Post by khantyranitar on Jun 23, 2011 10:37:14 GMT -5
Well, I finally got around to installing the new exhaust I purchased from Stinger onto my '87 TC. Overall everything went well.
Here are images with comments
First of the system that was on there was basically stock. The mufflers and tailpipes had been replaced before with OE type stuff. The cat was previous and recently replaced because a shop incorrectly diagnosed a low power issue as a plugged cat (ended up being a timing issue).
Here is the new kit waiting to be installed.
Downpipe install was easy.
I choose to use this Eastern Tru-Performance bullet cat for a number of reasons. One, it is a true high flow cat, second, its loadings are much higher than other high flow cats, third, its size is perfect, fourth, its warranty is 5 years, 50,000 miles full coverage. I opted to install it with Torctite clamps in case I ever want to remove the cat, say for tuning or something that might otherwise damage it.
Next came the midpipe
We then started seeing exactly where the mufflers and tailpipe needed to go before anything got cut and trimmed. I opted for the WickedFlow MAX mufflers for several reasons. I've used them on my other cars with excellent results. They cost less than Magnaflow, they sound better (by better I don't mean louder, they are actually slightly quieter, but the tone is smoother and more refined), they flow better, and they are better made. While much of this could be considered opinion, I've had bad experiences with Magnaflows in the past, and had nothing but good experiences with Wickedflows.
The mufflers and tailpipes are welded in together instead of clamped.
The y-pipe ended up being on the problem areas, the spread was way too narrow for proper placement. The shop had to spread them more to get proper fitment.
We used the stock muffler hangers on the new mufflers
The driver side tailpipe and muffler went in perfectly, but the passenger side required a bit of modification. Some of the bends were incorrect, and had to be tweaked a little, and trimmed a little in order to get proper clearance around the suspension parts, tire, and fuel tank. The side of the pipe had to be flattened and slightly bent to give more clearance and to allow the tailpipe to go back straight.
All welds got a coating of high temp aluminum based paint to help fight corrosion.
The stock tailpipe hangers were pretty shot, so we installed new southern hangers instead. These also held the tailpipe more securely with less movement than the stock hangers do.
After the mufflers were locked into place with welds, hangars, and the tailpipes were properly positions, the midpipe was then officially secured to the y-pipe with a Sureseal clamp. Then the stock cat hangars were attached for added strength and support
The WickedFlow exhaust tips were then clamped on with Torctite clamps. This gives me the option of removing them for whatever reasons.
So there you have it. Aside from the left side tailpipe and the incorrect spread on the y-pipe, the install went fairly well.
The results were pretty good in terms of both sound and performance. Not only does the turbo spool slightly quicker, but the performance when the turbo is not spooled is improved as well. The sound is great, not to loud, but better sounding that stock. It doesn't drone at standard legal highway speeds, but when cruising it does drone between 80 - 85 mph.
YouTube videos soon to come.
Here are images with comments
First of the system that was on there was basically stock. The mufflers and tailpipes had been replaced before with OE type stuff. The cat was previous and recently replaced because a shop incorrectly diagnosed a low power issue as a plugged cat (ended up being a timing issue).
Here is the new kit waiting to be installed.
Downpipe install was easy.
I choose to use this Eastern Tru-Performance bullet cat for a number of reasons. One, it is a true high flow cat, second, its loadings are much higher than other high flow cats, third, its size is perfect, fourth, its warranty is 5 years, 50,000 miles full coverage. I opted to install it with Torctite clamps in case I ever want to remove the cat, say for tuning or something that might otherwise damage it.
Next came the midpipe
We then started seeing exactly where the mufflers and tailpipe needed to go before anything got cut and trimmed. I opted for the WickedFlow MAX mufflers for several reasons. I've used them on my other cars with excellent results. They cost less than Magnaflow, they sound better (by better I don't mean louder, they are actually slightly quieter, but the tone is smoother and more refined), they flow better, and they are better made. While much of this could be considered opinion, I've had bad experiences with Magnaflows in the past, and had nothing but good experiences with Wickedflows.
The mufflers and tailpipes are welded in together instead of clamped.
The y-pipe ended up being on the problem areas, the spread was way too narrow for proper placement. The shop had to spread them more to get proper fitment.
We used the stock muffler hangers on the new mufflers
The driver side tailpipe and muffler went in perfectly, but the passenger side required a bit of modification. Some of the bends were incorrect, and had to be tweaked a little, and trimmed a little in order to get proper clearance around the suspension parts, tire, and fuel tank. The side of the pipe had to be flattened and slightly bent to give more clearance and to allow the tailpipe to go back straight.
All welds got a coating of high temp aluminum based paint to help fight corrosion.
The stock tailpipe hangers were pretty shot, so we installed new southern hangers instead. These also held the tailpipe more securely with less movement than the stock hangers do.
After the mufflers were locked into place with welds, hangars, and the tailpipes were properly positions, the midpipe was then officially secured to the y-pipe with a Sureseal clamp. Then the stock cat hangars were attached for added strength and support
The WickedFlow exhaust tips were then clamped on with Torctite clamps. This gives me the option of removing them for whatever reasons.
So there you have it. Aside from the left side tailpipe and the incorrect spread on the y-pipe, the install went fairly well.
The results were pretty good in terms of both sound and performance. Not only does the turbo spool slightly quicker, but the performance when the turbo is not spooled is improved as well. The sound is great, not to loud, but better sounding that stock. It doesn't drone at standard legal highway speeds, but when cruising it does drone between 80 - 85 mph.
YouTube videos soon to come.
