OK The one thing I hate about my car is the exhaust. The horrible welds, the sound, the crappy XX pipe thing, the muffler tips, and how loud it is. Yes I know I have headers and I know they're louder than stock, but I think 80% of the noise is coming from the IDIOT that welded and mounted the exhaust, all metal to metal mounts to the underbody, no rubber isolators. I used (what I thought) was a trusted shop that had did some work for me in the past. But they had a new guy do all the work and it came out horrible. I left in a fit of RAGE and they are now strictly custom race car fab shop.

Here are my requirements

TIG welded .... I want nice quality welds
Isolated from the body .... all the mount points must have rubber isolators
Mandel bent Stainless 2.5" tubes
Polished mufflers
Some kind of resonator in the middle (I dont know if I like the double x stuff)
full CATS with two narrow band and a Wide band o2's
Flanged so I can have a mid back.


So what are my options?

Not answering all your q's but here's a couple things for reference.
Both links courtesy of "DLF" here on the board.

Mandrel bends:

http://www.verociousmotorsports.com/Shop-by-Category/304-Stainless-Steel-Mandrel-Bends/U-J-Combination-304-Stainless-Steel-Mandrel-Bends

This is his exhaust that he did himself:

http://home.comcast.net/~dlfraleigh/lscexhaust.html

He did a pretty nice job. I like the way he chose to do the whole sys.

I'd probably get 2 magnaflow cats, a magnaflow x muffler, and some muffler at the back of the car... it's gonna be hard to quiet the beast down...

It WOULD be loud as hell without any insulators!!

I started the car with it disconnected from the body just sitting on some coffee cans and it was a WORLD of difference. I cant have a conversation with my chick in the car becuase the exhaust is so loud. With the garage half open and the exhaust hanging she and I both think its a little louder than stock but acceptable, with the exhaust on, she doesn't want to ride, its to loud in the car.

poniesviii:

Do you know who did the work on the second link? I'd be almost willing to drive to someplace to have the work done.

I believe DLF did all the work.

DLF... he does nice work, has some great tools...

But he is on the easy coast...

Yep, he stated that is his personal work.

The guy is particular, which I respect about him. I would let him work on my car.

I started the car with it disconnected from the body just sitting on some coffee cans and it was a WORLD of difference. I cant have a conversation with my chick in the car becuase the exhaust is so loud. With the garage half open and the exhaust hanging she and I both think its a little louder than stock but acceptable, with the exhaust on, she doesn't want to ride, its to loud in the car.

poniesviii:

Do you know who did the work on the second link? I'd be almost willing to drive to someplace to have the work done.

I did the work myself. And my exhaust, even with the stainless steel Kook's headers, is quiet enough during normal driving that my 76 yr. old mother liked the way it sounded when I picked her up at the airport. ;)

But, stomp on it, and it's sweet. :cool:

I spent about a grand in materials and about $800 to get it TIG welded. I only have a MIG, so I tacked it together and then had an ex-NASA welder TIG it.

I also believe he has a shop at his disposal.

The drive sounds MEH to most people, but good mandrel work? Is HARD to find, I tell ya! Try to find it in Houston without paying a custom shop out the butt! Regular exhaust shops don't do it, at least last I checked. I networked and called everywhere and still couldn't find a place that was reasonable. We're talking they wanted like 4 grand minimum. Alot of gas for that, as long as the price is right. I'd check with him if I were you. Or just pony up the patience to take it on yourself.

There's a site that sells the exhaust tubing for the Mark VIII. Hope this helps. I like it because it comes in a section, so you don't have to weld everything together.

http://www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com/servlet/the-117/93-dsh-98-MARK-VIII-EXHAUST/Detail

I also believe he has a shop at his disposal.


Not a shop, just my back garage (that I also built myself ;) ).

There's a site that sells the exhaust tubing for the Mark VIII. Hope this helps. I like it because it comes in a section, so you don't have to weld everything together.

http://www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com/servlet/the-117/93-dsh-98-MARK-VIII-EXHAUST/Detail

I used those (in stainless), and wouldn't do it again.

Read my opinion in THIS (http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=57278&highlight=exhaust) post.

DLF... he does nice work, has some great tools...

But he is on the easy coast...

WOW! You finally got my initials correct Kid. :D

There's a site that sells the exhaust tubing for the Mark VIII. Hope this helps. I like it because it comes in a section, so you don't have to weld everything together.

http://www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com/servlet/the-117/93-dsh-98-MARK-VIII-EXHAUST/Detail

Wow they even offer stainless, at a reasonable price.

I'm thinking when I finally found a price in H town the shop just didn't want to touch it. I would've found a means, but it wasn't high on my priority list and I must have got busy with something else. That price makes it look really reasonable.

My Buddy Bryan did my exhaust. Best custom SS mandrel work I have seen on a Mark, and I am not just saying that because it is on my car lol. :) His work speaks for itself. He works out of a shop here in GA.

High Tech Transmission and Muffler 770.428.7474
1200 South Cobb Dr. Marietta Ga 30060


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6K3MXywoOuk/SiVCgsrWJzI/AAAAAAAAFr8/YLb-skpNri0/s800/DSC02010.JPG


http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/mlschultz/TheMark17.jpg

I used those (in stainless), and wouldn't do it again.

Read my opinion in THIS (http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=57278&highlight=exhaust) post.

Yea, I can see where you made the adjustments around the diff, not bad for the price, but yea not bolt on. Good looking. I used to have that Magnaflow DI/DO muff on my Thunderbird, best sound for dollars I think. Nice Mark BTW.:)

I used those (in stainless), and wouldn't do it again.

Read my opinion in THIS (http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=57278&highlight=exhaust) post.

I see.

I just assumed you used straight pieces and elbows, I didn't know you had modified a kit. That's alot of work for a kit.

i have kooks headers also, with 2 high flow magnaflow cats, a bassani X and 2.5 mandrel bent pipes into magnaflow mufflers. mine is quiet at idle and cruising normally, like DLF if driving normally you can tell it has exhaust, but nearly no drone inside, but if you get on it, WOW lol instant boner!! soon as i get it on the lift i'll take pics.

That's alot of work for a kit.

It was, and I wouldn't do it again.

Yep, he stated that is his personal work.

The guy is particular, which I respect about him. I would let him work on my car.

No higher praise, TYVM!

Hmmm. Maybe I should box my exhaust up, and sell it for $2,500, and make another. :rolleyes:

I started the car with it disconnected from the body just sitting on some coffee cans and it was a WORLD of difference. I cant have a conversation with my chick in the car becuase the exhaust is so loud. With the garage half open and the exhaust hanging she and I both think its a little louder than stock but acceptable, with the exhaust on, she doesn't want to ride, its to loud in the car.

Sounds like all you really have to do is replace the hangers, which isn't a very hard job.

Sounds like all you really have to do is replace the hangers, which isn't a very hard job.

HA I have no hangers, they cut off everything. I have the metal bar that goes across the center of the car and the rear mufflers have c-clamps that are welded to 10" rods that are welded to the car.

That doesn't take care of the Chit welds and holes.

HA I have no hangers, they cut off everything. I have the metal bar that goes across the center of the car and the rear mufflers have c-clamps that are welded to 10" rods that are welded to the car.

That doesn't take care of the Chit welds and holes.

Wow, I'd have killed someone that welded to my car.... :eek:

Not a shop, just my back garage (that I also built myself ;) ).

You sir have my dream garage. I pray that someday I own a home with a garage like yours, car lift & all... That's the type of home a Mark VIII deserves :D

The rear hangers are easy, as they bolt on, so you should be able to get those from someone who's parting a car, if they're gone.

The center cross rod bolts to the trans mount, so it shouldn't be a problem.

The only other hanger in the system is welded to the rear sub-frame above the inner LCA mounts.

Holes can be fixed, crappy welding might have to be redone.

Hard to really understand how bad it is without pics. Wish I was closer, I'm sure we could fix it.

I can see where Phreak is coming from with just starting over...

You sir have my dream garage. I pray that someday I own a home with a garage like yours, car lift & all... That's the type of home a Mark VIII deserves :D

Thanks!

But the LSC has to share. ;)

I can see where Phreak is coming from with just starting over...

Yeah, but he's also looking @ quite a few $$ to do it right. It'd be worth trying to save, unless it's really that bad.

the rear mufflers have c-clamps that are welded to 10" rods that are welded to the car.

WTF!!! no wonder you left in a fit of rage, i would of gotten a grinder from someone there and cut off the c-clamp and beat the maniger with it, while screaming "this aint right fukk-o"
You sir have my dream garage. I pray that someday I own a home with a garage like yours, but a 2 post instead of a drive oncar lift & all... That's the type of home a Mark VIII deserves :D

fixed that for ya

over all DLF still damn nice garage

over all DLF still damn nice garage

Thanks!

I actually picked the 4-Post lift over the 2-post for a couple of reasons.

1. I needed to be able to do chassis work, particularily on my Cobra, with the wheels weighted.

2. With the two sliding hydraulic jacks I also have, I can raise an entire car, and remove all four wheels if needed.

The one downside is that I can't drop an Engine/K-Member combo out the bottom. :(

p.s. I can also park two of my cars in the garage at the same time. :)

I don't really like 4 post lifts... but any lift is far far far better than no lift...

I see these interesting lifts at a fancy car place, some years ago. They were turn tables that rise up out the ground and can rotate the car any way.

Edit: Well, I guess that idea became popular, as rotaries are for sale all over now. :lol:

Thanks!

I actually picked the 4-Post lift over the 2-post for a couple of reasons.

1. I needed to be able to do chassis work, particularily on my Cobra, with the wheels weighted.

2. With the two sliding hydraulic jacks I also have, I can raise an entire car, and remove all four wheels if needed.

The one downside is that I can't drop an Engine/K-Member combo out the bottom. :(

p.s. I can also park two of my cars in the garage at the same time. :)
i have both types at work drive on's are nice but they can be in the way alot. still better than what i got i aint even got a garage
I don't really like 4 post lifts... but any lift is far far far better than no lift...

very true

No chance of dumping a car of a 4 post huh Chicken?

No chance of dumping a car of a 4 post huh Chicken?

it can be done, i haven't but heard of it happening

I knocked a dodge truck off a 4 post lift...after doin' the beautiful exhaust work I left the pipe stand on the rear under the bed...it lifted the rear up and swung it to the side off the lift smashing one of the rear post

DLF i must say thats one nice garage but where in nj are you lol...

DLF i must say thats one nice garage but where in nj are you lol...

Forked River.

oh hummm little ways from here thanks nice selections of cars lol......

This is why i am buying a set of mandrel pipes much better than letting some one else around here make me a set a lot cheaper, better flow no kinks thats my opinion, just got the mufflers a few days a go. now im placing the order for the pipes and x pipes hopefully with in the next few weeks ill be done and will take some pics to share with you guys and by the way guys thanks for sharing your pics there awesome lol......

i've decided to bring this thread back, in hopes that a few of you could answer some questions. Looking to get my exhaust done, but can't find a decent shop around here.

I've put 03 manifolds on the mark, and need to run everything from there back. I'm wondering it it would be easier to modify somehting like the magnaflow 15445 mustang kit, and the magnaflow 10702 kit? Or just starting from scratch and trying to order everything by the piece? Looking at DLF's im still not sure there would be enough pieces between the two magnaflow kits.

My Buddy Bryan did my exhaust. Best custom SS mandrel work I have seen on a Mark, and I am not just saying that because it is on my car lol. :) His work speaks for itself. He works out of a shop here in GA.

High Tech Transmission and Muffler 770.428.7474
1200 South Cobb Dr. Marietta Ga 30060


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6K3MXywoOuk/SiVCgsrWJzI/AAAAAAAAFr8/YLb-skpNri0/s800/DSC02010.JPG


http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/mlschultz/TheMark17.jpg

What tips are you running?

Querying into the exhaust thread

kooks headers for the mark are available through SCP i understand. They're supposed to be 1 5/8th" primaries into a 2.5" collector. Then it seems everyone goes for the complete 2.5" system usually with matching x pipes and so forth.

Listed on the same page for a little more, he seems to offer 1 3/4" to 3" collectors. Just curious what everyones thoughts are. He claims for engines offering 500 hp

The loud isn't my concern, obviously trying to keep it out of the cockpit. But has anyone gone for the 3" system? Just curious...

Click here, on sale right now too with FREE shipping! (http://www.lincolnmotorsport.com/xx2.wmv)

I'm running well over 500fwhp and 2.5 is way enough. Are you N/A or power adder? Plus I think with a 3" collector you'd have to take out the header to replace the starter.

.What did you end up doing phreakness? I just did away with my Lms set up because of same problems you described.

I just went 2.5 the whole way on my headers setup.

.What did you end up doing phreakness? I just did away with my Lms set up because of same problems you described.

I'm still hoping for a complete 2.5 SS cat'ed exhaust system for Kooks headers. I talked to a guy that really wants to do it but he wants the car for 2-3 weeks. UUUuugghhh

Does LMS sell just the cat back tailpipes like Mandrelexhaustsystems? I was going to buy from them then saw this post about all the work needed to fit right. Would be nice to buy tails that fit no BS.

.What did you end up doing phreakness? I just did away with my Lms set up because of same problems you described.

What problems did you have with our system?? Did we install it?

I think problem was it was to loud and guy doing it (not you) hacked install. Hard mount and stuff.

If its our twin tipped XpansionX II then they sound nice and throaty and I would totally blame the hard mounting, if its our Oval Tipped XpansionX then they are louder then the twin. The headers do NOT help either, they are LOUD period. Just do soft mount hangers and try it. Your direct connected Im sure thats the problem.

Click here, on sale right now too with FREE shipping! (http://www.lincolnmotorsport.com/xx2.wmv)

I dig that... how much is it? I didn't see it on your website.

Mufflers and XX Pipes $299.99 shipped in the USA.

The headers do NOT help either, they are LOUD period.

And you may want to be sure you don't have a cracked header!

Ask me how I know. :D

yea, the guy who installed mine hacked it(NOT LMS). It was ok when new, but just got to loud and i've never liked the double round tips to the bumpber cover. I've also taken my stock mark viii manifolds off and replaced them with 03 manifolds, so its not going to fit back up there without modification anyway. I live in a very small rural town and can't find anyone that has a madrel bender, so im trying to find the easiest way to install exhaust myself.

As in my earlier post what do you guys think would be easier, start from scratch, or order a cobra manifold -x pipe to modify then run the rest from bends and elbows.

well if we've got lms advertising here, I want to know

I've seen the videos, I love the sound

Has anyone else gone with what he's talking about?

I really liked the double x pipe with the twin tipped mufflers (xpansions chamber?)

As opposed to ^^ I loved the twin tip fit in the bumper, but I also have a gen 1, not sure if it will work the same.


I'd love to know, I lean towards the extreme at times. But does anything sound as mean short of straight pipes?

The race exhaust on that town car was absolute nonsense :D

The twin tipped XpansionX II's look awesome on Gen 1 bumper covers.

http://www.lincolnmotorsport.com/twininoval1.jpg

http://www.lincolnmotorsport.com/twininoval2.jpg

-Sigh-


I love when threads get Hi-Jacked.

*To answer your question*

Like we talked on the phone Jeb, I would set the Cobra Mid-Pipe up and see what needs to be modded. (I worry about the 4R70W's width vs the T56). Then go from there.

AFTER that's mounted, Trailer the car to STL or Chicago and get it done right.

If you'd trailer it out here we have a NICE pipe shop up in Denver. (and you could try to pull on Cody's Cobra)

Mike

There is a place here in Normal that does nice work.