Stainless Works Home Install

[joe mosely]

Got my exhaust system a week or so ago, finally had some time to get at it. With work, 4 kids and a shop full of torn apart Model A, its taking a bit longer to do than if a pro did it haha!

But since I have less brain than spare time, I figured I'd do it myself. My sister lives right across the street from me so I pulled it into her garage to do the install.

Overall I'm pretty happy with the kit, I went with a full system from headers to tips, with the cat delete option.

The only issues I'm having are: difficulty getting everything perfectly centered from the x pipe back (going back under it today to loosen everything and try adjusting); and the driver's side hanger doesn't seem quite right. Maybe when I get everything shifted over it'll make a difference, time will tell.

One question I have is about the "play" there seems to be. Is this the nature of a clamped system, or do I just need to get them tighter?

I like the headers, other than a lot of swearing every time I realized I had to remove something for clearance. They ended up going in all right. Would have been a lot easier probably if I had the car on a hoist.

[jsignorelli]

I had the advantage of a two post lift. Life is much easier with a lift. The entire install took a few hours as friends came by and beer was exchanged.

[justbob]

I used a two post and I've done hundreds of exhausts. With that said, this was the worst fitting one I've ever installed.. I got it perfect on the 3rd adjustment, except the muffler hangars that were way too short. All I can say is jack up the exhaust as high as you can with a couple jacks, don't be afraid of using a dead blow hammer, two 2 X 4's each one wedged between the driveshaft and the muffler to maintain even spacing, and tighten the clamps till they damn near break.

I personally know a handful of damn good guys in the last year that fought this system to get it to work so it is not you.

I'm about to cut my X pipe out and replace it with an H I think. The system lacks flanges for dis assembly so I will address that as well.

I made these to help with install, best $40 and 1 1/2 hours ever spent!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/aza9yde9.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/y8u5ery7.jpg

Finished. It took a lot of effort and persuasion to get it centered.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/rydusu2e.jpg


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[joe mosely]

Those jacks look like a great idea. My home shop is 24x30 with a 10' ceiling so space doesn't really allow for a lift.

I just signed a long term lease on a 50x80 shop with a high ceiling but my partner might raise his eyebrows and ask questions if I put a lift in it. Not much call for one when you spend your days in a hole doing concrete.

I'll get it figured out though. I know its taking a lot longer than it should but I'll get there.

I'll update in case anyone's interested.

[babbage]

wow I hope you like it loud! no cats + Full Sw exhaust may be loud. Which SW mufflers did you get?

I did the maucat install on my MM with just jackstands - 14 hours. ugg - but im very happy with their system, great quality.

[tbone]

The shop I went to had to install it twice. They had it off center by 2+ inches. The guy turned into a real dick when I told him to re-install it on center. Then the cat back section came off 4 times for my idiot transmission mechanic to do his thing. Each time I had to do the fine tuning to get the pipes where I wanted them and get the tips straight. The biggest problem I had was the pipe rubbing on the watts link and sending a highly annoying rattle throughout the entire car. Came and went. I actually resorted to trimming off a little piece of the watts link for clearance. The system needs some fine tuning for sure. The headers are problem free. The sound is fantastic. And no drone. The tips should be upgraded with the rounded off edges like OEM. Had a bad clamp and they sent me a new one no problem. Once everything is aligned properly and tightened there is no play.

So don't feel bad. You'll get it. Eventually.

[tbone]

I went cat free at first too. A little too loud and the exhaust stinks bad. Cats went on.

[joe mosely]

wow I hope you like it loud! no cats + Full Sw exhaust may be loud. Which SW mufflers did you get?

It seems quiet compared to my F350 (dpf delete with straight pipe is annoying loud), but other than firing it up I guess I'll have to see. I went with the turbo chambered mufflers.

[MOTOWN]

Couldn't have said it any better my self! Headers are golden, exhaust needs to be redesigned for better fitment, especially from the Xpipe back, which throws the entire exhaust off center, and the hangers please! what a joke!

[joe mosely]

So, any suggestions on improving the hangers myself?

[MOTOWN]

So, any suggestions on improving the hangers myself?

You can add spacer tubes to the hanger bracket so the hanger will actually reach.

[joe mosely]

Gotta go to the local supply shop this afternoon, will see if there's anything there that looks like it might work.

Thanks for the imput folks.

[tbone]

First guy cut one sides hanger because he was too far over. Then had to weld an extension on when he centered it right. If it's done right in the first place they should be ok. I finally used a jack to push up on the fully assembled exhaust while I rotated the hangers as far as I could to keep the pipe from rubbing on the Watts link. Good times.....

[joe mosely]

Yeah I'm currently rounding up all my neighbors' jacks and axle stands so I can loosen everything off and still position it at height.

Y'all would probably get a good chuckle watching what's going on here this afternoon!

[MOTOWN]

First guy cut one sides hanger because he was too far over. Then had to weld an extension on when he centered it right. If it's done right in the first place they should be ok. I finally used a jack to push up on the fully assembled exhaust while I rotated the hangers as far as I could to keep the pipe from rubbing on the Watts link. Good times.....

You mean if it was manufactured right??? say what you will the Xpipe is not right, and the flow tubes arent bent correctly! its not a bolt on system it has to be modified to fit at all.

[tbone]

Mine did not need to be modified. It needed to be persuaded like a beautiful woman....

[whitey]

If the kit doesn't match up properly, then why is stainless works so highly regarded? You would think that stainless works would fix the issues after years of producing this system, yet they fail to bend pipes the correct angles to make a system fit right the first time. Come on stainless works, put some pride in your work.

[joe mosely]

I want to clarify that I never started this thread to bash anyone's work haha. I was just looking for some tips on lining everything up properly.

If other owners/installers have had issues, that's a bit discouraging.

"Persuading" a beautiful woman: good way of putting it. But I prefer exhaust (and a woman) that is willing to begin with! ;)

[whitey]

I want to clarify that I never started this thread to bash anyone's work haha. I was just looking for some tips on lining everything up properly.

If other owners/installers have had issues, that's a bit discouraging.

"Persuading" a beautiful woman: good way of putting it. But I prefer exhaust (and a woman) that is willing to begin with! ;)

You dont have to bash, they'll bash themselves. Your story wasnt the first time it's happened, therefore it's not just a bad apple. They ought to rework their design to make stuff fit like it should. If i spent over a grand for something claimed to be 'bolt on', you bet your bottom dollar id want to just bolt it on, not have to rework existing bends so it can properly fit. I would've taken a picture and sent it to sw, tell them that this is what you guys sent me, and if they want i can post up negative reviews, or they can send me stuff that works right the first time. I understand that tweaking will be involved with any aftermarket exhaust system but its not just tweaking that needs to be done.

[babbage]

The SW "MAUCAT" long tube headers with 3" cats bolted right up to the factory catback perfectly. Zero fitment issues.

I have heard of others grumble about the fitment of the full SW kit, especially the cat back, best tip seems to be to loosen everything, brace support where needed and tighten the clamps till they almost break. When hot the whole exhaust grows up to 1/8" so leave a little room for expansion. I used some nice stainless walker band clamps to "bolt on" my new Borla mufflers, you could use before and after the mufflers, 4 more places to adjust... Good luck, post up some pics..

[tbone]

Not trying to "bash" them either. It probably fits together perfectly if you know the secrets or have done one a few times. If I had to do it over I would still buy the kit because in the end the results are simply awesome.

[MOTOWN]

Not trying to "bash" them either. It probably fits together perfectly if you know the secrets or have done one a few times. If I had to do it over I would still buy the kit because in the end the results are simply awesome.

It amazes me on how some assume this is an installers error, or you just have to "know what your doing" ive only been a certified master mechanic over 20 years now, and have installed more exhaust systems than i can count.

The bottom line here is that the stainless works full exhaust is ok, but it could be perfect if they would take the time address the same fitment issues that arise time, and time again, you have excellent wrenchers like "Justbob" who put a six speed manual in his car, but had the same fitment issues as i did! and so did "Jhonn E" in texas on his whippled marauder, when i got my system it came with the flow tubes marked incorrectly, the Xpipe was wayyy off, and the drivers side hanger was 2-3" too short, this was confirmed by at the shop the exhaust had to be heated up and bent, and spacer tubes had to be added to the drivers side hanger to get it to fit. the system needs to be corrected by stainless works, and this is a well known fact especially by most who have done their own installs on the catted exhaust.

[joe mosely]

No finished pics yet, but a short vid after the headers were on. Wife was the wheelman here. Gotta fix that saggy ass bumper!

http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae318/nolequiring/marauder/th_MVI_1386.jpg (http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae318/nolequiring/marauder/MVI_1386.mp4)

[justbob]

It amazes me on how some assume this is an installers error, or you just have to "know what your doing" ive only been a certified master mechanic over 20 years now, and have installed more exhaust systems than i can count.



The bottom line here is that the stainless works full exhaust is ok, but it could be perfect if they would take the time address the same fitment issues that arise time, and time again, you have excellent wrenchers like "Justbob" who put a six speed manual in his car, but had the same fitment issues as i did! and so did "Jhonn E" in texas on his whippled marauder, when i got my system it came with the flow tubes marked incorrectly, the Xpipe was wayyy off, and the drivers side hanger was 2-3" too short, this was confirmed by at the shop the exhaust had to be heated up and bent, and spacer tubes had to be added to the drivers side hanger to get it to fit. the system needs to be corrected by stainless works, and this is a well known fact especially by most who have done their own installs on the catted exhaust.


Thanks Roger, ^^^ my point exactly. Ask anyone that knows either of us and they will tell you our patience level is off the charts high. We will take the time, buy the tool, do our own research, and don't accept can't, don't, or won't. Hell, that's what motivates us! :D

Bottom line, not impressed for something that should be fine tuned after so long. I saved a long time for this and I'm happy with the end results, but I would not hesitate to give others a heads up. Let me also reiterate that this applies to the cat back only as the headers were a piece of cake and of great quality.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[MOTOWN]

Thanks Roger, ^^^ my point exactly. Ask anyone that knows either of us and they will tell you our patience level is off the charts high. We will take the time, buy the tool, do our own research, and don't accept can't, don't, or won't. Hell, that's what motivates us! :D

Bottom line, not impressed for something that should be fine tuned after so long. I saved a long time for this and I'm happy with the end results, but I would not hesitate to give others a heads up. Let me also reiterate that this applies to the cat back only as the headers were a piece of cake and of great quality.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

I 1000% percent agree with your statement Bob! you, Me (lol) and Zack are some of my favorite wrenchers!

[Seneca]

I can relate also to the stainless works hangers. I thought maybe it was because I had an early kit. Guess not.

[VMARAUDER]

Had fitment issues too with mine, it is virtually impossible to unless you have car overhead. I think that the X pipe and the 2 lead pipes ( the pipes that connect the cats to the X pipe ) need to be adjusted to start. Finally got mine done at Velasquez Muffler but still a little off center. Looking at JustBobs picture, he must be some sort of genius. Maybe I can get him to make mine look perfect

[Guittard22]

I used a two post and I've done hundreds of exhausts. With that said, this was the worst fitting one I've ever installed.. I got it perfect on the 3rd adjustment, except the muffler hangars that were way too short. All I can say is jack up the exhaust as high as you can with a couple jacks, don't be afraid of using a dead blow hammer, two 2 X 4's each one wedged between the driveshaft and the muffler to maintain even spacing, and tighten the clamps till they damn near break.

I personally know a handful of damn good guys in the last year that fought this system to get it to work so it is not you.

I'm about to cut my X pipe out and replace it with an H I think. The system lacks flanges for dis assembly so I will address that as well.

I made these to help with install, best $40 and 1 1/2 hours ever spent!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/aza9yde9.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/y8u5ery7.jpg

Finished. It took a lot of effort and persuasion to get it centered.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/rydusu2e.jpg


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"



You have the bottom of your marauder Sprayed with a Coating? Looks super clean :)

[tbone]

It amazes me on how some assume this is an installers error, or you just have to "know what your doing" ive only been a certified master mechanic over 20 years now, and have installed more exhaust systems than i can count.

The bottom line here is that the stainless works full exhaust is ok, but it could be perfect if they would take the time address the same fitment issues that arise time, and time again, you have excellent wrenchers like "Justbob" who put a six speed manual in his car, but had the same fitment issues as i did! and so did "Jhonn E" in texas on his whippled marauder, when i got my system it came with the flow tubes marked incorrectly, the Xpipe was wayyy off, and the drivers side hanger was 2-3" too short, this was confirmed by at the shop the exhaust had to be heated up and bent, and spacer tubes had to be added to the drivers side hanger to get it to fit. the system needs to be corrected by stainless works, and this is a well known fact especially by most who have done their own installs on the catted exhaust.


Well mine didn't need all THAT to finally make it fit the way I like, hence my comment that maybe it just needs some practice. So don't bash me because I wasn't willing to totally throw SW under the bus.

[MOTOWN]

Well mine didn't need all THAT to finally make it fit the way I like, hence my comment that maybe it just needs some practice. So don't bash me because I wasn't willing to totally throw SW under the bus.

No one is bashing you, chill out bud! And how am I throwing stainless works under the bus by telling the truth about the installation of their exhaust?

[joe mosely]

Had fitment issues too with mine, it is virtually impossible to unless you have car overhead.

Unfortunately not an option for me, so I'm gonna have to prove you wrong :D.

Back at it tonight, yesterday ended up being a wash. Cleaning out the basement is apparently more important on a Sunday afternoon.

I think she might be starting to think I'm not actually working on the car when I go in the shop these days haha.

[justbob]

You have the bottom of your marauder Sprayed with a Coating? Looks super clean :)


Thanks. Nothing special, just truck Bedliner brush/roll on coating. I had the under body almost 100% stripped, I figured perfect time to spruce up.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[tbone]

No one is bashing you, chill out bud! And how am I throwing stainless works under the bus by telling the truth about the installation of their exhaust?


You seem really angry about it. You had a worse install than others. It happens.

[MOTOWN]

You seem really angry about it. You had a worse install than others. It happens.

Has nothing to do with being angry, but everything with informing others of what to beware of should they go this route, and the whole "angry" thing is so played out on this site everytime someone disagrees with someone, were you angry when everyone told you your mechanical fuel pressure gauge was not so brite, or your oil temp gauge:confused::flamer:

[joe mosely]

Update: its done.

Spent a couple hours tonight under the car, loosened everything off from the front of the mufflers to the headers. Supported the mufflers on a couple of axle stands, and started tweaking. It actually wasn't too bad, but probably took longer than it should have. Mostly because every time I tightened down a clamp, I got back out and eyeballed everything from the rear of the car.

After everything was tightened down and I was satisfied with the position of the tips (coming out of the bumper cutouts) I dropped it on the ground and fired it up.

As others have stated, I think the driver's side muffler clamp/hanger could use a little more length. It doesn't seem to want to stay seated in its mount.

After running it, the pipes seemed to settle a bit, and I found the driver's side tip to be projecting past the bumper plastic a little more than the passenger side. Easy fix, just tweak a little again and re clamp.

Hopefully all is good now, gonna take it out and drive it tomorrow to make sure there are no clearance issues or anything.

These might be stating the obvious, seasoned vets of exhaust installs might laugh. But I made a short list of things I learned and might help anyone else that has never installed their own before.

1: Find a buddy with a hoist and buy him as much beer as you need to use it! I did it all on my back and lost a lot of skin and still have a goose egg on my forehead from a 1/2" drive with a 15mm socket hitting me when I forgot I was working upside down :o. *Marty-O made this suggestion to me before I started and I foolishly didn't listen.

2: Before installing anything on the car, dry fit all connections and mark the pipes with a sharpie. Mark the farthest point they fit together, and put the measurement on it. Just a reference for the final fit so you know how far the connection is slid together.

3: Beg borrow or steal as many axle stands as you can (if you're doing it the hard way without a hoist). This made final adjustments much easier tonight, much easier than trying to muscle the x pipe while holding the tailpipe off the ground with your foot.

4: Whisky. Whatever kind you like. I like bourbon myself.

After I take it out for the maiden voyage, I'm going to put it back on the stands and check everything out again: clearance, clamp tightness, etc. I spent waaaay too much on this to have part of it fall off while I'm driving.

Last thing, it sounds BAD@$$. At least at idle and the short romp it got on my sister's driveway. She was asleep when I finished and her truck was parked in my way to get it into the street.

[loud2004marquis]

Congrats!

Hope it all worked out alright, it's gotta feel good knowing how much money you saved by installing it yourself. Sounds like a heck of an accomplishment to do without a lift!

[tbone]

Has nothing to do with being angry, but everything with informing others of what to beware of should they go this route, and the whole "angry" thing is so played out on this site everytime someone disagrees with someone, were you angry when everyone told you your mechanical fuel pressure gauge was not so brite, or your oil temp gauge:confused::flamer:

You still sound angry.

(I installed the oil temp gauge and I love it.)

[tbone]

Last thing, it sounds BAD@$$. At least at idle and the short romp it got on my sister's driveway. She was asleep when I finished and her truck was parked in my way to get it into the street.

I knew you would get it. Good job.

The pipes also expand and move around when they get hot, so you may find that they will need some twerking.....I mean tweaking, after they get nice and hot.

[martyo]

I knew you would get it. Good job.

The pipes also expand and move around when they get hot, so you may find that they will need some twerking.....I mean tweaking, after they get nice and hot.

Twerking always gets me hot.

[tbone]

Has nothing to do with being angry, but everything with informing others of what to beware of should they go this route, and the whole "angry" thing is so played out on this site everytime someone disagrees with someone, were you angry when everyone told you your mechanical fuel pressure gauge was not so brite, or your oil temp gauge:confused::flamer:

PS

FYI

Bright vs. brite

Bright is the standard spelling of the the adjective with various senses having to do with (1) fullness of light, (2) promise and hope, (3) happiness, and (4) intelligence. Brite is not a word recognized by English reference sources. It’s sometimes used in place of bright in product names, but there is no reason to use it in place of bright anywhere else.

[MOTOWN]

PS

FYI

Bright vs. brite

Bright is the standard spelling of the the adjective with various senses having to do with (1) fullness of light, (2) promise and hope, (3) happiness, and (4) intelligence. Brite is not a word recognized by English reference sources. It’s sometimes used in place of bright in product names, but there is no reason to use it in place of bright anywhere else.

Shouldnt you be using your infinite wisdom to complete your eaton swap:confused:

[tbone]

Shouldnt you be using your infinite wisdom to complete your eaton swap:confused:


Just messin' with you. You seem to enjoy messin' with me. ;)

To answer your question, I need another car first.

[MOTOWN]

Just messin' with you. You seem to enjoy messin' with me. ;)

To answer your question, I need another car first.

You've figured me out! Lol looking forward to seeing your project completed

[justbob]

You still sound angry.

(I installed the oil temp gauge and I love it.)


I remember a day not too long ago when you weren't very happy with yours Tom. Time gone by doesn't help some as much as others. What was it? Oh yeah, "I've had to go back and adjust that **** three times! I think I got it now?"

Between that and the trans guy who hired, you had a hell of a bad year.




Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[tbone]

True, but I didn't go out of my way to bash SW. I had a hard time with it and I solved the problem. In fact, I adjusted it more than three times and I still have to go back in and replace the bad clamp they sent me for free.

Trans guy? Yeah, f*** him. He was an idiot. But he's not a vendor on here.

[tbone]

This is a pic of the very first time the system was installed in 2012. You can see how far off it was. It is now nearly perfectly centered with no special welding or extensions or anything. It was just a matter of massaging it in to the correct position and trimming a little piece off the watts link, which I will replace when funds allow with the Metco billet system, which was the plan anyway. I don't have after pics.

[joe mosely]

Looks like the same hanger problem I've got on my driver's side. Now that I got it shifted over, it definitely fits better, but it seems to still want to move itself. Gonna keep an eye on it, if needed I guess extension like has been suggested.

Too bad we got a mini blizzard here today, was looking forward to taking it out for a run.

[joe mosely]

But I installed the hangers so they came to the underside of the mufflers.

[justbob]

True, but I didn't go out of my way to bash SW. I had a hard time with it and I solved the problem. In fact, I adjusted it more than three times and I still have to go back in and replace the bad clamp they sent me for free.

Trans guy? Yeah, f*** him. He was an idiot. But he's not a vendor on here.


Not so much bashing, but warning others this is not like most systems that go in on the first try and fit. Having done it now and knowing the problem areas still doesn't make me want to give a good install price. Yeah, this definitely falls into T&M..

As for your watts link, I know exactly what you are referring to and that was already built to cheapest standards. Other problem is the Metco is even wider.

I know with mine being lowered, getting it to clear the watts was a serious PITA! I finally got it to slide just enough forward to clear it after I trimmed a 1/2" or so off one of the pipes.

The trick I used on the X pipe was inserting the lead pipes and a jack between them (on the ground) and put pressure on them, release, repeat. That stretched it ever so slightly and allowed it to track straighter.

Still amazes how much it expands out the back when hot.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[tbone]

Oh, I forgot that I too had to cut the pipe to move forward a little to help clear the watts link.
You're right. You think you got it and then it expands a lot to the rear and starts rubbing.

[tbone]

Looks like the same hanger problem I've got on my driver's side. Now that I got it shifted over, it definitely fits better, but it seems to still want to move itself. Gonna keep an eye on it, if needed I guess extension like has been suggested.

Too bad we got a mini blizzard here today, was looking forward to taking it out for a run.

Push the entire system up at the rear with some adjustable stands about as far as it will go. Mine was on the ground so I used one jackstand to lift the car and one to lift the pipes. Turn the hangers as far as you can putting pressure on them and the rubber hangers. 2 people helps. Tighten the holy bejeezus out of them. I haven't had a problem since.

If when you drive it you suddenly hear some god awful vibration resonating throughout the car, your pipes have expanded rearwards and are rubbing on the watts link. Take off the pipe that goes over the axle on the passenger side and trim an inch or so off the rear of the muffler flange, so the pipe can move forward. You may need to trim a little off the watts. It's a C channel. They don't take a lot of pressure so it shouldn't be a big deal.

[babbage]

good info. The sw catback may not be perfect but its still the best exhaust you can get.

[joe mosely]

Maiden voyage complete. Didn't lose any pieces, nothing banging underneath. No leaks that I've found, so pretty happy with the end result. I did notice a low vibrating buzz towards the end, if I was idling or turning slowly. Gotta get under it again and check the clearance as suggested. Passenger side tip has migrated up slightly, and is just touching the plastic.

It sounds good, after the comment about noise with the cats deleted I was a little worried. But its ok just driving around, and when on the throttle its much much better :D.

[loud2004marquis]

Passenger side tip has migrated up slightly, and is just touching the plastic.

Just got dual exhaust put on my Grand Marquis and the tips were touching the bumper cover. There was a vibrating/buzzing on cold starts...Had to bend the tip hangers a little to just clear the bumper and noise is gone.

[babbage]

Maiden voyage complete. Didn't lose any pieces, nothing banging underneath. No leaks that I've found, so pretty happy with the end result. I did notice a low vibrating buzz towards the end, if I was idling or turning slowly. Gotta get under it again and check the clearance as suggested. Passenger side tip has migrated up slightly, and is just touching the plastic.

It sounds good, after the comment about noise with the cats deleted I was a little worried. But its ok just driving around, and when on the throttle its much much better :D.

Cool, glad you got it all installed and setup well. This upgrade definitely has teeth! Gains can be had of 22-25 hp and almost as much torque.

[joe mosely]

Just got dual exhaust put on my Grand Marquis and the tips were touching the bumper cover. There was a vibrating/buzzing on cold starts...Had to bend the tip hangers a little to just clear the bumper and noise is gone.

That's what I was going to try first. It doesn't sound metallic. Just waiting to get it back from the dealer today. Crushed the power steering line into the front of the rack and figured I'd let the pros fix that one.

[tbone]

A deep well socket and handle is a good tool for bending those hangers. They are very, very strong, and space is limited. I fudged around with this issue a lot too.

Did you get a whiff of the exhaust without the cats? I am very sensitive to stinky fumes and put them on because of it.

[martyo]

A deep well socket and handle is a good tool for bending those hangers. They are very, very strong, and space is limited. I fudged around with this issue a lot too.

Heat is your friend when instaling any exhaust.

[tbone]

If you have a torch and a "speed shop".

Not to mention a lift that magically raises your car 7 feet in the air. ;)

[justbob]

Maiden voyage complete. Didn't lose any pieces, nothing banging underneath. No leaks that I've found, so pretty happy with the end result. I did notice a low vibrating buzz towards the end, if I was idling or turning slowly. Gotta get under it again and check the clearance as suggested. Passenger side tip has migrated up slightly, and is just touching the plastic.



It sounds good, after the comment about noise with the cats deleted I was a little worried. But its ok just driving around, and when on the throttle its much much better :D.


Murphy's law..

If the tip is up, then the muffler is down.




Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[tbone]

I can never get the passenger side pipe up as high as I want so I have to mess with the hanger to keep the tip where I want it.

[martyo]

If you have a torch and a "speed shop".

Not to mention a lift that magically raises your car 7 feet in the air. ;)

I wish my lifts went that high - it would keep me from bonking my tater all the time! :P

[tbone]

My "lift" consists of 2 hydraulic jacks, 4 jack stands and 2 ramps I never use. Oh, and painters tarps to lay on.
My "torch" is a propane POS for soldering copper pipe, etc.
My "speed shop" is a 1 car garage stuffed with tools on both sides. And a stereo, a flat screen, satellite and of course a frig for cold ones. I manage.

[martyo]

My "lift" consists of 2 hydraulic jacks, 4 jack stands and 2 ramps I never use. Oh, and painters tarps to lay on.
My "torch" is a propane POS for soldering copper pipe, etc.
My "speed shop" is a 1 car garage stuffed with tools on both sides. And a stereo, a flat screen, satellite and of course a frig for cold ones. I manage.

Sounds like a happy Man Cave to me!

[tbone]

I wish it was about 4 feet wider.

[martyo]

I wish it was about 4 feet wider.

When I loved in New York my car was the perfect size. For a Model T!!! :rolleyes:

Come South and you can hang out and put your car up and down as many times asd you like. No charge!

[justbob]

It's all about priorities friend! I paid $1,000.00 for mine and paid it off in two small side jobs three weeks later!

Seriously, outside of the car, hopefully soon another much, much older car, and tools, I have ZERO life... As long as my tools make me money, I'll purchase just about any I can get my hands on. If only my tool made me money in porn, I'd at least get a thrill out of torquing her.. :)


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[joe mosely]

Well, I've just gotten myself a new 50x80 shop, and hopefully going to be adding a lift sometime soon. Working out of my 24x30 garage (or my sister's across the street) is tight with all my other hobbies. My shop is 50% wrenching, 50% gunsmithing, and 100% junk pile.

If I had the know how to go with the new space I'd be set!

[joe mosely]

Murphy's law..

If the tip is up, then the muffler is down.

Yeah, still need to get it back up and go re adjust and re tighten everything.

[joe mosely]

Did you get a whiff of the exhaust without the cats? I am very sensitive to stinky fumes and put them on because of it.

Yup. Its awesome.

[Finally]

Ok so through out this thread it always comes down to having to always re-adjust the exhaust beacuse it expands after it get hot sometimes adjusting it several times.
Is this just a quality of stainless or beacuse it's not a welded up system,the last 3" exhaust I built for my 64 fairlane all mandrel and cut and welded together over the axel out the back never had to be touched,non stainless.

[tbone]

Ok so through out this thread it always comes down to having to always re-adjust the exhaust beacuse it expands after it get hot sometimes adjusting it several times.
Is this just a quality of stainless or beacuse it's not a welded up system,the last 3" exhaust I built for my 64 fairlane all mandrel and cut and welded together over the axel out the back never had to be touched,non stainless.

Custom built with your car on the rack is always optimal. And expensive. Unless you do it yourself.

[tbone]

It all comes down to the fact that the SW system is excellent but could use some tweaking by them to make it easier to install right the first time.

[Finally]

Custom built with your car on the rack is always optimal. And expensive. Unless you do it yourself.

Self done with the help of a friend including the headers,no hoist.but don't have the same enthusiasm now but would with a hoist for sure ,so if I pay a good dollar for a exhaust system it had better fit with no modifications required,and from the grumbling I read here on fitment issues I don't think I would consider their exhaust system but still will at some point get a set of headers from them.
I hope they have been informed of these issues and and are working towards a fix for the issues.

[jwibbity]

Custom built with your car on the rack is always optimal. And expensive. Unless you do it yourself.

theres a place in maryland that will do for 600-700 bucks if you supply cats, mufflers, and tips with a one day turn around

[martyo]

Self done with the help of a friend including the headers,no hoist.but don't have the same enthusiasm now but would with a hoist for sure ,so if I pay a good dollar for a exhaust system it had better fit with no modifications required,and from the grumbling I read here on fitment issues I don't think I would consider their exhaust system but still will at some point get a set of headers from them.
I hope they have been informed of these issues and and are working towards a fix for the issues.

Their headers fit like a glove.

Every single car is a "little" different. When you add all of thise little differences up, it is pretty much impossible to get everytyhing to fit perfectly as a mail order kit.

Personally, our shop likes their products and compared to what is out there the products are top notch.

[Finally]

Their headers fit like a glove.

Every single car is a "little" different. When you add all of thise little differences up, it is pretty much impossible to get everytyhing to fit perfectly as a mail order kit.

Personally, our shop likes their products and compared to what is out there the products are top notch.

Thanks for your respected input Marty,did I read somewhere that they have options on mufflers ?

[martyo]

Thanks for your respected input Marty,did I read somewhere that they have options on mufflers ?

Tony, I think so.

[djs2000mgm]

Thanks Roger, ^^^ my point exactly. Ask anyone that knows either of us and they will tell you our patience level is off the charts high. We will take the time, buy the tool, do our own research, and don't accept can't, don't, or won't. Hell, that's what motivates us! :D

Bottom line, not impressed for something that should be fine tuned after so long. I saved a long time for this and I'm happy with the end results, but I would not hesitate to give others a heads up. Let me also reiterate that this applies to the cat back only as the headers were a piece of cake and of great quality.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

So, reviving a bit of a dead thread, I ran into a few of the same issues with their 98-02 catback on my grand marquis. I did manage to get most of it adjusted in the end, and I get SW is a vendor here, so I don't want to sound like I'm bashing them, but my experience was quite different than what I'd expected from various forum posts.

My tip hangars were too short, so they wound up hugging up against the bumper cover. The other part of the tip hangar had to be cut so it didn't hit up against the frame. Also, my drivers side over axle pipe was definitely a tight fit around the watts link. It was hitting the watts link/gas tank originally, I disassembled the catback, reassembled, and wound up with about half an inch of clearance.

Overall, the quality of the kit was pretty good, but there are a number of little tolerance issues that could've been sorted out.