Exhaust upgrade reality check...

[SVturbO]

I just want to make sure I have my head screwed on straight before I go somewhere and look stupid. My '86 has a "custom" exhaust that appears to start after the factory DP and has many holes in it, among other problems. Here's my plan for replacing it:

3" elbow from 40bob.com
3" flextube from ATpturbo.com (6" OAL)
Magnaflow 3" Cat
3" to Dual 2.5" Y-Pipe
Dual 2.5" Spintech Mufflers (Magnaflow considered)
Dual 2.5" Pipes over the axle and out the back

As far as the layout up front, I have a couple ideas:
1) Get a DP from 40bob and cut it up to incorporate the flexpipe
2) Put the flexpipe right after the DP, before the cat
Any recommendations?

I want to incorporate a couple flanges so I can get it all apart later, I was thinking about one after the elbow and one after the cat. Are there advantages of a v-band type over a flange type?

I'm open to all input. The engine is mostly stock, just has the boost dialed up a bit with a manual valve and a K&N. I'm looking for a sound that is noticeable but not obnoxious.

Anyone know a good exhaust shop in Detroit?

[MacGyver]

i have the same setup and i thought about going with the spintech mufflers myself but they are baffeled so i decided to go with the stright through magnaflows. they sound great. my vote is for the magnaflows. other than that everything looks great

[NY eric]

forget the flanges get the SS band clamps. it makes 3" a snap.

[SVturbO]

Are you talking about a clamp like this:

http://www.atpturbo.com/Merchant2/me...egory_Code=FLG

Looks sweet...

[NY eric]

no
like this

http://drgas.com/store/product.php?productid=141&cat=14&page=1

[SVturbO]

Wow, so those are like a totally weld-free coupling solution? Looks like no flange of any kind required huh? Just butt the tubes together and tighten the band up over the joint?

[NY eric]

Wow, so those are like a totally weld-free coupling solution? Looks like no flange of any kind required huh? Just butt the tubes together and tighten the band up over the joint?

yes it is that simple. They make but as well as lap clamps. It makes3" a breeze. if you question if they work look at any Tractor trailer.

[Henson]

I can maybe help you out? I still have this kicking around the garage. PM me if your interested.

[SVturbO]

I decided to go with a custom setup from MRT in Plymouth, MI.

After talking to Bob Lee and considering the larger-elbow possibilities, I decided to save some coin and decline. So MRT is just going to do a 304ss setup from the stock elbow back. Custom 3" downpipe, no cat (shhh...), 3" to dual 2.5" Y-pipe, and dual magnaflows out the back.

I'll let you know how it comes out with some pics hopefully soon. Thanks!

[SVturbO]

Have the car back. All 304ss, went with the stock turbo elbow and a flare to 3" immediately after. 3" dp, dual 2.5" magnaflows, 2.5" slash cut tailpipes out the back. Lots more pictures here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.m...ey=_l8VYg84WfQ

Please note the fantabulous ground clearance, especially vs. where I was before. I should have more pictures soon, including ones showing the tailpipes. Was completed two weeks ago and so far so good. Only one MINOR clearance issue with the rear axle while in fully jounce. Sound is actually very mild, and very comfortable for highway driving. Should keep me out of trouble at tracks with dB restrictions too...

[indiana dave]

Looks sweet! Mine is somewhat rigged right now. I am lacking in the ground clearance area on mine. I have a single 3" MAC tailpipe mated to a ETS downpipe. I also have very little play between the gas tank, tailpipe, frame area.

[svono50]

Talk about a nice tucked up system, nice!

One question though, How do you plan on dropping out your tranny with that 'one-piece' system? I didn't notice a flange of any sort on the 3" DP.

[SVturbO]

Thanks, I told them I wanted it nestled up in there pretty good....

There's a flange at the turbo elbow/DP joint, and a flange aft of each muffler. So the one big whole piece just drops out no sweat.

I liked that they used all the factory exhaust hangers as well.

[SVOeric]

just curious to hear how much that set you back, if you don't mind sharing.

looks like they did a nice job!

[SVturbO]

seven hundy.

It's probably more than I wanted to spend, but it is 304ss and should be able to accommodate upgrades down the road. It would have been a lot harder to swallow if the quality of work wasn't there...