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7/19/2019 11:58 AM  #1


Decided to install the exhaust system myself

I had a budget of $1000 for my new exhaust system (headers back).  Unfortunately, I discovered this week that just towing the car to and from the muffler shop would cost my a ¼ of that.  So I ordered JBA 40-2653 and 1651ST pipes and will attempt to install it myself.  

 
The main challenge is that the tunnel pipes need to run close enough to the tunnel that they will sit above the subframe cross members.  I’ve gotten conflicting reports on whether or not a 2.5” system will fit tight enough in the stock position that they won’t interfere with the cross members.
My plan is to mount the everything from the muffler  back to get the correct placement through the rear valance and then install the mid H-Pipe up to the shortys and evaluate from there.  I'm crossing my fingers that should I need any adjustment it's something that can be taken care of with a ball joint adapter or something similar.  If not, I'll mock the tunnel pipes w/ PVC and have a mufler shop create them.  Last piece to getting the pony on the road gain!

 

 

7/19/2019 12:18 PM  #2


Re: Decided to install the exhaust system myself

In my younger days I would just bolt some cheapo header mufflers on and drive it down to the exhaust shop

 

7/19/2019 12:42 PM  #3


Re: Decided to install the exhaust system myself

Raymond_B wrote:

In my younger days I would just bolt some cheapo header mufflers on and drive it down to the exhaust shop

I bolted most of my exhaust on, used clamps and wire hangers and drove to the muffler shop too.


65 Vert (UCA mod,4bbl, hipo ex, 17x8), 2013 C-Max (hitch & cargo net), 2018 Cherokee (In bumper hitch)
 

7/19/2019 1:40 PM  #4


Re: Decided to install the exhaust system myself

Install it with every thing loose and once it’s in place and aligned then tighten it all up.


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

7/19/2019 2:32 PM  #5


Re: Decided to install the exhaust system myself

I had a complete JBA system (including H-pipe and headers) installed in my '66 GT Fastback and was told by the installer that the kit fit as well as any he had previously used. There were absolutely no fit issues, so I believe you should be able to easily get it installed and clamped together. I would at least have a muffler shop tack it if you intend to use the clamps permanently. I elected to have my system welded.


'66 GT Fastback, 302, Edelbrock top end, Sniper EFI, MSD, JBA Headers & Exhaust, T-5Z, Currie 3.55 Trac-Loc
 

7/19/2019 3:06 PM  #6


Re: Decided to install the exhaust system myself

Don’t forget, if the system is welded, removal for any unforeseen maintenance may create issues.

Last edited by Rudi (7/19/2019 3:07 PM)


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

7/19/2019 5:06 PM  #7


Re: Decided to install the exhaust system myself

TremendousWand wrote:

I had a budget of $1000 for my new exhaust system (headers back).  Unfortunately, I discovered this week that just towing the car to and from the muffler shop would cost my a ¼ of that.  So I ordered JBA 40-2653 and 1651ST pipes and will attempt to install it myself.  

 
The main challenge is that the tunnel pipes need to run close enough to the tunnel that they will sit above the subframe cross members.  I’ve gotten conflicting reports on whether or not a 2.5” system will fit tight enough in the stock position that they won’t interfere with the cross members.
My plan is to mount the everything from the muffler  back to get the correct placement through the rear valance and then install the mid H-Pipe up to the shortys and evaluate from there.  I'm crossing my fingers that should I need any adjustment it's something that can be taken care of with a ball joint adapter or something similar.  If not, I'll mock the tunnel pipes w/ PVC and have a mufler shop create them.  Last piece to getting the pony on the road gain!

 

 

Whats all that stuff?!!!
6s6


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

7/20/2019 4:17 AM  #8


Re: Decided to install the exhaust system myself

Rudi wrote:

Install it with every thing loose and once it’s in place and aligned then tighten it all up.

X2, and do that starting from the front and working rearwards.

I can't speak to JBA, but the Magnaflow system I used installed easily enough.  I had a day in doing it, and that included adding two mounts per side that required drilling and welding, plus the time it took to align the tips in my GT valance.  I took a pair of factory style stainless rolled lips tips and cut and modified them to fit my 2.5" system.  In the end looked like they were built that way from the factory.  That project took another day, but well worth it IMO because I really like the stock look with an aggressive sound. 
 

 

7/21/2019 2:06 PM  #9


Re: Decided to install the exhaust system myself

Make sure you get the car high enough to provide adequate space to maneuver around.  Working on my back was a real challenge trying to align, get clamps on, etc. etc.  This was one downfall of trying to do it myself.  Another is trying to do it myself, an extra set of hands would have been of great assistance.
In the past, I have also using cheap mufflers (glass pacs) to get me to the muffler shop.
My last installation, I purchased the mufflers first, put them in the car, drove to the muffler shop w/open headers, in a city location (about a 3 mile trip), figured if I got stopped I'd have a good excuse (in addition to my age!) to avoid a ticket.  All went well, did not get stopped, am very pleased with the 2.5" system that also calmed down (did not eliminate) my vibration issue.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

Board footera


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