In need of complete 1996 LX450 exaust system

[Gaspump guy]

I need some help...My exhaust on my 96 LX450 is on its last leg. I am in need of everything from the manifold back. I had saved the link from here awhile back that gave detailed info from part manufactures name to part number and everything. If anyone can help with this info as to what they have done to upgrade or replace their exhaust, please let me know. Header info would be nice as well. Any body have any old exhaust parts would help as well.
thanks

 

[john_eckels]

Start by searching for Bosal in this forum. This seems to be a relatively low cost bolt on solution. There are lots of other options you may want to look at too.

 

[OhioCruiser]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/ih8mud-com-vendor-marketplace/323450-fzj80-exhaust-upgrade.html

 

[fzjconvert]

The above link is really the best option for the money. Here is a link to his web page.

FZJ80 Header-Back Exhaust (1993-1997) - $950.00 : EMSPowered, High Quality, Great Service, Low Prices

 

[jlg32281]

Most competent muffler shops can make you a custom exhaust system for around $500.

 

[fzjconvert]

Most competent muffler shops can make you a custom exhaust system for around $500.

Yeah but is won't be near the quality, have a flex joint, over the frame and completely stoneless steel for $500.

 

[Ebag333]

Yeah but is won't be near the quality, have a flex joint, over the frame and completely stoneless steel for $500.

And there's more than one grade of stainless steel as well....

 

[zx9r]

aaaahhh....another grand to set aside...I can't afford to visit this forum anymore!

Wish I had discovered this before doing various patches to my exhaust over the past couple years (but I guess this hasn't been available for too long anyway). I've already replaced the two down tubes from the manifold to the cats and then between the cats and the resonator with a non-OEM off-the-shelf can muffler. But since the connections on both ends of the cats are getting so weak, I will need to replace them very soon so maybe I'll do the whole system instead.

Guess I'm just looking for an endorsement from someone who's actually installed this before I make the leap... I'll be putting it on a '94.

Also a couple specific questions:
1) is all the hw stainless also, or just the pipes themselves?
2) the '94 has two O2 sensors but the pics only show the port for one. Does that require a little rewiring or does a version for the '94 have two ports?

 

[Ebag333]

Guess I'm just looking for an endorsement from someone who's actually installed this before I make the leap... I'll be putting it on a '94.

Also a couple specific questions:
1) is all the hw stainless also, or just the pipes themselves?
2) the '94 has two O2 sensors but the pics only show the port for one. Does that require a little rewiring or does a version for the '94 have two ports?

The setup is designed for OBD-II trucks with an O2 sensor before and after the cats, with both cats inline.

You would need to have bungs for the O2 sensors welded in the Y pipe to accomodate the side-by-side O2 sensors. Shouldn't be difficult (or that expensive) for an exhaust shop to adapt.

AFAIK everything on it is stainless. It's all very very high quality. I guess that'd count as an endorsement from someone who has it on their truck.

 

[NKP Garage]

aaaahhh....another grand to set aside...I can't afford to visit this forum anymore!

Wish I had discovered this before doing various patches to my exhaust over the past couple years (but I guess this hasn't been available for too long anyway). I've already replaced the two down tubes from the manifold to the cats and then between the cats and the resonator with a non-OEM off-the-shelf can muffler. But since the connections on both ends of the cats are getting so weak, I will need to replace them very soon so maybe I'll do the whole system instead.

Guess I'm just looking for an endorsement from someone who's actually installed this before I make the leap... I'll be putting it on a '94.

Also a couple specific questions:
1) is all the hw stainless also, or just the pipes themselves?
2) the '94 has two O2 sensors but the pics only show the port for one. Does that require a little rewiring or does a version for the '94 have two ports?

The setup is designed for OBD-II trucks with an O2 sensor before and after the cats, with both cats inline.

You would need to have bungs for the O2 sensors welded in the Y pipe to accomodate the side-by-side O2 sensors. Shouldn't be difficult (or that expensive) for an exhaust shop to adapt.

AFAIK everything on it is stainless. It's all very very high quality. I guess that'd count as an endorsement from someone who has it on their truck.

We can set them up for both 93/94 trucks and 95-97 trucks. It's simply different locations for the O2 sensor bungs. on the 93/94 setup you have to get the entire header-back setup. On the 95-97 trucks you can purchase either the full header-back setup, cat-back, or just the y-pipe/cat section. And yes, everything is stainless.

When ordering, just let us know whether it's for a 93/94 truck or a 95-97. If you don't note it on your order we'll usually contact you and ask.

 

[Ebag333]

We can set them up for both 93/94 trucks and 95-97 trucks. It's simply different locations for the O2 sensor bungs. on the 93/94 setup you have to get the entire header-back setup. On the 95-97 trucks you can purchase either the full header-back setup, cat-back, or just the y-pipe/cat section. And yes, everything is stainless.

The other option would be if you wanted to remove the PAIR system. Get the exhaust with no bungs, and simply use the existing bungs for the PAIR valves for your O2 sensors. There's a couple threads on it.

Obviously all the bits about removing emissions stuff applies (legal, etc). Personally, I'd remove the PAIR system if I had a '93/'94, and replacing the exhaust would the be perfect opportunity to.

 

[1973Guppie]

I would like to do one of these exhaust someday, I just had my muffler replaced to the tune of $200 at midas, they did a s***ty job and the muffler is not hanging down ridiculously low and ready to catch rocks or a stray cat. I will probably go this route when my cats take a crap on me someday.

 

[zx9r]

The other option would be if you wanted to remove the PAIR system. Get the exhaust with no bungs, and simply use the existing bungs for the PAIR valves for your O2 sensors. There's a couple threads on it.

Obviously all the bits about removing emissions stuff applies (legal, etc). Personally, I'd remove the PAIR system if I had a '93/'94, and replacing the exhaust would the be perfect opportunity to.

Thanks for the opinions Ebag. I just skimmed thru your thread about removing the EGR system...exciting stuff. I have to agree with you that the less junk around the piston, intake and exhaust the better. It's amazing how much the basic engine is no different for half a century other than all the plumbing, sensors, vacuum lines, etc. Not really sure how tough the tests are here in NY though since I'm not a native and haven't paid enough attention to how the inspections are done (unlike other states I've lived in, where you can just drive in and wait/watch, in the the years I've been up here you need a full appointment as if you are having the transmission rebuilt or something and have to pick the truck up half a day later...)

So I'll have to dig into it more. I didn't up with anything when searching PAIR valve O2 sensor. Is there more to the story than your EGR elimination quest? Not sure what you mean about reusing the bungs when they aren't on the pipes... Even if I did have them on the new pipes, would they not be easy enough to plug if the O2 sensors were not used?

 

[Marc311]

I am going through this now. I really considered the EMS exhaust but I also really want the stock sound. So I purchased an OEM muffler (to the tune of $470, although cheaper from CDan but shipping was prohibitive). I am going to have a local shop do the Y pipes in stainless and replace (and turn) the cats, which will be aftermarket. If I can keep the tailpipe/resonator, I will. If not, I will have the local shop fab up a replacement. OEM was almost $300 from local dealers. I've seen it online for $175ish and I think that is about Dan's price, but again shipping is a problem.

Hopefully I will end up with a stainless exhaust with OEM sound, but it is still going to cost me about $1000. So I think the EMS price is right in line and likely better quality in many ways. If I recall Ebag's review right, it is a little louder than stock. I still may just go with the EMS Y-pipe and cat for $495 and use it with my new OEM muffler and buy a secondary cat. I like the idea of the flex pipes.

 

[zx9r]

I don't remember what my stock set up sounded like any longer since I had an aftermarket muffler cut in. Definitely louder but that's all I can say.

Maybe baktasht can comment on the new mufflers they are now evaluating will compare.

Surprised you will need a new resonator. I'm in upstate NY which has reeked havoc on the underside of my cruiser. The only thing underneath that still looks good is the stainless resonator... I'll have a mess to clean up with all the rotted heat shields once I take the exhaust down. Haven't figured out what I'm going to do about fixing or replacing them yet...

 

[Ebag333]

So I'll have to dig into it more. I didn't up with anything when searching PAIR valve O2 sensor. Is there more to the story than your EGR elimination quest? Not sure what you mean about reusing the bungs when they aren't on the pipes... Even if I did have them on the new pipes, would they not be easy enough to plug if the O2 sensors were not used?

The PAIR system has two bungs on the exhaust (1 per 3 cylinders) that it pulls some exhaust from. The ODB-I 1FZ's had them, the ODB-II 1FZ's don't. From what I've read from people who have removed theirs, they've taken the O2 sensors and dropped them into the open holes left from removing the PAIR system. If Baktash can do an exhaust system with no O2 sensor bungs (seems simple to me) then that'd be perfect as you wouldn't have to close up the holes left either by the PAIR system or the standard O2 bungs.

There's a couple of write ups on it, if you read through them I think it'll make more sense.

If you basically setup the ODB-I emissions like the ODB-II, then the inspector shouldn't even notice it, as it'll pretty much look (and be) OEM.

 

[firetruck41]

Just a FYI, and not necessarily a recommendation, but in a recent thread, it was mentioned that if you have the dealer replace your exhaust with OEM exhaust, it will be warrantied for as long as you own the car.

 

[Ebag333]

Any decent exhaust should have the same. I believe Baktash has said the same about his.

 

[Marc311]

Just a FYI, and not necessarily a recommendation, but in a recent thread, it was mentioned that if you have the dealer replace your exhaust with OEM exhaust, it will be warrantied for as long as you own the car.

I'm all for OEM, but the problem is price. The following prices (from memory) are internet/CDan prices which don't include shipping. My local dealers were significanty more:

Y Pipe and front Cat - around $1300
Rear Cat - around $350
Muffler - $370
Tailpipe/resonator - $175

Then you get to pay for shipping, gaskets, and labor. As much money as the EMS is or what a local shop can fab up in stainless, it is MUCH cheaper than OEM. Cheaper still is the Bosal setup or having a local shop do it without stainless. You just need to plan on replacing it sooner, but I imagine your looking more at about $500 in those situations. No right answer, just different choices.

 

[firetruck41]

I'm all for OEM, but the problem is price. The following prices (from memory) are internet/CDan prices which don't include shipping. My local dealers were significanty more:

Y Pipe and front Cat - around $1300
Rear Cat - around $350
Muffler - $370
Tailpipe/resonator - $175

Then you get to pay for shipping, gaskets, and labor. As much money as the EMS is or what a local shop can fab up in stainless, it is MUCH cheaper than OEM. Cheaper still is the Bosal setup or having a local shop do it without stainless. You just need to plan on replacing it sooner, but I imagine your looking more at about $500 in those situations. No right answer, just different choices.

Yes, as I said, not necessarily a recommendation, just information. I believe the warranty is for the components, so if you just need a muffler, it might not be quite so bad.

Might make sense for a 20 year old who drives the socks of the rig, in the rustbelt, and plans to keep the 80 series until they die...