Exhaust kits

[Richard F]

Has anyone built their own exhaust from front to back?  I ned recomendations for what kit to buy to construct one.

[Drew Pojedinec]

summit has "rod builder" kits in 2, 2.25, 2.5 and 3 inch.  Comes with all the mandral bends you could ever use.  Just buy mufflers and you are good to go.

[Qikbbstang]

Drew exhaust kit's are inherently universal. One day I watched a video on an install on a intermediate GM and the pipes/hardware looked familiar to me and I've got the 3" Mustang model.  You have a X-pipe (not much variation there) mufflers (perhaps a little more variation) the over the axle sections/tailpipes, misc pipe and all that what can get nifty hardware, bands etc.
  The cool part is you're getting mandrel bent SS tubing and SS hardware.
   I have a friend that I believe is sitting on both 2-1/2" and 3" early Mustang MAGNAFLOW systems and he may even have their Hot Rod kit's he should be able to work you a deal on -- I'm thinking you can work Jax into your travels....shipping is crazy on those monster boxes.

Example -Not his ad:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnaflow-15819-Stainless-Exhaust-System-Cat-Back-67-70-Ford-Mustang-3-/172194446459?hash=item281796bc7b

[machoneman]

You may not even need a kit with many header equipped engines. Depending on the body style and choice of the exits, one can often build a system with local muffler shop parts, saving a lot on shipping. The over the rear axle tubing is the rub. Yet, mandrel bent 2.5" over the exhausts are available for early Mustangs (and will fit Falcons, Comets, etc.). An H pipe is easy too but X crossovers make this more difficult. 

http://www.cjponyparts.com/gt-flowmaster-2-5-tailpipes-w-o-staggered-shocks-1965-1973/p/EXTPFL0/

[cammerfe]

FWIW, I built---with the help of a guy who owns a Huth bender---a complete exhaust for my '63 F100 from two sticks of 321 and a pair of Bassani mufflers. The manifolds were '63 long 427 items. We kicked the two tubes together and cut oval holes where they touched. Welded together there to create an 'X'. Then up-'n'-over the axle. Mufflers just before the  rear pan. Created a really excellent sound.

KS

[Stangman]

I have a 67 Stang and bought universal X PIPE (3 INCH) from Jegs. Bought 40 series flowmasters from speed shop in area, and bought the tailpipes from Jegs (2.5 inch). The universal X PIPE worked well. Not going to be able to take pictures for at least a week but came out really nice. Took my time it took the whole day with measuring,   tacking, welding painting. My buddy used a shop that does headers and exhaust, it came out really nice (for 2300!). Mine came out really nice too
(for 450).

[Falcon67]

I just got done having a guy build a set of headers for the dragster.  We used a Headman BBC roadster kit from Summit.  He said "when we do this again - and we will in 3-5 years - just get a box of quality 16 gauge bends".  The pipe is crap, thin for even 18 gauge.  My pro welder guy says not the best quality.  YMMV, buyer beware.

[My427stang]

That's the only way I do it anymore

I have bought a hot rod kit, bought individual "J bends" and individual pieces for different setups.  It's always cheaper than I'd have expected.  Probably the easiest way to do it is to buy a few J-bends and some straight pipe, then order what you need when you get under there.  Takes longer, but you can likely get half way done with a pair of J-bends

The BEST thing though is a good cut off saw (chop saw) with the ability to cut angles.  You can make anything you want and wrap the pipe around things.  That and being decent with a Mig, you'll make a a beautiful exhaust

[manofmerc]

Several years ago I wanted a new exhaust system for my 66 cyclone .I am a capable welder and have tools for cutting pipe along with welding machines etc. I went with a Flowmaster kit for my car that is equipped with headers .The h pipe wasn't close looking at several brochures from flowmaster the h pipe I had was the same for basically every other exhaust kit they sold . The mufflers fit exactly like they were supposed too no problem there .And the tail pipes (2 1/2") fit but to keep them from rattling on the leaf springs has been a time consuming chore .They don't rattle any more but it took some work on my part .I you intend to do this with any exhaust kit be prepared to do some cutting and fabrication .I made my h pipe removable to simplify transmission removal(c6) .I used some of those stainless steel clamps from summit for the exhaust pipe end .I know some don't like the sound of flow masters personally I love mine ! At idle and at wot it has that unique fe exhaust note with a modern chambered muffler .My advice on ex kits proceed with caution !

[Richard F]

Thanks for all the replys.  I haven't been on in a while.  Y'all have definately given me some ideas.  My car isn't stock so I'm not sure if any "stock" kit would come close, but I'll Look into the over axle kit that might work.

[fryedaddy]

i drove to the local muffler shop with open headers.the guy at the shop sold me a 3 inch x pipe and flowmaster 50s and ran the pipes out the back and all for under 200 dollars.i love it.its loud and when i get on it it sounds like a real racecar.it was no problem for the custom install,very happy pocketbook and all!!

[Autoholic]

Some ideas when it comes to header design...

http://horsepowersports.com/icengineworks-exhaust-header-modeling-blocks-make-custom-headers-like-a-pro/

http://www.stainlessheaders.com/customheaders

Another idea, that would be very cheap, buy a ton of pipe cleaners. Create your pipe thickness(es) and duct tape together. By creating each runner length the same with pipe cleaners and duct taping it together, you could bend everything around and it will stay there. Then just connect them all to a cardboard header flange. Now you have your model that you could take to any quality exhaust company in your state and they should be able to reproduce it.

I think Jay has Pipemaxx, and might be willing to help figure out the correct pipe lengths. Burns Stainless makes some of the best merge collectors in the world for custom header jobs.

[Nightmist66]

I bought the Flowmaster header-back kit for my car. For the most part, I am very pleased with the fit and finish. I ditched the mufflers that came in the kit for some polished Hooker Aero-Chambers. Love the sound. Connecting the h-pipe to the headers wasn't too bad either, basically, collector extensions and tweaking the h-pipe ever so slightly.(No cutting or re-welding of the kit was required)