I decided to get a little "quick and easy" exhaust work done, and it turned into a bit of a $h1tshow. I'd appreciate some feedback on what I should do.
I wanted to delete the resonator and run the pipe up high. Simple. I also wanted to delete the factory muffler and splice in a Flowmaster Super 50. Also simple.
A local shop that has done good basic work on some of my other autos over the years was enthusiastic, confident, and happy to do the work.
I sourced the muffler: a center in / center out configuration based on a comment here in the forum (error number 1, mine).
I also sourced a couple mandrel bent pieces for the tailpipe routing, so the shop didn't have to worry about any bends (they don't have a mandrel). Talked through the tailpipe cuts and pieces with the guy, told him to splice in the muffler. Go.
It turns out that the factory muffler input/output is offset, so it wasn't going to be a super simple cut and splice with the Flowmaster. Rather than call me to discuss, the guy cut out the complex factory-bent pipe that runs up and over the rear axle and put it his own creation (big error, theirs). I learned all this at the end of the day, and quickly saw that the pipe definitely did not clear the rear axle under any compression.
Needless to say, I gave them an earful, explained the importance of that factory routing and the full range of motion of the rear axle, and insisted that it be made right. After another whole day of work, I got a pieced together bit of a mess that MIGHT work.
I'm going to try and cycle the rear suspension (need to get creative in the neighborhood, somewhere) and see if the pipe contacts anything. I suspect the third member will hit the pipe.
I'm also thinking that my LX deserves better than this chopped-up creation--even if it does clear.
The shop was very apologetic and said that if it doesn't meet my needs, they would send the work out to someone who could recreate the appropriate routing. I'm thinking I will have them do this.
Unless I'm overreacting? A few pics for your feedback:
I wanted to delete the resonator and run the pipe up high. Simple. I also wanted to delete the factory muffler and splice in a Flowmaster Super 50. Also simple.
A local shop that has done good basic work on some of my other autos over the years was enthusiastic, confident, and happy to do the work.
I sourced the muffler: a center in / center out configuration based on a comment here in the forum (error number 1, mine).
I also sourced a couple mandrel bent pieces for the tailpipe routing, so the shop didn't have to worry about any bends (they don't have a mandrel). Talked through the tailpipe cuts and pieces with the guy, told him to splice in the muffler. Go.
It turns out that the factory muffler input/output is offset, so it wasn't going to be a super simple cut and splice with the Flowmaster. Rather than call me to discuss, the guy cut out the complex factory-bent pipe that runs up and over the rear axle and put it his own creation (big error, theirs). I learned all this at the end of the day, and quickly saw that the pipe definitely did not clear the rear axle under any compression.
Needless to say, I gave them an earful, explained the importance of that factory routing and the full range of motion of the rear axle, and insisted that it be made right. After another whole day of work, I got a pieced together bit of a mess that MIGHT work.
I'm going to try and cycle the rear suspension (need to get creative in the neighborhood, somewhere) and see if the pipe contacts anything. I suspect the third member will hit the pipe.
I'm also thinking that my LX deserves better than this chopped-up creation--even if it does clear.
The shop was very apologetic and said that if it doesn't meet my needs, they would send the work out to someone who could recreate the appropriate routing. I'm thinking I will have them do this.
Unless I'm overreacting? A few pics for your feedback:
