Need new exhaust, not sure what to buy

[SteinOnkel]

Hey guys,

so I have a 1978 California emissions car. Here's what the exhaust system currently looks like:

4-1 header
Downpipe (this appears to be stainless steel)
3-bolt cat
Center exhaust, where the actually muffler sits inside the bend that goes over the rear axle
Rear exhaust

Now, I'm not 100% sure this is a factory setup or something the dpo knocked thogether. It seems pretty hodgepodge to me, especially looking at some pictures online, it all looks different from what I have.

The center and rear exhaust pieces are falling apart and I would like to replace them. Not sure what to get though so far I'm looking at:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Muffler-F ... 0005.m1851

for the rear

in conjunction with this fella

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CENTER-MUFFLER ... SwNPdbqogY

I got a welder so if it's not a 100% bolt together, that's fine. Also the hangers all need replacing anyways and I can just put those into spots where I see fit.

Es bueno?

Cheers
Steiny

[architect]

I purchased the entire set from Vick Auto.

Out of the box, they looked amazing! The finish was brilliant and welds looked promising. The fit however was a bit of a challenge. I ended up making a midway bracket that bolts up to the carrier bearing bracket for mid support (my car is dropped). Also, the header to collector "clamps" never fit correctly. I ended up using a sealant around the joint with header wrap. (worked good).

The exhaust sounds great! Overall pleased with the purchase..

You can always run open header too

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=38105

[SteinOnkel]

It's more of a budget rebuild with the intention of selling eventually, so Vicks is kind of out out the question. It will need to be original size and aluminized steel will be just fine.

Yeah my header wasn't sealing at the joint. I looked at it and it was a bit crumply. Cleaned it up with a wire wheel to make the join nice and smooth. Then I went to the car to bolt it back on, grabbed the downpipe, heard a crashing noise and realized my exhaust had broke right in front of the center muffler. Okay, time for new stuff.

[SteinOnkel]

Update:

So this fits. Sorta. We ended up replacing the catalytic converter with a 12" flex pipe, but then were still short another 6". Luckily I had some tubing flying around the shop.

The components fit surprisingly well for aftermarket exhaust parts. Just had to widen the mouth of the rear piece to get it to slide in. All in all, not bad for a $200 exhaust.

It still has a slight leak at the downpipe-header connection, but we are currently working on the most economical solution.

When we were done, I finally had the chance for the first time in six weeks to really drive the car. Oh. My. Goodness. Redoing the suspension, steering and brakes was so worth it. It's quite the little apex hugger. Now it's time to find an extra 10-15hp.

Cheers
Steiny