Going with the Flow…?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: CA
Going with the Flow…?
Well…after much deliberation (and forum feedback), a new set of Force II FlowMasters for my ’85 coupe are finally here and are sitting in the back of my coupe. I had planned to just bolt ‘em right up in place of my current generic mufflers and quickly enjoy my new “smoother sounding” ride…but now am being advised by some co-workers that my “DIY” idea may be a bad one…and that it is tough to get old mufflers off without messing up the “Y” pipe…or the new exhaust…or both. 
My existing catback is very clean (about 2-3 years old) with no rust, but has '84 style generic mufflers. Replacement looks like a piece of cake with very accessible (not rusty) clamps and hangers. I am going to check with a local muffler shop just in case….but has anyone replaced just their OEM mufflers, with direct fit upgrades? Can it be done without power tools? Sorry for the long winded post and I know “exhaust systems” are a common subject here. Any feedback is appreciated…or “Minute Muffler…here I come”.
My existing catback is very clean (about 2-3 years old) with no rust, but has '84 style generic mufflers. Replacement looks like a piece of cake with very accessible (not rusty) clamps and hangers. I am going to check with a local muffler shop just in case….but has anyone replaced just their OEM mufflers, with direct fit upgrades? Can it be done without power tools? Sorry for the long winded post and I know “exhaust systems” are a common subject here. Any feedback is appreciated…or “Minute Muffler…here I come”.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: walkersville md
well ur gonnah aveto cut the old mufflers off, b/c there is a V groove thts in ur Y pipe and the old mufflers.....thts what the clamp does to the exhuast system to make it air tight......then ull need to expand the pipe to get the V groove out, and then cut the overlapping sleeve from the old muffler off....butdont go through the Y pipe tubing....
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: clinton ut
Too much variance to say for sure but giving it a try yourself is not going to hurt anything. I used some spray on penetrating oil last weekend installing my magnaflows and the rusty screws on the converter came out like they were lubricated, really cool. The stuff is called PB and has been mentioned on the forum before. Then you might need to pound on the rear edges of the mufflers with a rubber mallet (dead blow if you have one) or a hammer against a 2X4. If it won't come off then you can pay someone. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 155
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From: CA
Got the Flowmasters installed at a shop today. Best $40 and 30 minutes I've ever spent. And the sound....all I have to say is WOW...wow! No resonance at any rpm and the deepest rumble out the back. 
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 155
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From: CA
Got a pair of delta flows (with the stainless tips) from Summit for $179 each (with a $20 new buyer discount) delivered. Spent about 30 minutes under the car...then drove to a recommended local muffler shop. Based on what I saw him do to get the tips lined up just right...worth every penny of the $40 install charge. Totally changed the look of the back end too (and I already mentioned the sound) 
Last edited by LangstC4; Oct 15, 2004 at 09:32 PM.
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I heard some Force IIs on a '94 and it is one of the sweetest sounding exhausts I have heard!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 155
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From: CA
Pics...
It was dark when I took this...but you can get an idea of the new look. Kinda like straight pipes ...but it is still the sound that gets me. http://tinypic.com/cq72c
Before: http://tinypic.com/crivk
Before: http://tinypic.com/crivk
Last edited by LangstC4; Oct 16, 2004 at 09:20 AM. Reason: better before pic
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 155
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From: CA
You have to drill down through the "non-universal" muffler choices by car, model etc. Here's the link page but it gets you to the start point...the models installed are: (FLO 9424501 L & R). Had to reseach the model numbers and call flowmaster direct to get make sure of the model name and fitment. Used a coupon they sent when I bought my KYBs to get the price a bit lower.
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...23429&x=21&y=7
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...23429&x=21&y=7
Last edited by LangstC4; Oct 16, 2004 at 12:26 PM. Reason: forgot the link