Trying to install Stinger Dual exhaust on 85 SVO, help!

[phils85svo]

I am currently in the process of installing the Stinger dual exhaust conversion on my 85 SVO and am having a bit of an issue.  The first problem, which really is a no-brainer, is the length of the pipes that come from the Y and go to the mufflers (Flowmaster).  They are too long and need to be cut.  No problemo.  The other issue is with the distance between the two pipes that make up the Y that go to the mufflers.  They don't seem to be far enough apart to allow the mufflers enough space to clear the driveshaft.  Has anyone else had this issue?  If so, what was your resolution?  Did you just bend the Y-pipe out a little bit to better mate to the mufflers?  I was thinking about that or cutting a section of each side of the actual "Y" and adding an inch or so of same size pipe (welding of course).  Any suggestions?

[Stinger]

The pipes are longer than needed on a Mustang as you noted since it's long enough to work on a TC as well. The added bonus is if there is damage in shipping, the damaged end will be cut off and not used anyway.

Check to see if the Y-pipe ends are parallel or not. Sometimes they pull in at the ends from welding after they cool. If this is the case, they can be pushed back apart with a floor jack very easily. Just put one pipe under the jack and the other pipe over the lifting pad of the jack and press it apart. Remember you'll have to go a bit beyond parallel as the pipes will spring back a bit once the jack is released. Don't put the jack on the very tip of the pipes or it may oval them slightly if you do so.

If the y-pipe is parallel, it's the correct width and should be installed as-is.

[phils85svo]

The Y-pipe is parallel, but the problem is at the muffler end. With the mufflers attached, the come extremely close, if not rub the driveshaft. This probably wouldn't be a problem with the factory driveshaft, which is alot more narrow than my aluminum DS. Mine is about the same diameter as a 5.0 DS. So in this case, it is still ok to bend the pipes apart a bit for clearance?

Thanks Stinger.

[Stinger]

Is your vehicle on a 4 post lift or on jackstands under the rear (rear end at ride height) or is the rear end at full drop? The driveshaft position changes significantly when rear is hanging with no weight. It can basically be touching (1/8" clearance) when hanging and be just fine since it will have WAY more clearance at ride height.

You certainly "can" spread the y-pipe farther than parallel if you want but it will effect tailpipe fitment. Going a little bit is probably fine but adding an inch to each side isn't going to work well.

[phils85svo]

Ok, thanks Stinger. I never thought of that. It is on jackstands, but the stands are under the chassis, now the rear axle, so it is just hanging around at the moment. I will check it when I get home with the jack stands under the axle.

Thanks again! :-)