problems with 2 1/2 in exhaust
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
problems with 2 1/2 in exhaust
im having some troubles installing my new exhaust. and seeing as my cars back on the ground right now, ive had to resort to MS paint for pictures.
so, heres where im at. ive got 2 1/2 in front pipes upto the transmission Xmember, and ive installed the 2 1/2 exhaust hanger bracket at the Xmember.
the problem is that i cant get the pipes centerd, which is throwing me off a bit for the rest of the pipes, and it all centers around that damned hanger.
basically, things look like this under the car right now
the hanger is perfectly straight, but its blocking access to the upper 1/3rd of the pipe, and its tight enough that i can barely slip the pipe between the Xmember and the hanger. ive even tried taking a 4x4 and a jack and lifted on the hanger arms, trying to bend it up a bit, but theres just no flex in them, and i cant move it at all.
so, heres where im at. ive got 2 1/2 in front pipes upto the transmission Xmember, and ive installed the 2 1/2 exhaust hanger bracket at the Xmember.
the problem is that i cant get the pipes centerd, which is throwing me off a bit for the rest of the pipes, and it all centers around that damned hanger.
basically, things look like this under the car right now
the hanger is perfectly straight, but its blocking access to the upper 1/3rd of the pipe, and its tight enough that i can barely slip the pipe between the Xmember and the hanger. ive even tried taking a 4x4 and a jack and lifted on the hanger arms, trying to bend it up a bit, but theres just no flex in them, and i cant move it at all.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I got sick of messing with that thing when I was trying to pull the transmission out to swap in my last motor. I know it was there from the factory but I had a hard time with the tranny coming out so I just left it out when I put the motor and trans back in this time. My plan to keep the exhaust centered in the crossmember is to use the two holes that are drilled in the frame that are between the exhaust holes. I am going to tap those and make two brackets and use them to hold the exhaust centered. Hope this makes sense. Look for the two holes when you crawl back under the car.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
When I bought my duel exhaust from CC it came with two hangers that attach to the cross member where the exhaust comes throught the two holes. It's easy to adjust the hangers to center the pipes in the holes. I used the new hanger and eliminated the hanger at the rear trans mount.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
I got sick of messing with that thing when I was trying to pull the transmission out to swap in my last motor. I know it was there from the factory but I had a hard time with the tranny coming out so I just left it out when I put the motor and trans back in this time. My plan to keep the exhaust centered in the crossmember is to use the two holes that are drilled in the frame that are between the exhaust holes. I am going to tap those and make two brackets and use them to hold the exhaust centered. Hope this makes sense. Look for the two holes when you crawl back under the car.
are you talking about the 2 holes in the tranny support bracket? those are the only 2 i can think of off hand.
*just ordered a new bushing. figured id probably need it anyways, since im still on the original one.
Last edited by another-user; Sep 3, 2008 at 11:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
check the motor mounts. also, consider placing shims under the hanger to raise the rear of the trans. it might improve the driveline angles.
my mistake. i see it's a new exhaust system that is being installed. that's the problem, not the hanger. loosen the exhaust flange bolts, and you should have enough play to center the pipes. i'd still shim the trans, though.
my mistake. i see it's a new exhaust system that is being installed. that's the problem, not the hanger. loosen the exhaust flange bolts, and you should have enough play to center the pipes. i'd still shim the trans, though.
Last edited by jnb5101; Sep 4, 2008 at 11:46 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 17
Same problem for me (even worse): left exhaust was about 3,5" misaligned (so it even does not hit the hole in the crossmember). Right one was more or less perfect (tending to less).
Finally I bought a 16 ton pipe bender and aligned the left side.
Finally I bought a 16 ton pipe bender and aligned the left side.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
One of the first parts to hit the shelf when doing my headers and engine/tranny swap 11 years ago, was that stupid hanger....never was needed, unless maybe a clamped together exhaust, enough flex then??? mine is welded completely, headers on back been that way forever now....
second off, take those bottom loop sections outta that crossmember, and reinforce the top loop that drops the pipes down about a inch or so.....but it allows removal of the member/supports without affecting the pipes.....
in fact, I think I could now drop the entire system out as a unit....from header gaskets/flanges to muff tips.....
second off, take those bottom loop sections outta that crossmember, and reinforce the top loop that drops the pipes down about a inch or so.....but it allows removal of the member/supports without affecting the pipes.....
in fact, I think I could now drop the entire system out as a unit....from header gaskets/flanges to muff tips.....
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Clifton VA
Pipe Bracket
Something sounds wrong with the bracket or position it's in. It should be high enough to clear the crossmember opening entirely. Is it possible to take a photo? Wouldn't suggest jacking on it in place - you are stressing the trans mount at that point. I have had older ones crack from heat stress but they are easy to weld and then align in a vice. So if you can support the trans. and get it out you can heat and bend it to the correct position. Good Luck with it! 