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Wanted to ask everyone's opinion on installing my own exhaust system using the kits you can find online? I have a 351w and need full exhaust from headers back.
I was given a decent quote of $500 installed by a local shop, but would have to get the truck there somehow.
Pricing out the parts myself, I am at about $275 (kit for pipe, straight sections and several different curved pipes and two flow master FX mufflers, 2 1/2"). My welding skills are good to do this work, I am just concerned about the routing of the pipe. I have found a lot of good pictures, here and on web searches of exhaust systems I could use as reference.
Any opinions? Has anyone completed this themselves?
I used a kit from Amazon and a couple of mufflers from Summit Racing. Total price was about $200, and did it in about half a day. Routing was pretty easy... I have block hugger headers, so a 90 degree bend off the header, then straight pipe all the way to the rear end (with mufflers as close to the rear end as possible), then up and over, then 45 degrees out to the frame rail. I prefer for my exhaust to not be seen at all, so the ends are fairly short on mine, but they exit right behind the rear wheel... Don't have any pics at the moment, but could get some this weekend if you would like to see how its routed.
I purchased a 409 Stainless Steel dual exhaust kit (headers back) from a major mail order parts supplier for my short bed '55 F100.
The kit had a very reasonable price and after looking closely at the pictures and reading the description decided to give it a shot.
The first pipe off the header flange had an offset allowing the next pipe to move closer to the frame. The next pipe moved the exhaust down to the rear axle after cutting that pipe to the right length and adding the included radius bend pipes (two per side) this moved the exhaust over the axle. Mufflers (bought separately) were installed after the axle and short down-turned tailpipes were then cut to length and installed. (Note: Truck does not have the gas tank mounted under bed.) The kit included all the hangers and clamps necessary but I decided it was best to weld most of the connections solid. The installed kit looks good and I'm happy with it. Sorry I don't have pictures right now hence the long description.
Good luck with what ever direction you decide to go,
Joe
Last edited by 55Pickup390; Sep 28, 2019 at 07:33 PM.
Reason: misspellings
I wanted a single exhaust coming straight off the manifold on the 300 6 in my 56. Because it is a custom installation, no kit was available. I remembered how back in the 80's you could go into any muffler shop and they would make you a system any way you wanted for cheap. So I went into 2 shops in my home town and asked about putting on a single exhaust system for my 56 from the manifold back to the rear bumper. I was quoted $460.00 at the first shop and refused at the second! The one guy explained that most exhaust shops don't really do that much exhaust work on newer vehicles. And people that work in shops now don't custom bend pipes like the old guys used to. So I decided that I would have to buy a tailpipe from Mid Fifty or someone and try to make the front part myself. Then I went up to our cabin in Harrison and I saw a old school type gas station/ muffler shop in town. I went in and asked and he said sure, he would bend up a exhaust for $160.00 installed. So that is what I did and I am very happy. So if you want to have it done check a bunch of places. Just because one or 2 places say no way or want your 1st born to do it, doesn't mean another shop will fix you up for a good price. There are still some old school guys out there! Good luck!
I found this ame thing to be true with carburetors also. Before I decided on the EFI, I wanted to take my carburetor to get rebuilt. Not really knowing anything at the time, one placed looked at me and I swear wanted to ask me....what is a carburetor
I now think my greys hairs are not the only thing that shows my age.....oh well.
Anyway, I think I am going to do the kit with some Flowmaster FX mufflers. Thx for all the ideas. Anyone can post any pictures if they have them would be an extra benefit.
Would anyone be able to post a picture of there v8 exhaust setup? How it is run from the headers back? Maybe how you positioned it in reference to the frame and the tranny cross member?
I started on my exhaust kit today, and it was not as easy ( plug and play) as I thought. I didnt have much time, but wanted to compare to what others have done to how I was looking at doing it.
I have a 351, dual 2 1/2" back to flowmaster FX mufflers.
Thx for any help...
NewClimber,
I bought this kit from MagnaFlow for my 427 Windsor in my 48 F-1. It is for the flathead and has 2.5 in. diameter pipes which will work with my engine and headers. https://www.magnaflow.com/products/1...m?aces=8973242
I have not installed it yet. It is stainless steel and will match up to the Ford Racing headers I have installed. The kit was bought through Summit Racing. They have nice instructions with pictures for installation on a stock F-1.
I haven't done my 52 yet but, I have done several other vehicles just buying mandrel bends and straight pipe from Summit. 16 Gauge aluminized tube is what I got and if you can manage to route and weld it yourself it's pretty inexpensive. Just another option if you're on a budget.
After looking at all the info and links, I finally was able to get some time and get started. Routing off the header, I think looks pretty good. I am going to cut one more section of straight pipe and move the muffler back a little more. Then will route up and over the rear axle.
It is not below the side step mounts so I dont think it is to low? Any opinions?
(white pipe is a PVC pipe of where the driveline will go)
Does anything think this is going to be a problem? The starter close to the exhaust header collector outlet? I have the block hugger headers from speedway and the mini starter, everything fits, I am just concerned about the heat from the header on the starter?
Wow the prices you guys to the south pay are amazing . I have well over $1,000 worth of stainless exhaust that I still have to make-install . This includes mufflers but no tailpipes or headers .
I go even cheaper, I find good used aluminized pipe systems at swap meets and modify them as needed, normally off chevelles, novas, camaros, etc.I also grab cutoff 90s and sometimes tail pipes to cut up for the curves. I can usually do a whole system for under $200 from the headers back, if you can weld its the way to go. I paint all my systems black with cheap spray paint, the pipes dont even get hot enough to burn it off and it keeps rust away. I dont have any good pictures other than I was cutting up a set of $20 chevelle tail pipes to fit.
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Universal Exhaust Kit
