muffler cutting

[T-roy]

My muffler keeps slapping my leaf springs when off road. I've notice a lot of guys are cutting off the last couple feet of the pipe. Is there a proper place to cut the pipe at? What are the effects as far as noise, performance and smog testing?

You guys seems to have the most logical answers.http://expeditionportal.com/forum/images/smilies/friday.gif

 

[Brian McVickers]

Could you fab a bracket of some sort to steady the pipe and muffler instead?
What vehicle?
If it is on a wagon style vehicle I would be concerned about allowing the exhaust to exit well below the vehicle and possibly seep in whild sittingin traffic. withthe pipe end outside the edge of the vehicle in the back I would thinkg this is less likely.

Good luck

 

[ZooJunkie]

I would first check w/ your local DMV first. Most states like CA will not allow you to mess w/ the exhaust system. Though replacing parts within the system is ok. An alternative would be to bend the exhaust pipe out of the way or add a more rigid exhaust hanger in place so the system doesn't move as much. Beware though, making the back end of the exhaust more rigid will add more stress to the front end (near the header and catalytic converter), so make sure you have a flexible joint inbetween the cat and the exhaust pipe. As I remember the tips have to be within a certain length, can't remember that number! Sorry!

-Matt

 

[seth_js]

I originally cut it back a couple feet to the bend at the top, as in this picture:

But then as you can see, once I did my shock relocate it was blowing directly on my shock, so I cut it all the way back to the muffler. The only difference I notice is a slight deeper sound at lower RPMs. If, when you need to take it in for emissions, they give you ******** about not having somewhere to hang the exhaust thing, you can pay a muffler shop like $50 to weld on a new pipe.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I would NEVER cut an exhaust pipe to a point where it is Back up under the truck. There WILL be a way for the exhaust to seep up into your truck.

You may think that's OK with your windows down in summer (still NOT good!).....but in winter with windows rolled up and idling, YOU COULD DIE!.....especially if you fall asleep with engine running.

Just take it to your local muffler dood and he can bend/extend......and make it work!

Trying to save some $$$.....vs. saving your life is not worth it.

My local muffler guy only charges $50 bucks an hour.........but he would prolly do this for $25 bucks!

This is the best pic I could find for now.........you can see how mine pops out just behind the rear spring. You can do a much harder bend and pop out just ahead of the rear spring mount.

I've never hit a thing with my pipe back there....and it's pretty much close to the stock position except a little higher and back for straighter flow., but it has all been reworked with new high flow cat.....high flow magnaflow and 2.25" pipe.....and a sweet chrome tip!:friday:

 

[ZooJunkie]

Good point on the exhaust fumes Scenic! Another idea is to move the exhaust higher into the body panels and bumper. This will be more work of course. I recommend bending the pipe and using a solid exhaust hanger w/ a flexible connection between the catalytic converter and exhaust. You don't want the exhaust so rigid that it rips the header bolts out!

 

[T-roy]

Thanks for all your input. I posted the same question on another board and they were all for cutting the exhaust, but I like what you guys are saying about just fixing the problem the right way. I'm just going to take it to a muffler shop and have them bend it out of the way.

 

[flyingwil]

If it is a P/U I do not see a problem cutting it, as long as it is shapped down to not allow water to be forced down (think of a sink drain).

 

[7wt]

I cut mine behind the down turn over the axle about two years ago and there have been no problems at all. I would do it again. I don't smell anything, windows up or down parked at idle or running around town.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

CO.......................info..........


http://www.coheadquarters.com/CO1.htm


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide


Carbon monoxide, chemical formula CO, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and highly toxic gas.

Toxicity
Main article: Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is dangerous and life-threatening to humans and other forms of air-breathing life, as inhaling even relatively small amounts of it can lead to hypoxic injury, neurological damage, and possibly death. A concentration of as little as 0.04% (400 parts per million) carbon monoxide in the air can be fatal. The gas is especially dangerous because it is not easily detected by human senses. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include drowsiness and headache, followed by unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death. First aid for a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning requires access to fresh air; administration of artificial respiration and, if available, oxygen; and, as soon as possible, medical attention.

When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it takes the place of oxygen in hemoglobin, the red blood pigment that normally carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Because carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin several hundred times more strongly than oxygen, its effects are cumulative and long-lasting, causing oxygen starvation throughout the body. Prolonged exposure to fresh air (or pure oxygen) is required for the CO-tainted hemoglobin (carboxyhemoglobin) to clear.

The effects of carbon monoxide in parts per million are listed below:

35 ppm (0.0035%) Headache and dizziness within six to eight hours of constant exposure
100 ppm (0.01%) Slight headache in two to three hours
200 ppm (0.02%) Slight headache within two to three hours
400 ppm (0.04%) Frontal headache within one to two hours
800 ppm (0.08%) Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 minutes. Insensible within two hours.
1,600 ppm (0.16%) Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 20 minutes. Death in less than two hours.
3,200 ppm (0.32%) Headache, dizziness and nausea in five to ten minutes. Death within 30 minutes.
6,400 ppm (0.64%) Headache and dizziness in one to two minutes. Death in less than 20 minutes.
12,800 ppm (1.28%) Death in less than three minutes.
In addition, a recent report concludes that carbon monoxide exposure can lead to significant loss of lifespan after exposure due to damage to the heart muscle. [1]

Carbon monoxide detectors for homes are now readily available and are increasingly being required by municipal building codes.

 

[CLynn85]

Don't know about your locality but VA law is 13" past the cab for pickups.