About to do initial start up and have a question

[nucjd19]

So I am running out of things to do before I fire up my rig. I have a question about the side pipes. I was planning to install those before I started it and do a little go karting up and down my driveway ( I have about ¼ mile long driveway out here in the country so it should be a good test track to slowly idle up and down). When I went to install them I quickly realize I would need to have the body on to get the side pipe aligned correctly before I drill the holes in the chassis for the mounting hardware. I have seen initial starts and go karting with and without side pipes. For the folks who used the pipes did you temporarily install them and if yes then what was your method? Thank you in advance. Picture for your time....
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147125&d=1619783599

[GoDadGo]

You can run the thing with or without the pipes.
If you run it with the pipes in Go-Kart Mode, just rig up something to support them.
In my case, since I had to build custom headers, I used some temporary mufflers to cut the noise down to a Low Roar!

https://youtu.be/PCngiKoopkA

Just remember to keep a fire extinguisher handy and push the car outside to reduce the risk factor.
Also, get some extra eyes out there to look for fuel and coolant leaks.
Double-check your brakes before cruising down the street.

[CraigS]

The starts I have been involved in all had the pipes on. Just too dang noisy w/o them. Just bolt them up w/ the 4 bolts and don't bother w/ gaskets and don't bother w/ hangers. As you realize you need to have the body on to do any aligning so that will be down the road.

[narly1]

There's something to be said for being able to hear any ticks, squeaks, rattles, etc. coming from the engine over the roar of open pipes.

When I go to run up my engine on the test stand I will have mufflers in place for this very reason.

[capt1black]

I thought the same thing and was afraid to put them on before the body. I took my car to Henry to do the work and he asked for the pipes so he could have them on to quiet it a bit. He said putting them on before the body would no be an issue but they will have to come off when you put the body on. Hope that helps.

I will say though, I am one of those people that liked the loudness of the open headers.

[egchewy79]

I ran in go kart w/o side pipe hangers for at least 50miles. I've been driving a bit w/ body on also w/o the hangers. And I'm running J pipes, which are more prone to moving/sagging. You are correct in that you'll want to have the body on for final pipe fitting and hanger placement.

[BradCraig]

147127

[JMeyer914]

I'm also at the go-kart stage and have used the door hinge on each side to support the side pipe. I ran a strip of pipe support strap from the door hinge down and around the side pipe. Protect the door hinge powder coat with some old bike inner tube. Looks ugly but works great and you can swing the hinge out to be directly over the top of the side pipe when you're driving it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-3-4-in-x-25-ft-28-Gauge-Galvanized-Pipe-Hanger-Strap-33530/301505501

[jrcuz]

As CraigS said above no need for the hangers during go cart stage, he was a large part of my early build and go cart.
JR

[Caddy Dad]

As others have mentioned, I just supported my side pipes with safety wire looped around the pipes and tied off to the door hinge bracket. If you're running an EFI, I've been cautioned to only run it with the pipes attached. Running straight headers will cause the O2 sensor to send data to run full rich, causing fouled plugs.
Just my .02

[Fman]

I just used those black heavy duty bungie cords to support my side pipes at go-kart. Wrap them around the door hinge until proper tightness is desired and your good to go. Put 40 miles on my car in go-kart with them.

Few first start tips...

Make sure and burp all the air out of your cooling system, this kit works really well and is cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085759CPH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

First cooling fill you can take one of the manifold plugs out and fill coolant in there to help with bleeding the system out.

Don't let your overflow go dry or you will suck air back into your cooling system

Double check your water neck clamp, make sure it is tight. Hopefully you are using T-bolt clamps, much better than worm style.

Wow, you are flying through your build, first start already!

[Jeff Kleiner]

You can do without the mid-pipe hangers for initial start and some go carting. If you’re running Sniper EFI you must have the pipes on otherwise the oxygen sensor will get spoofed and run it pig rich...ask me and Papa Dave how we know ;)

Jeff

[rich grsc]

You can do without the mid-pipe hangers for initial start and some go carting. If you’re running Sniper EFI you must have the pipes on otherwise the oxygen sensor will get spoofed and run it pig rich...ask me and Papa Dave how we know ;)

Jeff
The absolute truth

[nucjd19]

Thank you so much guys!!! I am running a carb so not worried about the O2 sensor since I don't have one but really wanted the side pipes on to listen for anything weird and not make everyone down the valley hate me. I will bolt those suckers up and see what happens. Fman, I keep coming up with other side projects to do to keep me from starting it. As an aside I spent all day installing the adjustable seat rails and Kirkey Lowback seats. Quite the pain and fabrication. I saw where you used the burping system you linked on the forum and I have it in hand to give a go.