Muffler install question
 

I just received an M&K 1in 1out and a euro premuffler that I recently purchased. First question is my tech question:

I do not have any gaskets or hangars. The muffler is unused, but was purchased from a 2nd party, not Ben. If I install, it is on my 83 cab with mostly unmodified 3.0. As indicated above, it would be installed with the euro premuffler (OK in my area). Not sure best place to source gaskets etc. I thought I read somewhere that a some Honda gasket was a match, but that may have been for something else. I do not mind buying from Wayne or Ben... I just wanted to know if it might be something I could find locally (read as get it on there faster!).

Now for the non-tech question: I have the above merchandise, as well as a set of original H4's I recenlty purchased off the list. They are in VG condition, and came off of euro car. I currently have D90's on the car (PO put them on). I would like to have a nice set of Fuchs, Preferrably the 7's and 8's (who wouldn't, right?). Anyway, my wife will shoot me or the car, if I spend anymore money on it in the near term. Thinking about trying to trade for the Fuchs with the above merchandise, or should I just live with the ugly wheels and have th car sound a whole lot better and see better at night.

I know this is something dependent upon personal opinion... just kind of sounding it out and thinking aloud, I guess.

You need to think outside the box.

If it were me, I'd trade the wife for 7's and 9's, keep ben's muffler and trade the headlights for some nice interior upgrades. Not only will you get to have a nicer car, but you won't risk getting shot.

Oh great! Now I can't let her read the board anymore!:eek: :D

She's a good woman...put's up with me and the new habit (or should I say disease)!:rolleyes:

Thats funny.
Personally I would put on the headlights and muffler/pre-muffler and live with the wheels for now. 7 & 8 Fuchs aren't cheap and everybody wants them so take your time and try and find a deal. You could also look at BBS's or 6 & 7 Fuchs for the same look at lesser $$$.
I think once you install the headlights and drive at night you'll know you made the right choice. And think of how cool the car will sound with the new pipes.
As far as gaskets go, you can probably reuse the old ones as they should be the same.

Thanks Tony, this is the way I have been leaning. So you really think the gaskets could be reused? I am a bit surprised by that, but it would be a pleasant surprise. What about the hangar? Can the stock hangar be reused. Sorry, I know there is probably some thread called "how to install an M&K 1in 1out" floating around.

Thanks again.

Not sure what hangar you refrer to. On my 86 the muffler has stainless bands that wrap around the muffler and clamp onto the bracket surrounding the crank pulley. I don't even recall a hangar for the cat which, I thought, is just supported between the crossover and the muffler. There should be no body mounted hangar as you should be able to drop the engine with the exhaust system fully intact.
I have re-used gaskets when I removed the cat and put in a bypass pipe. As long as they aren't falling apart and they don't leak, they should be fine, for at least the short term. Not something I would do at the exhaust port on the head however.

You say habit, I say mistress!! :D

I agree with Tony. I would wait on the wheels, but that's just me.

Good luck,
Mike

My guess is that you will be able to reuse the gaskets believe it or not. I bought a new set from fabspeed when i installed mine, but I probably just wasted my money. One of the gaskets wasn't a good fit anyway and i ended up having to re-drill one of the screw holes in it. New bolts and nuts are a must though. I also sourced these through fabspeed, but i'd imagine there are threads on this board that recommend other alternatives.

No there is no hanger for the cat pipe, and there are two straps for the muffler.

the important thing is to source the proper mounting straps for the application. the rest of the stuff can be sourced any place. I buy our straps from mcmaster. com search under t-clamps.. They are about 7 -8 bucks each.. We provide stainless fasteners and an oem gasket(in the kits) ..

When I received the wrong gaskets I was able to buy new ones at the local dealership. Probably a little more expensive but they're not much to begin with. I'd try that before re-using your old ones.

I installed a pre-muffler/cat bypass in front of my M & K before I stored my car in November. I am in the process of fabricating a bracket to add some support to the bypass as the cat did have a mounting point which added some rigidity to the system. I noticed a slight wiggle as my wife revved the engine and want to avoid any failures caused by vibration.
My bracket runs from one of the cat bypass flange bolts to the engine.
This should resolve any difficulties in this area.

The band clamps go around the ends of bracket #34 below, which is bolted to the rear engine 'console' mount; if it isn't already in place you will need to obtain or fabricate a replacement ...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1173210263.jpg