SCFFR
10-21-2012, 06:11 AM
I have made good progress since my last post (Part 1) about my under car exhaust system so wanted to share some current pics. I had the Ford Racing 351W swap headers ceramic coated satin black. Also since the two rear tubes on the drivers side were close to the inner footwell panel, I partially wrapped them in black exhaust wrap.
I had mentioned in the first post that I was deciding between getting the center section of the system coated or painting it with some high temp paint. Since I was planning on using exhaust wrap and most of the pipe, I couldn’t see spending $300 to get them coated and then wrap them. So, I painted the center sections with VHT flat black exhaust paint and a few coats of VHT clear. With the satin clear, the painted pipes and mufflers just about perfectly matched the ceramic coating on the headers. I used a roll of 2" x 50' black exhaust wrap and stainless wire ties from Summit Racing to cover pretty much everything except the mufflers. Since the pipes are very close to the bottom of the floor pans, I installed strips of self-adhesive radiant heat barrier which should help reflect much of the heat.
I also made a few small modifications to the ends of the pipes that turn up in front of the rear wheels. Because there just wasn’t much space to work with, I decided to use butt joint stainless band clamps to connect the rear sections to the main section. Knowing that it would be difficult to hold the pipes and install the clamps, made up some sleeves to go inside the pipe. I drilled several 1/8" holes around the edge of the pipe and spot welded the sleeve in place. This will not only provide a more leak-proof joint but will also help hold the pipes in place while I’m fitting them together. I also welded a small tab on the side of the pipe to hold the clamp in place and keep it from sliding down the pipe. I was imagining trying to hold the two pieces of pipe together and hold the band clamp in place and tightening it all at the same time.
I’m very happy with how the exhaust system has turned out so far but it has certainly been quite a bit of work. Looks like this thread is turning out to be a triology. Will post Part 3 when I get the rear section and tailpipes done.
Thanks again for all of your feedback and comments.
Ron1247412475124761247712478
I had mentioned in the first post that I was deciding between getting the center section of the system coated or painting it with some high temp paint. Since I was planning on using exhaust wrap and most of the pipe, I couldn’t see spending $300 to get them coated and then wrap them. So, I painted the center sections with VHT flat black exhaust paint and a few coats of VHT clear. With the satin clear, the painted pipes and mufflers just about perfectly matched the ceramic coating on the headers. I used a roll of 2" x 50' black exhaust wrap and stainless wire ties from Summit Racing to cover pretty much everything except the mufflers. Since the pipes are very close to the bottom of the floor pans, I installed strips of self-adhesive radiant heat barrier which should help reflect much of the heat.
I also made a few small modifications to the ends of the pipes that turn up in front of the rear wheels. Because there just wasn’t much space to work with, I decided to use butt joint stainless band clamps to connect the rear sections to the main section. Knowing that it would be difficult to hold the pipes and install the clamps, made up some sleeves to go inside the pipe. I drilled several 1/8" holes around the edge of the pipe and spot welded the sleeve in place. This will not only provide a more leak-proof joint but will also help hold the pipes in place while I’m fitting them together. I also welded a small tab on the side of the pipe to hold the clamp in place and keep it from sliding down the pipe. I was imagining trying to hold the two pieces of pipe together and hold the band clamp in place and tightening it all at the same time.
I’m very happy with how the exhaust system has turned out so far but it has certainly been quite a bit of work. Looks like this thread is turning out to be a triology. Will post Part 3 when I get the rear section and tailpipes done.
Thanks again for all of your feedback and comments.
Ron1247412475124761247712478