Exhausts again!!!

[nrxx]

Hi there, thanks in advance for any pointers and apologies for yet another exhaust thread.
1987 1.9 DG WBX Autohomes hi-top.
Currently fitted with late exhaust
My cast knuckle and headers are a complete mess of knackered weld, putty and bandage held together by holes, link and silencer good apart from one small hole where it was welded to support instead of strapped! Now fixed. Readies are tight and I seem to have three choices;

1 - gsf replacement headers
2 - Brickwerks stainless headers
3 - Turbo Thomas early J pipes and EMPI quiet pack

Problem is, she runs well on current set up and I don't want to swap to early system if it's likely to hit economy or performance. Also, is changing system likely to require tuning/timing etc.
Any thoughts, comments welcomed.

Thanks in advance. PS has anyone else had problems with leaking coolant header tanks at the level sensor?

Nick, North Devon

[CovKid]

Well, if it were me I'd probably fit part-stainless on the basis that I intended to follow through later on as funds permitted. I'm about to fit a four-to-one into a motorcycle silencer (stainless ones invariably cost under £40 for bike cans) and will replace pipes from engine in stainless when they get to the end of their service life but for now they're solid. Shouldn't affect tuning by anything you'd really notice - not on something as sluggish as these lumps are, though a cursory timing and mixture check advisable after.

I might add, mines the early sysyem which I believe lends itself better to a liqourice allsorts setup but could be mistaken.

[nrxx]

Cheers CovKid
I must admit my preferred option is 4 into 1, I don't like the idea of unbalanced pipe lengths, but like you say I doubt it'd make much difference on this! I was initially looking at the VW speedshop/LA performance set up but money dwindling and concerns about noise on long trips have knocked that one out.
Would do same as you but haven't welded in years and don't have welder anymore so... Left having to pay out.
Thanks again. Anyone else got any thoughts?
Nick

[Ian Hulley]

and EMPI quiet pack

Don't do it

Ian

[CovKid]

Agree on empi box, its pants but pipework seems to last a long time in my experience.

[kevtherev]

3 - Turbo Thomas early J pipes

My mates fitted these in stainless and they are very good. but not with the empi box

I fitted the late GSF set came with everything and was off the shelf. 10% off with 80-90 membership

just changed it for the same it lasted four years

[toomanytoys]

No issues going to early set up...
Just got to sort something myself as swaping engine in the Doka as it leaking oil like a seive... but all the zorst bits I have are tired and need some repairs..
Prob gonna fit the early headers I have and get a cheapo type 4, 4 into 1 and can off JK.... then it can be "modified" at a later date for ground clearance.. (just needs to get me to France and Back... where I have an assortment of other pipes to use..)

The "la performance" one seems good, but concerns me that it runs very close to oil filter and often a shorter filter needs to be fitted... I think Lloyd has one fitted...

But ultimatly I shall make my own 4-2-1 stainless header thats been in the design stages for a little while (:oops: about 4 years....)

[Cafnod]

Know nothing on proposed exhausts but an exhaust system change cannot affect ignition timing, unless you have to remove the distributor to replace the exhaust?

[toomanytoys]

3 - Turbo Thomas early J pipes

My mates fitted these in stainless and they are very good. but not with the empi box

I fitted the late GSF set came with everything and was off the shelf. 10% off with 80-90 membership

just changed it for the same it lasted four years

Whats wrong with them? Richard is pretty good if there is an issue (well he was a few years ago..)

[CovKid]

No issues going to early set up...
Just got to sort something myself as swaping engine in the Doka as it leaking oil like a seive... but all the zorst bits I have are tired and need some repairs..
Prob gonna fit the early headers I have and get a cheapo type 4, 4 into 1 and can off JK.... then it can be "modified" at a later date for ground clearance.. (just needs to get me to France and Back... where I have an assortment of other pipes to use..)

The "la performance" one seems good, but concerns me that it runs very close to oil filter and often a shorter filter needs to be fitted... I think Lloyd has one fitted...

But ultimatly I shall make my own 4-2-1 stainless header thats been in the design stages for a little while (:oops: about 4 years....)

There are several bike cans that'll fit the three-hole flange on that 4-1 header. Thats route I went. Sick of replacing rusty stock cans with angle grinder

[kevtherev]

There are several bike cans that'll fit the three-hole flange on that 4-1 header. Thats route I went. Sick of replacing rusty stock cans with angle grinder

Damn.. I thought as much

But I couldn't decide what and where to look Cov kid?

[toomanytoys]

No issues going to early set up...
Just got to sort something myself as swaping engine in the Doka as it leaking oil like a seive... but all the zorst bits I have are tired and need some repairs..
Prob gonna fit the early headers I have and get a cheapo type 4, 4 into 1 and can off JK.... then it can be "modified" at a later date for ground clearance.. (just needs to get me to France and Back... where I have an assortment of other pipes to use..)

The "la performance" one seems good, but concerns me that it runs very close to oil filter and often a shorter filter needs to be fitted... I think Lloyd has one fitted...

But ultimatly I shall make my own 4-2-1 stainless header thats been in the design stages for a little while (:oops: about 4 years....)

There are several bike cans that'll fit the three-hole flange on that 4-1 header. Thats route I went. Sick of replacing rusty stock cans with angle grinder

Thats where you are going wrong... angle grinders dont work well as silencers....

I have a nice carbon can off my Bandit 1200 in the garage... trouble it its a bit er..... fruity....... (frellin loud actually...) might try it though....

[CovKid]

Fairly sure its about 82mm spacing between bolts

[nrxx]

Thanks everyone. Well, I've gone and ordered the Brickwerks stainless headers as they will keep a working (!) system, won't need changing that often and, I've had nowt' but good service and kit from Simon. I'm going to keep an eye out for welder and add that 4 into 1 to the (long) list of things I'm going to do one day.
Thanks again
Nick

[mirams]

My silencer has just blown, I've decided to go for the Brickwerks stainless as a replacement. What's the recommended way to do the joints? Just a gasket or with firegum too or something else?