Not long after I purchased the Trans Am, I noticed the original exhaust system had some leaks and was starting to rust. After a long time kicking around what I wanted to do with it, and letting the exhaust leak noises finally get to me, I figured out my plan! This started with the removal and disassembly.
The original rusty exhaust actually came off the car very easy. I even got the one original exhaust clamp (intermediate pipe to muffler) off without the nuts breaking. I love working on cars that have never seen salt!
After I got the exhaust off, I figured I needed to freshen up the exhaust hangers and brackets. So, after I removed them, I media blasted and painted them using a black and silver, high temperature, Rust-Oleum® BBQ & Stove spray paint.
Since I wanted the new exhaust to look as stock as possible, but have a deeper sound I went with Walker brand replacement intermediate ($40.89) and tail pipes (LH $70.79 & RH $77.89) and a Dynomax Ultra Flo™ SS Polished Muffler ($151.79). I got all the parts from RockAuto.com and am very impressed with the quality and originality of them all. I then had Dad weld on 2 1/4" to 2 1/2" adapters so the intermediate and tail pipes would fit the new muffler. After we got the adapters welded on and after much debate, I decided to paint the intermediate and tail pipes. I have seen this look a few times and really liked it, plus after welding on the adapters, I needed something to seal the welds and seal where the galvanization was burnt off. I used a silver, high temperature, Rust-Oleum® BBQ & Stove spray paint. This paint is awesome to use and looks even better!
The installation of the new exhaust, brackets, and hangers went really well. I used stainless steel exhaust clamps on the muffler to ensure it would last another 31 years! I think the entire system looks really good!
Overall, I am VERY happy with the way this exhaust project turned out. I love the look of the system and love the sound!
2 comments:
Hmm.. Upper Right pic - is that the fuel tank?
That muffler makes the fuel tank look a little "shabby" - can you get a polished stainless or chromed fuel tank?
Looks awesome and I can't wait to "hear" it!!
Yep! Good eye!
From the factory, the fuel tank is a natural metal, or silver/gray looking part.
However, this vehicle was undercoated when it was new, so it has the flaking dull black look to it. EVENTUALLY (and I'm talking years down the road) when I do a full restoration on the Trans Am, the fuel tank will get removed, stripped, and repainted!
Until then, it will just have to be jealous of the new muffler!
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