[fyrffytr1]

I picked up my PYPES 2.5" exhaust system yesterday and hope to start installing it this week. But, first I need some tips on how best to do it.
I will tell you what I know and Y'all can take it from there. I do know that one end hooks to the exhaust manifolds and the other end comes out near the rear bumper and the mufflers go somewhere in between! So, all I really need is some tips on putting it in. Do I need do-nuts at the manifolds? Where do the hangers go on the frame?
I am using stock manifolds and stock tail-pipes that have the turn down on the ends. I am also using the 1" band clamps that were recommended.
Thanks, in advance, for any and all help.

[pont406]

I was always told start at the back, with the tailpipes, and work your way to the front. should have instructions with your kit, or call Pypes for advice, i'm getting ready to put 3 inch exhaust on my 66 Lemans. you should have 2 rear tail pipe hangers in the middle of your rear frame rails,(1 each side) and rear muffler hangers just in front of your rear end.

[428PHIL]

Take it to a muffler shop. It's a Bit$h to do on the ground especially if you have the X pipe. But as pont406 said start from the back.

[Rugratman]

I did it on my back also, with band clamps. I agree, put it on there good enough to drive to a muffler shop, then have them properly hang it and tack it as needed.
It's not hard to do, but they are a bit bit better fitting it all up there, and making sure it wont squeek.

I used the band clamps for 2 years, until I got it exactley the way I wanted it, then had them weld it up.
Exhaust tips?

[klunker]

I bought a PY pipes set-up a few years ago. 2 1/2 with a X-pipe using standard exhaust manifolds for a 65. I was not impressed with the fit. I always start at the engine and work back as its the only fixed point. I had a hella time getting the from the manifolds back to the mufflers. No matter what I did it was lopsided. I tried to keep the X crossover centered. If I did that the pipes from the manifold back did not line up with the humps in the crossmember. I ended up cutting some of the pipes to get it to fit right. I welded my system up so its one solid part from the manifold to the Mufflers.

I was in the market for another set for another 65 this summer. I see PY only offers the set-up in stainless. I did want to pay the extra for something I don't want or need. I ended up going with a 2 1/4 set-up from Ram Air Rest. It fit pretty good, no X-pipe but the 2 1/2 PY years setup was about $400 more than the Ram Air Rest 2 1/4 system. That's less than half the price and the only difference is Aluminized vs Stainless and 2 1/2 vs 2 1/4.

[Blue1967GTO]

I have the Pypes 3" w/x-pipe and Violators on my '67 GTO and it fit great except for the tailpipes.

I'm glad I had a shop install it because the tailpipes needed lots of modification to fit perfectly, see the photo, they started out as single pieces of pipe...

[fyrffytr1]

I got the hangers installed and the tailpipes temporarily in place before I had to go to work today. I know I will have to cut the tailpipes off so the stock downturn tips won't extend too far past the bumper. Where should the tips end?

[Blue '66]

Originally Posted by 428PHIL

Take it to a muffler shop. It's a Bit$h to do on the ground especially if you have the X pipe. But as pont406 said start from the back.

I agree,they would have a lift,save yourself the frustration

[fyrffytr1]

I will end up in the muffler shop eventually but, my goal is to do as much to this car as I can.
I won't have a chance to work on it tomorrow as I have a small woodworking project to knock out before I go to my job. I hope to get back on it Wednesday.
What is the best way to cut the pipes?

[428PHIL]

Originally Posted by fyrffytr1

I will end up in the muffler shop eventually but, my goal is to do as much to this car as I can.
I won't have a chance to work on it tomorrow as I have a small woodworking project to knock out before I go to my job. I hope to get back on it Wednesday.
What is the best way to cut the pipes?

They make a pipe cutter, but if you can't get one try a sawsall. best to mark and do on a bench.

[Rugratman]

I wouldnt put the tips on it, untill the muffler shop does their thing.
What kind did you get? How do they fasten?
Keep in mind also, when you go out and under the bumper that they dont "bounce" a bit. I had a hard time getting the right distance out also, as The bumper was getting soot on it.
Keep in mind mine was a 3 inch also.
I ended up using 65 splitters, came out past the tire.

[fyrffytr1]

Originally Posted by Rugratman

I wouldnt put the tips on it, untill the muffler shop does their thing.
What kind did you get? How do they fasten?
Keep in mind also, when you go out and under the bumper that they dont "bounce" a bit. I had a hard time getting the right distance out also, as The bumper was getting soot on it.
Keep in mind mine was a 3 inch also.
I ended up using 65 splitters, came out past the tire.

I got the stock turndown tips that are a slip joint fit. They look similar to the picture below. I will use a 1" band clamp for now.

[Rugratman]

If I could, clamp the tips on for a year or so. Then when you find that sweet spot, then tack them on.
The distance out/under of the bumper, should take some fine tuning.

[Old Goat 67]

Just my opinion Phil, but I like to have them end just short of touching the front edge of the bumper so they can deflect upward if you drag the tail end somewhere.

Charles

[Fred's red sled]

I have the 2-1/2" crossovers on mine coming off headers. This looked like such a simple project when we laid them out. This is, in fact, one narsty project. If you don't have a lift, stop now.
If you have a lift, you'll need a universal cutting wheel to cut the pipe and twist stuff to fit exactly as you want it. The hardest parts on mine were attaching to headers and then getting the trumpet tips symmetrical. They still aren't exact but close enough.
I have to believe a detail oriented exhaust guy could make simple work of these. I wouild pay the pro next time...
my $0.02

[fyrffytr1]

Well, I worked on the exhaust a little more this morning. I actually got the mufflers, mid pipes and the X pipe pretty well lined up. I also loosely bolted the down pipes in and got the driver's side X pipe all lined up. I will have to cut the ends off of both down pipes as they are about 2"s too long. I also have a small issue with the pipe that goes from the down pipe to the X pipe on the passenger side. To get the down pipe centered in the crossmember hump I need to take about 1" off the front X-pipe. I am not going to do that just yet though. I will go back over the system and see if I can tweak it enough to get everything lined up.
I have a Sawzall to cut the pipes with and I will finally be able to put my "Jaw-Horse" to good use. I've been wanting to try it ever since it was given to me.
I probably won't work on the car tomorrow 'cause I'll be too full of turkey! Y'all have a good one.