Well that patched up exhaust had to go!

[Jack Valiant]

Well as mentioned on a previous thread the long over due patched up exhaust had to be replaced. So after a chat with Tim at ACT said stainless monster arrived. So with the car well up on axle stands it was time to reach for the grinder. The old one had had 8 previous repairs so was well beyond its useful life. To cut a long story short it was cut off and new one fitted in just under 2 hours. Although fiddly it all went on well so thanks to all the guys that gave me their words of wisdom. Here are some pics:







It needs time to coke up but sounds a bit louder and a different / better tone

Chris

[AM400]

Looks good, nice pictures again, thanks for the ones for the steering bush. Exhaust is another job on my list so will have a word with Tim at some point.

[D1 MAD]

2 hours, I'm impressed! Well actually I'm ashamed as I have been putting off the same job on my 350i for 18 months now (I blame motorcycle distractions).
I had pretty much decided to get a system from ACT myself so would be very interested to know which system you went for, standard or sports, and how easily it went on, especially manifolds. I guess '2 hours' should answer my question though!
Cheers.

[Jack Valiant]

Got to say that the new exhaust fitted perfectly and no use of the 'torch' was necassary to make it fit (as was the case on my 400SE) This was his "Sports" version for the 350i S2. Rather than charge you for the misc bits (clamps etc) he lets you source your own Olives nuts and bolts and clamps.. cost me £9.50. Do not forget to ask for the 2 x 3 bolt triangler gaskets for the joints!

All in all a good job, sounds great as the system gets coked up!

[ed_crouch]

Looks identical to the system I bought from RTRacing. I believe there is one company who makes them for both ACT and Thorpy.

I bought the sports version, think it was an extra 30 quid, and apparently is made slightly differently. Dunno how...

The probelm I had was that one of the rear hangers was too long, so I had to put a z-bend in it to make it fit, and boy is that 18/8 stainless tough!! I also had to take a die grinder to a lug on the gearbox casing as one of the front pipes was fouling it.

I probably should get the car on the ramp to have a closer look...

Ed.

[D1 MAD]

Thanks for that.
I have just been looking at the ACT web site, sports exhaust £395 + vat Manifolds £435 + vat = £975.25 for the whole system. Bit disappointing you then have to go and hunt for the gaskets! What were they going to charge to supply them with the system, or wasn't that an option?
How do RT's prices / service compare?

Cheers.

[Jack Valiant]

I think it was just a case that if you buy them then I am guessing that they will add their margins to the cost?? Easy and cheaper to source at your local exhaust emporium! The 2 gaskets came with it but did ask if they were included. All in all I am well pleased with the quality and the fit on the 350i but my 400 was a different story as I had to take the gas to it to bend it to fit without fouling the chassis near the manifolds down pipes - Nightmare!

[D1 MAD]

The off side manifold looks very tight, did you have to raise the engine off of its mounts or remove the starter?

I'm only asking all these questions as of course I will have to try for 1hr 59 .....or less!

[mikeb]

Nice looking job. Tim's stuff is top notch.

MikeyB