Hi all, how's everyone? I came across some plumbing the other day, of questionable provenance, but well-built, with very decent welds. It was originally intended for a 350z, and the part I got is basically the Y and the resonators, all in one, almost true duals, but thankfully, with an H balance pipe. Also, a couple of 12" extensions. So, I am good to about just before the pumpkin. Let's see about this new welder then... Even if I fail, it cost me next to nothing.

In the meantime, here's a pic of the Fat Cow in some old shoes. They still fit.

P.S. Found a pic of the exhaust online

 

I did a VHR swap on a 350z that had this same exhaust. The mufflers will be very annoying. Rasp will depend on the type of cat's you use.
OEM cats will probably sound better, just know that more than likely you'll end up replacing the mufflers in the future when they annoy you.
Good thing is that the middle will be fine and usually muffler changes make them sound good.

 

I didn't get the mufflers, just the Y/resonator section and the two extensions, and I'm still running factory cats.
Today I picked up a bunch of 2.5" 45 degree elbows, some straight pipe, and a couple of flanges, and I was able to mock up the tail section exactly as I want.
The plan is to weld everything up, except for the last piece of straight pipe, just before the tips, which I'm going to clamp. I'm anticipating some serious drone, so I'd like to leave room to quickly splice in some resonators before the exit.

Can you tell me a little more about your experience with this midpipe? How are these resonators, compared to stock?
I actually really like the stock ones, I think that they are as effective as can be. I've been running a diy muffler delete for probably over a year now, and I get zero rasp. Drone - that's a different story, but even that is mostly gone once things warm up.
Thanks!

 

The resonators are pretty decent. I think the best part is the dual flange. his can get bent overtime and need flattening however when it's flat it helps with installation. The oem resonators are just small in size.
As for the rasp you dont have any because the cat's are absorbing all of it. Definetly keep them and it will improve the sound of the whole thing.

The flex joints will break over time but will be killed quicker in a lowered car that scrapes. If you build it correctly you can later play around with muffler swapping which will decrease the need to ever replace this pipe.

 

My state is rather strict with things like emission inspections, and there are plenty of techs who keep their State Inspection Handbook right next to their Bible, and will fail you for anything that doesn't look factory, so, the benefits of removing the cats just never seemed to outweigh the associated hassle.
Re: the flex joints, this whole thing started because about a month ago my stock y-pipe decided that it wanted more out of life, it wanted to be an exhaust tip now. Right at the flex joint, naturally. I patched it up, days later the other side did the same. I was actually eyeing up that dc number, without any flex joints, but then this popped up, for about a third of the price. What can I say, I am fiscally consc... cheap.

So, today did not go as smoothly as I'd hoped. I started by making the standoffs on the flanges to clear the sway bar, halfway through my welder ran out of wire. I had some 6011 and 6013 sticks, and zero patience, so, yeah. I made a mess. They are functional, but so ugly that I might just admit defeat and buy some premade standoff flanges.
Then, the dreaded cat flange studs. I got one side down flat with an angle grinder, still need to punch out what's left. I don't have any air tools, but I'm hoping that some heat and pb blaster along with my little sds hammer will do the trick.
I used to think that I was one of those people they usually call "automotive enthusiasts". The older I get, the quicker my enthusiasm is waning. Also, I'm finding myself getting more and more familiar with the phrase "what the hell was I thinking?"