One way to handle this would be to add a coupling (e.g. v-band) into the vehicle's current exhaust system where the downpipe will connect. There would be more welding involved but it would be reversible as well since the y-pipe could be bolted back in. This could be done at a muffler shop pre turbo install with no need for a tow.
Bolt on turbo kit (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter scottryana
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ya, if the kit included some parts to temporarily get the exhaust fitted so I can have it running, and just need to drive to a shop for welding, that sounds like a much more doable plan than paying someone to haul it twice.
Also suggest partnering up with someone and having a complete aftermarket exhaust kit that bolts right on. i bet quite a few would go this route, especially if you show dyno results proving it gives you some more power
Also suggest partnering up with someone and having a complete aftermarket exhaust kit that bolts right on. i bet quite a few would go this route, especially if you show dyno results proving it gives you some more power
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I think for the guys who will need to tow their truck to a welder mid install is a SMALL price to pay for Joey building an awesome RELIABLE and cost effective Turbo kit for 20+ year old Trucks. Check with your insurance agent, you might get one free tow a year.
Around $4-5k for a turbo kit that comes from such a reputable and reliable guy is a steal. And I am sure there are already 25 serious guys who dont care about the potential weld part of the install and the kit will sell out anyway.
Around $4-5k for a turbo kit that comes from such a reputable and reliable guy is a steal. And I am sure there are already 25 serious guys who dont care about the potential weld part of the install and the kit will sell out anyway.
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With a template or jig to tell us *exactly* where to cut, otherwise we could be opening up a whole new can of worms.
Yeah, a standardized location for the coupling would be necessary. A section of flex pipe would allow some wiggle room.
I don't get the comments about towing to a shop being such a detriment to forgo getting the turbo. If towing is such and expense just get a AAA membership and call them to tow it. Sure the AAA costs some money but it at least gives you a year in case you break down and need another tow in the future.
They have cracked down SO hard on refusing to tow ANY car or truck with any modifications
NLXTACY
Wits' End
Really? Didn't realize that - I have been towed a few times with AAA but just have 33 inch tires - no lift or bumpers yet. Haven't looked into the fine print but never had to. I would guess a private tow wouldn't be too pricey unless you had to be towed a long way and would think that private tow companies would be more willing to work with modded vehicles. Maybe I am wrong? If you couldn't get a tow at all and needed some welding maybe a welder would be willing to come the house and do it there?
NLXTACY
Wits' End
No issues 
I didn't say it was impossible. Just that they are cracking down. There is always a way.
These trucks are 20+ years old now, how many potential buyers are running 100% stock exhaust? I've never expected this to tie perfectly into my exhaust without some cutting/welding required. I think its unrealistic to expect that a turbo kit be a seamless bolt on with these trucks. This is a non issue for me. A $5k meticulously engineered and much needed turbo kit, linking up the exhaust end is a non issue. Get that downpipe in the ballpark and Ill do the rest. Keep up the good work @NLXTACY , can't wait to see the final product!
jjdeneen918
SILVER Star
I’ve had no issues with AAA, the few times I’ve used it.
The private tow contractor, that AAA sends is happy to tow with AAA paying the bill.
I just always tell them it’s all-wheel drive & send a flat bed. And they do.
I’ve never had the tow guy ask why it’s being towed. I just tell AAA, on the phone, if they ask, that it’s running rough intermittently.
No issues. But I’d still like to save my tows for emergencies.
The private tow contractor, that AAA sends is happy to tow with AAA paying the bill.
I just always tell them it’s all-wheel drive & send a flat bed. And they do.
I’ve never had the tow guy ask why it’s being towed. I just tell AAA, on the phone, if they ask, that it’s running rough intermittently.
No issues. But I’d still like to save my tows for emergencies.
Solid response. This board loves OEM. I love OEM. However, the passage of time is dictating other alternatives and we'll be better off as a community with a strong vendor network!
I really don’t get all this drama about a tow ?
8 years ago, when I swapped my motor, because of a bad HG, I had to cut a down pipe just before the headers because of rust. When I was all ready to go, I simply drove the rig to an exhaust place about three miles away and had them weld in the missing piece.
Yes, it prob wasn’t legal and it wasn’t exactly quiet but it was no big deal. The exhaust shop welded it together and I was good.
I guess if your nearest exhaust place is 40 miles away, it could be a problem but...live a little....take a chance....what can go wrong ?
Yeah, I know, famous last words.....
Joey is ‘doing the Lord’s work’ here and I certainly don’t want this to derail him.
8 years ago, when I swapped my motor, because of a bad HG, I had to cut a down pipe just before the headers because of rust. When I was all ready to go, I simply drove the rig to an exhaust place about three miles away and had them weld in the missing piece.
Yes, it prob wasn’t legal and it wasn’t exactly quiet but it was no big deal. The exhaust shop welded it together and I was good.
I guess if your nearest exhaust place is 40 miles away, it could be a problem but...live a little....take a chance....what can go wrong ?
Yeah, I know, famous last words.....
Joey is ‘doing the Lord’s work’ here and I certainly don’t want this to derail him.
Everyone needs to drive open headers/manifolds once in their life.......at least.
SteelHunterFJ80
SILVER Star
Insurance companies often offer towing if you get roadside assistance added. Cheap too
NLXTACY
Wits' End
The last piece of the puzzle on my 68 Camaro RS/SS 396 was the exhaust. I had none. I drove open headers to the muffler shop 6 blocks from my house. I got pulled AS I was pulling into the shop's driveway. The only reason the cop didn't cite me, but I still got scolded, was that the shop had an appointment for me and the owner came out and plead my case.
NLXTACY
Wits' End
So I'm not 100% sure if I am going to do anything about it BUT the AC line does run kinda close to the J-Pipe. There is heat shielding already over the line but now I'm considering adding another layer. The test mule hasn't seen an AC issue but its not using the production J-pipe. But i did want to bring this up.
