73 Road Race Cuda

[70chall440]

Despite my best efforts at procrastination I have managed to get my collectors done, now on to the rest of the exhaust.

[tony 73]

Very impressive , great fabrication  .

[70chall440]

Thank you. Slowly but surly I am getting the exhaust put together.

[70chall440]

Got some done on the exhaust. The tailpipes will be the challenge due to the 4 link. The Magnaflow kit required some modification specifically due to the reverse rod on the trans. I looked at it every way I could and ultimately had to position the X pipe further back than I would have liked. This of course had a ripple effect in that I had to take 6" out of the pipes leading to the mufflers. I also had to modify the muffler hanger on the right side, this was due to the 4 link and my rear sway bar link. I did put in some 3/8 nutserts to bolt the hangers to.

On the positive side, the exhaust does tuck up nicely.

[70chall440]

Oh by the way, the clamps are not tightened yet so for those of you who spot the clamp hanging down.

[70chall440]

The saga continues; I worked on the tailpipes today and discovered that there isnt any way the Magnaflow tailpipes will work. I am attaching a picture showing that the tailpipes will run directly into my upper 4 link bars. So (as is the the tradition of this car) I had to order a 304 stainless builder kit so I can make my own pipes. Someone suggested I just put turn downs on it but I really want tailpipes and the tips.

[YellowThumper]

Unfortunately any deviation from stock adds more issues exponentially.

And HAHA on the clamps. I was so close to commenting on them hanging

[70chall440]

Very true. I think I will get it done, just going to take some imagination.

[YellowThumper]

Nice watching and following you along. I am soooooooo tired of only talking about mine. (and also shhhh the Falcon).

Mike.

[70chall440]

I know the feeling very well. Building cars can be an emotional roller coaster, there are days when I just want to sell it all (like today..), other days I am amazed I have what I have and am excited about them.

[Cudakiller70]

Unfortunately any deviation from stock adds more issues exponentially!

Sooo true!

[70chall440]

Ive ended up ordering a pile of exhaust components to try and get this done. I think that my tailpipes are going to be 2 piece items in order to get them over the axle and around the gas tank. This required me to get some slip joints as I don't have a exhaust tubing bender/machine that would allow me to expand the pipes. Fortunately in this day in age you can purchase about anything. It will require more welding but not a big issue. I am waiting on the slip joints specifically and I can get back onto it.

[redo1973]

Sounds like a plan.  You're creativity has been challenged by worse stuff on this project.  As you know, it is well worth it when you take it out on the road.

[70chall440]

That's very true and I appreciate you reminding me. Sometimes it just helps to have another voice (or written words in this case). All that said, I finally developed a plan and am now executing it with regards to the tailpipes. I have found more than once on this project that there are times when  have to leave it alone and just think it through.

My tailpipes are going to be 2 piece deals due to the 4 link; yea I know that is one more place to leak but I dont have any choice as the pipes have to snake around my upper bars, then around the shocks and gas tank. I got the first 2 pieces made for the left side, one will clamp onto the muffler and the other on to the first one. I could weld the first pipe to the muffler but I would rather not at this point.

[redo1973]

I've stepped away a couple times myself.  It looks like you are only adding one more joint to the system and you can weld that stubby extension pipe to the muffler with a "normal" clamp on the arch.  Seems like this would allow the option for removal if need be? My TTI pipes were tricky to snake through there also when trying to fit the proper spacing at the rear valance.  I don't look forward to having to remove it.  I also put muffler heat resistant tape on the nearby brake line.