US Exhaust System 280i

[Jubjub502]

Probably been go through before. But can I swap the left and right manifolds and have down pipes fabricated to eliminate the weird under the sump, cat cross over? If so and even better, does anyone offer "Euro" down pipes?

[mrzigazaga]

Hi


As I believe it the US set up has a forward facing manifold with the CAT at the bottom front...Not sure if the headers are interchangeable...Im sure a UK 280i manifolds would fit...But one is from a Cortina Mk3 and the other is a TVR engineering part so like hens teeth.

You could re-route the downpipes which would mean it being fabricated and not off the shelf..By any means I should imagine you could do whatever you wish as long as its within your countries laws...(or not)...I would love to be able to have custom exhausts for my 350i...Trouble is it wouldn't be legal...

[calgarytrainnut]

Hi. I had the catalytic fail in mine plus the excess heat of it being under the sump plus the muffler was well perforated. So. Left the manifolds as-is. Had my local muffler shop custom build a twin exhaust from the manifolds back; they exit forward, do a gentle 180 turn, and go straight back. There are two mufflers tucked in at the end of the runs. There is a thread somewhere that mentions them. I suggested that when I get a chance and find some proper equipment I'd post up a video of what it sounds like. That'll happen come spring. I will suggest the exhaust is in keeping with the car. Come the weekend I'll either dig up the thread or pop out to the garage and stick my head under the rear to see what they are. Should my memory remind me...

Cheers!

Michael

[Jubjub502]

I'd be cool with something like that. Mine has two stubby stainless mufflers just before the tailpipes behind the valance panel. No resonators or other such, besides that nasty cat under the engine. Some sections of my system are stainless while others are just steel. Maybe the steel sections under the cabin were where the resonators were. I'd be cool with a pair of mini cats if the shop insisted.

[bobs280i]

when i got my 280i the exhaust had been custom made , no cat with magnaflo tail pipes, very loud but i really wonder what i does for power ?

[Grady]

My cat was removed by the PO. I added cats near the rear wheels to try to pass local emissions testing but they were to far aft (too cool) to do any good. 2 cents worth. Grady

[pasogrande]

Mine, a 1986/7 US spec 280i also came with the dreaded Cat under the sump; and those sideways mufflers under the seats. And enough heat generated under the boot to burn a small hole in the fibreglass.

Since the rear of the car is shaped for two exhausts, I decided on soparate exhausts; there are no interconnects. The manifolds are the originals and each side has three "silencers"; first a Cherry Bomb, then too far back a catalytic converter, and at each tail an Ansa tail.

The cats were too far back to do any good. The weld-on Italian Ansa tips act as mufflers, but the same squarish models are no longer available.

I need to reroute some of it, and fit new cats much further forward. The sound is how I like it. A nice rumble at low rpm, increasing to angry when the engine is working hard. (I have nice neighbours!)

Wilf.

[Tasmin200]

The manifolds would physically fit on opposite sides but would be upsidedown. If you're looking for UK manifolds I have a right hand side one that I won't be using.