GRAAA! Previous owner welded the stock muffler to the midpipe
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Webster, TX
GRAAA! Previous owner welded the stock muffler to the midpipe
What an idiot!!! I went to go install my new happy Bassani catback kit today and found the beads around the ends of the midpipe and the muffler inlets. Dammit!
I wonder if a muffler shop can weld new pipes to the end of the midpipe that are the same diameter as the original pipe. It seems my options are:
1. See if the shop can fix the midpipe
2. Weld the X-pipe to the midpipe (makes future exhaust removal difficult, especially if and when I replace the midpipe)
3. Replace the midpipe. (costly)
Ugh. What does the consortium suggest?
I wonder if a muffler shop can weld new pipes to the end of the midpipe that are the same diameter as the original pipe. It seems my options are:
1. See if the shop can fix the midpipe
2. Weld the X-pipe to the midpipe (makes future exhaust removal difficult, especially if and when I replace the midpipe)
3. Replace the midpipe. (costly)
Ugh. What does the consortium suggest?
Last edited by Master Of Pain; Aug 12, 2004 at 12:37 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 413
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From: Kihei, HI (most of the time)
In looking at your options, there are a couple things you need to consider. First, the factory system is stainless. Your local muffler shop uses aluminized steel tubing. They don't mix well. Secondly, how long do you honestly expect to keep the truck and lastly, if you sell it, are you really going to remove the exhaust?
The midpipes extend about an inch and a half into the facory muffler. If you cut the midpipes at the weld bead, you'll lose that 1.5 inches. How do you make up for that loss? If you're doing the X-pipe, you have an extra joint in the system. Instead of one joint 1.5 inches deep, how about 2 of 'em at 3/4"? The Bassani catback is a very well made system. If it is ever replaced, it will be because of the sound, not because it rotted away. Will you take it off to sell it? I doubt it. Grinding off the welds is a daunting task that requires a fair amount of skill to limit the grinding to the weld areas and not go too deeply into the mid pipes.
My suggestion is to cut the midpipes as close as you can to the weld and assemble the system where you want it and weld the system together. No clamps, only welds. It may sound like a compromise, but for the long term, it will be the best and most stable solution. If you're worried about the X-pipe, just weld the cat pipe end and send me an e-mail. I have an extra you can buy........
The midpipes extend about an inch and a half into the facory muffler. If you cut the midpipes at the weld bead, you'll lose that 1.5 inches. How do you make up for that loss? If you're doing the X-pipe, you have an extra joint in the system. Instead of one joint 1.5 inches deep, how about 2 of 'em at 3/4"? The Bassani catback is a very well made system. If it is ever replaced, it will be because of the sound, not because it rotted away. Will you take it off to sell it? I doubt it. Grinding off the welds is a daunting task that requires a fair amount of skill to limit the grinding to the weld areas and not go too deeply into the mid pipes.
My suggestion is to cut the midpipes as close as you can to the weld and assemble the system where you want it and weld the system together. No clamps, only welds. It may sound like a compromise, but for the long term, it will be the best and most stable solution. If you're worried about the X-pipe, just weld the cat pipe end and send me an e-mail. I have an extra you can buy........