Help me choose an entire exhaust setup!

[Coupe]

OK, so my 65 Fastback with a stock (for now) 289 needs a new system and I am wanting to go side exhaust because in time I am going to run a Fays Watts link on the rear axle and I really dont want to mess with clearance issues etc..

My initial thoughts are Tri-Y headers, X or H ,round tube mufflers and a turn out. I think the hanger kit for the Shelby kit will work for mounting it from the leaf hanger?

For the record I really dont want to use the Shelby side exit system with glass packs, I am trying to get it a bit quieter and have a bit longer life than a traditional glass pack muffler that will burn out in a few seasons. That and I would still need to factor in the added length of the H/X pipe in front of the Shelby setup or cut one in (No big deal it's just not my first choice in mufflers).

Anyway, I want side exhaust with either an H or an X pipe, and either Hi-po manifolds or tri-Y's. I am leaning to the cheaper tri'Y header in basic black and nothing fancy. I would just get the cheap H or X from CJ pony with the cheap headers and buy the mufflers and make the turn out.

I guess I need to know if the X pipe they sell for the Tri-Y would even work with a T5, I am running a Hydraulic clutch, so thats not going to be an issue. Same question for the H pipe that fits the Tri-Y and the T5?

I think an X pipe would sound a bit smoother but I also want either choice to fit well so the choice may be made for my already by someone thats tried it???? Anyone?

I am considering some round tube mufflers with louver tubes and not just relying on the glass packing, so I am open to any ideas.

I am considering either these Lawson Industries 45271 INSYNERATOR High Performance Turbo Tube Mufflers for only $24 shipped each.

Or maybe even these Smithy's for a bit more.

I will not know the exact length of the muffler tube until I have the H or X installed, (they range from 22" to 30") unless anyone has already invented this wheel and can share the popular length, and I am guessing someone has?

Again, I DONT want to just buy the Shelby knock off with the glass packs because I plan to drive this thing and the glass packs will not live very long and may be louder that some of the other options available.

The goal is to try and build a it as quiet as possible knowing its going to be a bit louder than some other choices. A friend has the Shelby set up on a real 65 GT350 and it is not overly loud and I would imagine with a crossover it could be a bit quieter, and with a better muffler even quieter still?

Thoughts, comments opinions?

Thanks.

 

[AzPete]

Long glass packs might surprise you on noise...or lack of it. Muffler choice will be the subject of personal choice for sure. For less noise, do not use a larger tip on the pipes than the pipe it self. That will act as a megaphone. I normally go for the megaphone myself so I speak from experience

I would go with the HiPo manifolds...headers can be a pain for a driver...and then have a local shop build them as you want them. Cheap headers will not last that long on a driver. You can stand there and get the exact fit you want. I have done this on several of my cars I have owned.

 

[Coupe]

I will not sub out any work, thats kinda the point of this car and the project, so going the shop route just aint going to happen. Besides, most shops cant mandrel bend anyway and I would just end up with serrated bends or huge bend reductions etc..

Going the manifold path may work better as far as leaks, but the costs are higher. I could go either way.

The thing about glass packs is longevity, if I go manifolds with glass packs I will still need to deal with buying again as the noise increases. I see some combo tubes that have both, I think Pypes has some.

 

[AzPete]

I understand if there are no local shops that can do the bends you need. One problem you may run into with side exit pipes is a location to tuck the mufflers into. There are some mufflers out there that will fit into the factory location but have front entrance and exits.

Sub out vs pre made...not much difference other than who hangs it if the same quality.

 

[Coupe]

So you have a muffler shop that can mandrel bend? We have no such animal around here, but it really is not the main issue. Have you used an X pipe with either Tri-Y's or manifolds and the T5? I am concerned about the amount of room.

As far as where the mufflers go, the reason I am going with round is to avoid needing to nestle them under the rear seat area, they will just run in-line like the Shelby kits.

 

[AzPete]

Have not had a T5 to deal with. Mine were mostly auto with one three speed. Used H pipes on some, and kept true duals on others which give it a different sound....more distinct sound of each cylinder firing. An X would possibly be a bit more power but not sure on the room.

 

[Anonymous]

I don't have a T5 (toploader here), but I didn't have any proplem with an2 1/2" X pipe and Tri-Ys. I haven't had any road scraping of the exhaust either.

 

[Coupe]

Thanks for posting that pic, it looks like with a set up like that one could run much longer tube mufflers before the turn out and reduce some noise?

Do you know who made that X and where you got it etc..? Also, do you have any pics showing how its hung?

 

[Anonymous]

I bought the X-pipe parts from Dr.Gas, bought the exhaust pipe locally, bought a couple hangers and fab'd up the exhaust. I welded the hangers once I had the pipes where I wanted them. Sorry, no pics.

If you run the pipes straight back and turn a 90 and go out, yes you could use a longer muffler. There's someone making square mufflers that you use for side exit. Maybe spin tech or similar, there's a post here somewhere.

 

[65-408]

spintech/dr gas makes same side in/out mufflers that can be used for side exhaust with the muffler in the stock location, they flow well and will never blow out... they have every size available and you can even get them with oval outlets... they are a bit pricy though at $120-$140 per in aluminized... can also get 304 SS...

 

[65-408]

Although I just checked out the lawson site and the 2 chamber bullit design is interesting, anyone seen or heard these yet?

 

[Coupe]

Although I just checked out the lawson site and the 2 chamber bullit design is interesting, anyone seen or heard these yet?

I would love to know myself, a youtube would be nice but most of them are the older glass pack.