mikeatrpi Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 I made this pipe from mandrel bends. It goes from the cat back to the straight tail pipe. Its a time consuming process but certainly not that hard. More pics at the link in my sig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cygnusx1 Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 Nice job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony D Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 What size pipe is that-2.5 or 3"? How long did it take to fab it up...really? Kind of curious haveing spent some time under there on other people's cars. The clearance over the rear subframe makes me think it's 2.5"---am I right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeatrpi Posted July 24, 2007 Author Share Posted July 24, 2007 Its 2 inch pipe, 16 ga aluminized steel. The bend radius is 4 inches. I spent a Friday and Saturday on it, but its hard to quantify the time because I mowed the lawn and so forth as well. Maybe 10-11 hours? Rusty bolts and a hack saw to get the old one out... measure, cut, tack, test, cut the tack, adjust, tack, repeat... yea that seems about right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony D Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 Yeah, it looked like there was a lot of clearance... I know a 3" is REAL tight through there---it's considerably easier with smaller piping. I figured it was a long day making an exhaust from mandrel bends, so that confirms it for me---thanks for the update! For guys saying 'oh, you can make one under $450...when you start figuring parts sure...maybe. But add in honest labor time, and you start seeing 'no such thing as a free lunch!' LOL I see you thought about the time at least once...he he he! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeatrpi Posted July 24, 2007 Author Share Posted July 24, 2007 Well, I've never taken my Z to a shop - except for tires or an inspection - and prefer to do what I can myself. The cost wasn't an issue... $50 for the pipe from JCWhitney is all, and I had the tools. The time doesn't matter if its a "labor of love" as they say. Why bother calling it a hobby if you rationalize everything by its opportunity cost? Haha yes, I did rethink my hours spent! Its a project I'd certainly do again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 I have built several exhausts from mandrel bends. I personally think its a blast. I did an exhaust for an S30 chassis car from a header back in a couple hours. I did have a lift though. It did fit REALLY well, I love doing exhausts. Evan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoNkEyT88 Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 Cool, I'm making an exhaust for my STI. I'm still waiting on the carbon muffler, but I have a little bit done so far. It will be tough to tackle the mid pipe, but I really like doing it. I bought a 4" down pipe because of the difficulty I would face trying to make the bell housing to the turbocharger. Here is a pic of my progress. I can't wait to get my Z project here, and start fabbing stuff up for it. This is all 3" 304L stainless annealed tubing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeatrpi Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Wow, you are an impressive weldor. Mine look like bubble gum compared to your mastery of TIG. Keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoNkEyT88 Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Your welds look just fine! I should be good.. I was MIG welding when I was 16, and TIG welding when I was 18. I'm 21 now. And 10 hours a day for maybe 6 days a week I use an ACCU-PULSE MIG system. Certified for both. I love TIG welding though. It is like yoga for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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