Stinger 3" - Dual 2.5" Install

[BrianM]

Got my 3" downpipe, mid pipe and Y from Stinger today. Nice looking pieces. Any tips on the install from anyone? Using the spiffy Torctite band clamps. My 2.5" tailpipes already have the hanger welded on near the muffler which is supposed to work with the stock hangers since the Magnaflows don't have any. Can't wait to get it together. After some cold weather we are supposed to have 70 degree days this week so working on the garage floor won't be so cold.

[brownsvo]

I just got my 3in tailpipe from stinger yesterday as well :)

Im dead set on making my own downpipe as i already made the Stock turbo outlet into a 3in monster.

[BrianM]

Got everything in last night. Mostly uneventful. Had to put the rear of the car up as far as I could get it on jack stands, disconnect the shocks and then let the rear axel down as far as it would go to get the tailpipes in.

Stingers stuff fits really well. Nice and tight to the underside of the car and cross member. Plenty of room to get to the flange bolts. Had to trim about 5" off of the Y but that was simple and probably due to the tailpipes that didn't come from him. Overall excellent workmanship and fit.

I used a set of 2.5" stainless tailpipes from LMR. Very impressed with how nice these were and the price can't be beat.

Sounds great compared to the stock replacement pipes that were on the car. It was pouring down rain last night so I didn't get to take it for a ride yet.

[BrianM]

One question. Currently only have hangers at the back of the car and right behind the mufflers. There is no hanger back by the cross member like there was with the old Cat. So it is just bolted to the flange and hung in the back. Seems like most of the weight is on the tailpipe hangers which I guess is fine. Should I have someone weld a hanger onto the mid pipe at the crossmember or do you think all is good as is?

[Raven855]

I would put it in for several reasons. It will add stability to the exhaust system. It will vibrate less. It can help keep the exhaust tucked up next to the body and not sag down. It could also help keep those bolts in the turbo exhaust housing from loosening and or breaking.

[Stinger]

Good to hear you are happy with the parts and how the install went.

The Y-Pipe is left long for multiple reasons. One is what you mentioned: To allow for different tailpipe and muffler lengths for those who don't use our parts. Another is to protect it during shipping. Since the ends of the pipes are used, it doesn't hurt anything if they get dented up a bit during transit. The third is it allows it to work on Thunderbirds as well.

Regarding the middle hanger. I typically say if you're not running a cat, it's not mandatory. It certainly doesn't hurt to add one though and it's quite simple (Just an "L" shaped 1/2" steel rod). It will help to keep anything from moving if a clamp loosens up a little bit or something and the exhaust wants to droop a bit.

You'll also want to get back under the car and tighten those clamps up after a few heat cycles. They conform to the shape of the exhaust a bit when hot and it makes them loosen up on a new install. After re-tightening them once, they won't loosen up again (until you want to remove them of course).