking at this time but only because I used half a tube of ultra copper on them!  The main problem is that the exhaust pipes are connected to the collector and then way in the back with the hanger only so you can grab an exhaust tip and turn them quite a bit.  The H pipe will fix that problem though.

When these mufflers go I will install the ultra flows but since the engine runs strong I guess I can wait.   

[firefighter3931]

When these mufflers go I will install the ultra flows but since the engine runs strong I guess I can wait.   

Yep, leave it alone for now....if it isn't broke, don't mess with it. 

To firm up the exhaust system just install some hangers behind the mufflers. You can purchase a universal hanger and just use the seatbelt retaining bolt as an upper attachment point. If your car wasn't originally a dual exhaust car it will only have one muffler hanger bracket welded on the floorpan. Using the seatbelt bolts gives you another attachment point. 

You'll need two of these hangers and a couple of clamps 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-630550/overview/

Cheap and easy fix 


Ron

[Dino]

Ah of course, it was a 318 so it had a single exhaust. 

Thanks for the tips, I'll get the hangers with the h-pipe and get my butt in gear.

I unpacked my new 12 ton HF jack stands yesterday, holy cow those things are huge!  Finally I'll be able to get under the car comfortable without fear of it falling on top of me.

[firefighter3931]

Holy Chit Batman....12 ton Jacks !!! 

That'll work just fine 


Ron

[Dino]

Holy Chit Batman....12 ton Jacks !!! 

That'll work just fine 


Ron

Oh heck yeah!  These suckers go up to 30" high.      

[Back N Black]

Holy Chit Batman....12 ton Jacks !!! 

That'll work just fine 


Ron

Oh heck yeah!  These suckers go up to 30" high.      

What type of jack to you carry in your trunk???

[Dino]

 

Just the plain stock one which I hope I never have to use.  I need a bottle jack for the trunk.

The 12 tonners are stands, not jacks, that would be even more overkill than the stands.   

I have 4 regular stands but bought these because they go up so high and much of the work I need to do is under the car.  They're on sale at HF so I thought why not?

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/jack-stands/12-ton-jack-stands-34924.html

Mine are orange and white but same stands.

[7chargers]

Or you can just do what I did this weekend, took off the cheap set of mufflers and ran straight pipes Yeah alittle loud, but it dumps right by the rear axcel so tolerable in the car but turns the heads as people think a stock car just came screaming by!

[Dino]

I couldn't take that for more than a few minutes.  I love the sound it makes but I have to live in a sub with others and do not need them to reload when I drive by!

I love the way the car sounds right now and when the time comes to get new mufflers I can only assume the ultra flows will sound similar although maybe a bit deeper.  Then again, the H pipe will change the sound as well.