Well, I've been working on a new exhaust for my SBC FJ40. I purchased some Dorman 2-1/2" outlet rams horn manifolds. I want to run a single exhaust this time instead of the dual exhaust that is being replaced. I've also been wanting to build this system myself instead of farm the work out to a muffler shop. It seems that those running the smaller rams horn manifolds are able to purchase a 2 into 1 primary pipe setup from a few sources. However, I have been unable to find any that advertise 2-1/2" pipes. Brzezinski Racing Products sells a kit for 2 into 1 for these manifolds but their application is primarily track oriented with the exhaust coming over the bellhousing. Their prices are a bit on the high side as well.
I've mocked up an exhaust pipe layout to see what I may need in building the system. Here are a few shots of what I came up with.
The two pipes on top of each other are actually going to be a 2-1/2" to 3-1/2" merge collector that will go to the muffler and tail pipe.
This arrangement leaves plenty of clearance to remove the oil filter.
Where I've hit a bit of a snag is in the connecting the pipes to the manifolds. I'd like to go a gasketless arrangement like the Brzezinski parts but don't want to spend the $150 for their kit. It uses a steel ring with matching 45 degree angle that matches the exhaust manifolds. An idea I had was to use the male side of a 2-1/2" ball joint exhaust fitting instead.
In making my PVC mock-up they didn't fit 100 percent straight and true with the manifold outlets. A ball joint connection would allow for slight angle changes where needed when using prefabbed 90 degree bent pipes. I've found a Mopar parts supplier who sells a ball joint kit for Mopar headers but not sure if it would work. My thought is that the male ball joint end would seal against the 45 degree exit of the exhaust manifold and simply be held in place with the 3-bolt flange.
Has anyone else tried or used this type of setup with success?
I've mocked up an exhaust pipe layout to see what I may need in building the system. Here are a few shots of what I came up with.
The two pipes on top of each other are actually going to be a 2-1/2" to 3-1/2" merge collector that will go to the muffler and tail pipe.
This arrangement leaves plenty of clearance to remove the oil filter.
Where I've hit a bit of a snag is in the connecting the pipes to the manifolds. I'd like to go a gasketless arrangement like the Brzezinski parts but don't want to spend the $150 for their kit. It uses a steel ring with matching 45 degree angle that matches the exhaust manifolds. An idea I had was to use the male side of a 2-1/2" ball joint exhaust fitting instead.
In making my PVC mock-up they didn't fit 100 percent straight and true with the manifold outlets. A ball joint connection would allow for slight angle changes where needed when using prefabbed 90 degree bent pipes. I've found a Mopar parts supplier who sells a ball joint kit for Mopar headers but not sure if it would work. My thought is that the male ball joint end would seal against the 45 degree exit of the exhaust manifold and simply be held in place with the 3-bolt flange.
Has anyone else tried or used this type of setup with success?
