A couple of cheap easy fixes

[ColoradoSteve]

Anyone who has been working on these cars for a while rarely hears the words 'cheap and easy ' when it comes to repairs, so I was totally delighted when it happened for me. For more than a year now, my '83 NA has had trouble starting, especially when hot. Seemed like I had to crank the motor sometimes at least ten minutes before she started. It was an intermittent thing, and if I parked on a hill, I could always compression start it, so I let it go until finally I had enough. After doing some research on this forum and Clark's garage, it seemed like the fuel pressure regulator was a good place to start ( I had already replaced vacuum hoses and fuel filter, rebuilt injectors) . Part of the job involved removing the fuel pump fuse and while I was doing that I saw that there was a blank space that was supposed to contain an intermittent wiper relay. Since I hardly ever drive the car when it's raining, it never really bothered me that the wipers did not function correctly. They did work, but I had to juggle the switch to get them back to resting again and I had no intermittent function at all. So I ordered a new relay. Installed the FPR and relay - both problems solved! Even had to drive the car in the rain so I could enjoy the 'intermittent' function, very cool! Wish every repair was this easy!
Now on to the next thing...new exhaust system. Suggestions on this are welcome, thanks guys!

[Gawernator]

Nice. I enjoy the stock exhaust system pretty well... maybe a different muffler if yours is all beat up. Do they emissions test in CO? I may or may not have a cat delete

[ColoradoSteve]

Don't test emissions here, at least in my area, but the tailpipe is almost completely cracked apart right before it hits the bracket for the cat/convert. It leaks enough exhaust that I can't stand to drive it with the windows down and my girlfriend won't ride with me at all 'cause she says her hair smells like gas ( boy these women are sensitive ) I've tried wrapping the pipe with the tail pipe repair tape, but it doesn't really work so... could just get it welded, I know, but I'm thinking since I'm gonna do it why not get something cool sounding and maybe eliminate the cat?

[pfarah]

Too bad you're so far; I know someone that has a system from the cat back however; all connection points were welded so it's pretty heavy/long.

[Gawernator]

Wow, how did that happen?

[ColoradoSteve]

Don't know how it happened but the pipe is completely separated now, I've managed to hold it together with some clamps until I can get it repaired/replaced. Still open to ideas for new muffler system.

[944tothefloor]

Originally Posted by ColoradoSteve

Don't know how it happened but the pipe is completely separated now, I've managed to hold it together with some clamps until I can get it repaired/replaced. Still open to ideas for new muffler system.

odurandina has an classic thread on the 944 rennlist board. search for exhaust threads made by him.