What a roar!

[ctrlraven]

This past Friday I had my friend Greg @ Mandrel Bending Solutions fab up a whole new exhaust system for me. I arrived at the shop around 10:45am, he went ahead and fabbed up the over axle tail pipes since they have already been digitized thanks to NateHawk and then we went to lunch for 20-30 mins. All in all I was there for almost 9 hours because Greg doesn't rush things and took his time since he is very anal about fitment, angles and measurements so I know the system would be done right the first time.

Only things that weren't changed were the stock manifolds, O2 sensors, Aero mufflers and res-delete tips. System is now all 2.5" mandrel bent 309 stainless steel piping right off the exhaust manifolds to custom H-pipe.

My old downtubes and H-pipe. Yes it was a hack job and most of the piping was against the flow. Can't believe the car did as good as it did with all the restrictions in the exhaust.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/0917101231.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/0917101752.jpg

System removed
(My buddy Greg cutting away)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/0917101215.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/0917101608.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/0917101750.jpg

He mocked up everything first for the mid-pipe then digitized it.

Downtube with Magnaflow 200 coil count cat
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/0917101751.jpg

Welding the over axles and tips up. Notice the ladder, he was using it to eye up the tips and not just from ground level.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/0917101752a.jpg

Mid-pipe all welded up
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/0917102022-1.jpg

System is fully welded expect for the 2 part over axles and tips but the clamps are super heavy duty. I got a hell of a price on everything since I have sent them a lot of business and the owner greatly appreciated it.

The one nice thing about the front part of the system is whenever I do go to LT headers I'll be able to sell the front section since it will bolt directly up to the stock manifolds and whoever gets it will just have to get it mated up with the mid on their car since it won't bolt up to it.

I'll try and get some more pics and video up soon. As I have said before I dare to be different so that's why I am going this route with stock manifolds for the time being as to see what kind of difference stock vs LTs will have at the track.

[DOOM]

I was waiting for this thread!

So how does it sound bro??? :D

[breeze]

how much it run you?

[ctrlraven]

I was waiting for this thread!

So how does it sound bro??? :D
Wicked enough to wake the dead! :banana: BTW I've got that same tick as you now, not as clearly heard as your's but it's there.


how much it run you?
$665 with tax, plus the cost of the cats which was like $150 I think, I bought those from www.ourdealsrock.net (http://www.ourdealsrock.net). Normally something like this would of cost $1,000-$1,200.

[fastblackmerc]

Looks good!

[breeze]

well ok 6~700 id would havs went that route too. but im not spending 1000+ for exhaust that youll barely feel

[ctrlraven]

well ok 6~700 id would havs went that route too. but im not spending 1000+ for exhaust that youll barely feel
Oh no, I can feel the difference. The way I can tell I have more power is I drive the same route home and know on what inclines on certain parts of the road the converter will unlock, it doesn't do it on those parts anymore, mpg has gone up almost 2 mpg even with massaging the loud pedal often, idles smoother and feels stronger from idle to 6500 rpms.

Once I get my force lube mod kit and mmc driveshaft installed I'll be getting a dyno done to see where I'm at.

[LANDY]

Nice looking setup. I suppose you will be hitting the track soon to beat your personal best. Keep us posted.

[DOOM]

Good stuff birdman! :2thumbs:

[ctrlraven]

Nice looking setup. I suppose you will be hitting the track soon to beat your personal best. Keep us posted.
Thanks, I wish I could of gotten better pics but my HQ camera was in the car and my phone was about to die. Yes plus I've got 4.10s in so I'm very curious on how far past Blackened300a's (Paul) record of 13.63 I'll go. :lol::burnout:

[babbage]

Looks great. Are the only bolts the ones going to the stock manifolds? Dropping the trans could be a little harder now.

Can you post a video clip?

[ctrlraven]

Looks great. Are the only bolts the ones going to the stock manifolds? Dropping the trans could be a little harder now.

Can you post a video clip?
Not sure what you mean about "the only bolts". From the manifolds to the front set of cats is 2.5" on the stock pipe, The factory flange was re-used, if you look at the first and second picture you can see they were cut off.

Pan being dropped won't be any problem I can still get to all of the bolts with ease and it has a drain plug. The only thing that is in question is if the car is put up on a 4 post lift the driveshaft may rest on the H-pipe crossover tube.

I just need to figure out now if getting the driveshaft safety loop would help keep the driveshaft from resting on the H-pipe and how that would affect the rear with it wanting to drop as the body goes up but the driveshaft won't be moving.

I'll try and get a video later this evening, would be easier if I had someone to take the video while I drive instead of me setting it up on a tripod.

[babbage]

I mean if you wanted to pull the transmission out of the car - the exhaust is in the way and it's welded. The only bolts appear to be at the manifold location. I guess you could always cut it and then just use a butt joint stainless band clamp to seal it...

[ctrlraven]

I mean if you wanted to pull the transmission out of the car - the exhaust is in the way and it's welded. The only bolts appear to be at the manifold location. I guess you could always cut it and then just use a butt joint stainless band clamp to seal it...
Gotcha, I really don't know there is some room in there to work with. Next time I have it up in the air I'll get some better views. If it has to be cut then so be it. I did want a flange at the start of the mid-pipe but my exhaust guy didn't recommend it so I didn't argue, just let him do what he wanted.

[Blackened300a]

I'm very curious on how far past Blackened300a's (Paul) record of 13.63 I'll go. :lol::burnout:

I have a dyno tune scheduled for mid-October and perhaps a track day before the end of the year at E-town.

Its another battle for a few tenths!

[ctrlraven]

I have a dyno tune scheduled for mid-October and perhaps a track day before the end of the year at E-town.

Its another battle for a few tenths!
Just remember I had 3.55 gears (3.89 with drag radials) back on my 13.72 run, now with 4.10 gears I'll have about 4.51 effective rear gear. :P I'll run on street tires first to get a good starting point then chop it down with drag radials.

[Blackened300a]

Just remember I had 3.55 gears (3.89 with drag radials) back on my 13.72 run, now with 4.10 gears I'll have about 4.51 effective rear gear. :P I'll run on street tires first to get a good starting point then chop it down with drag radials.

Sucks you don't live closer. This would no doubt be a great track day. ;)

[ctrlraven]

Sucks you don't live closer. This would no doubt be a great track day. ;)
I know right! Nothing like a mature friendly grudge match. :beer:

[DOOM]

Wait till those aeros break in!
It will be even louder! :rofl:

[ctrlraven]

Wait till those aeros break in!
It will be even louder! :rofl:
I hope not, if so I'll have to get some aero resonators to be put in-line.

[ctrlraven]

More pics.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7866/0926102110.jpg
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/1674/0926102111.jpg
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/922/0926102111a.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8936/0926102111b.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/906/0926102112.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5123/0926102112a.jpg

[Gee]

"ctrlraven (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=4253)" I see what you have but can't hear ya....any exhaust videos of the new hardware?
It looks Good!

[Vortech347]

God damn thats sexy.

[Speed]

......since I have sent them a lot of business and the owner greatly appreciated it.

One more maybe added to the list, have appt with them tomorrow to get a cost to do everything (headers, h- pipe, hi flow cats, over axle pipe and muffler).

[ctrlraven]

One more maybe added to the list, have appt with them tomorrow to get a cost to do everything (headers, h- pipe, hi flow cats, over axle pipe and muffler).
Having them install the headers or do custom ones for you?

Request Greg if you can, he is the one who did my system.

[Speed]

Having them do the install on headers I all ready have...hopefully...states he wants to take a look at everything before quoting a price.

[ctrlraven]

Gotcha well I know Greg digitized my mid-section H-pipe to save for later use with Panther cars and the tail pipes are already digitized also so it won't take long to bend all that stuff up. Make sure you leave rear air on so when measuring and stuff the vehicle will be angled.

[Speed]

Will do...thanks for the heads up. I already have an h-pipe / headers (JBA) match up. So hopefully there won't be too much fabrication involved. Tomorrow is just a see what you got, what can be done and overall cost. Rather get it all done in one spot vs. hauling a bunch parts around. Still have a few back up plans though.

[ctrlraven]

Gotcha, well either Greg or Kurtis will take care of you. If you do end up getting it done, let me know when and maybe I'll try to swing down and take a peak.

[ctrlraven]

A few more shots while I had the CVPI MMC d-shaft and trans cooler installed over the weekend. I'll get some video whenever I can find someone to help me out.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/300/dscf30021024x768.jpg
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4296/dscf30031024x768.jpg
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/1627/dscf30041024x768.jpg
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/6389/dscf30051024x768.jpg
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2232/dscf30071024x768.jpg

[ctrlraven]

Here is a little tease.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJrXnjjMB00
KJrXnjjMB00

[DOOM]

We will get together soon. I have a few ideas. :D

[ctrlraven]

We will get together soon. I have a few ideas. :D
Sunday a friend of mine is meeting me at work to do some more videos since their won't be any traffic

[Speed]

Well if you're still sleeping MBS, I suggest you wake up...another satisfied customer. :banana:

[BODYMAN]

That is a very nice job! heck if he digitized and saved the info for that kinda $ he could offer a generic kit for our cars sure would beet the SW maux system price. Very nice welds in the pics also!

[ctrlraven]

Well if you're still sleeping MBS, I suggest you wake up...another satisfied customer. :banana:
How does it sound?

[Speed]

Sounds like a champ...couldn't enjoy it much due to the rain but this weekend I'm going to bring it out for a minute and see what it has.

[ctrlraven]

Give it time for the Magnaflow mufflers to break in also if they are brand new.

[malibuguy]

the magnaflows i installed his car are the chambered ones, so they don't break in. only mufflers with packing do, like normal magnaflows, etc etc

[Speed]

Its pretty loud :eek: for my taste all ready...you Aero guys rock on :rock: ...I'll be back maybe for the high-flow cats but thats about it. Next is the Vic for cat delete and the same set-up you have w/o the Aero of course. MBS FTW:2thumbs:

[ctrlraven]

the magnaflows i installed his car are the chambered ones, so they don't break in. only mufflers with packing do, like normal magnaflows, etc etc
Welcome aboard Greg! :beer:

[Speed]

Welcome Greg! :beer: didn't know that was you. Thanks again for the great work

[malibuguy]

thanks, no prob i'm glad you love it!

[CBT]

Hi, sailor! :wave:

[breeze]

Wait till those aeros break in!
It will be even louder! :rofl:

guess i gotta back my words up and shut you up!

[malibuguy]

aero turbines don't break in either unless you have the resonated ones...

[ctrlraven]

Oh how I love my car on a cold morning, exhaust is purrin and sounds like it's cammed until it starts to warm up. Wished it sounded like that all the time. lol

[breeze]

aero turbines don't break in either unless you have the resonated ones...

i have 3 or 4 ppl that heard the tone change got louder and "groggier". my car is a daily drive so i hear the tone change over time not something that just sits. I believe exhaust carbon glazes into some of the muffler baffle tabs which changes exhaust tone.

[DOOM]

aero turbines don't break in either unless you have the resonated ones...

That's what I tried to explain to SOMEONE here!!! :shake:

Some people you just can't reach.

The aeros that we all use (AT2525's) DO NOT BREAK IN!!! :shake:

[CNGInterceptor]

I can't wait for my Aero 2525s to arrive! I just sold my Kooks LTs in exchange for the new 03+ Stainless Works set - as there's a group buy on CVN. Hearing all you Marauder guys with them on Youtube has me excited even though I'm short 16 valves lmao

[CobraSVT657]

Bringing this back from the dead... Sent Malibuguy a PM about shipping me the tailpipe portion of your exhaust .. No reply. I would really like to address the exhaust before getting the car out in the spring and getting it tuned.

[musclemerc]

I'm wondering why he did'nt become a vendor and offer the setup that keeps the stock manifolds. It would be a good option for guy's that don't want headers.... LT or Shorty.

[CobraSVT657]

I'm wondering why he did'nt become a vendor and offer the setup that keeps the stock manifolds. It would be a good option for guy's that don't want headers.... LT or Shorty.

I brought that up before.... could have easily made some profit by shipping the kits... driving to MD wouldn't be practical for me.

[ctrlraven]

I'm wondering why he did'nt become a vendor and offer the setup that keeps the stock manifolds. It would be a good option for guy's that don't want headers.... LT or Shorty.
I've mentioned stuff to him about it all since he has the jigs and digitized the rear tail section. He is just an employee so I don't know who pay for the vendor fee and all.

I brought that up before.... could have easily made some profit by shipping the kits... driving to MD wouldn't be practical for me.
I'll talk with him this weekend about things.

[CobraSVT657]

I've mentioned stuff to him about it all since he has the jigs and digitized the rear tail section. He is just an employee so I don't know who pay for the vendor fee and all.

I'll talk with him this weekend about things.

That would be great :beer:

[4drcbra]

I had a guy do the same to mine. Sounds awesome!

[malibuguy]

all PMs replied. Sorry guys, I'm all over the place!

thanks chris for the heads up