new muffler connection to existing pipes

[spark-z]

Hey everyone. I am new to the forum and I am confident that you guys can help me with my question.
I am a cheap bugger and after seeing the cost of a new stainless steel performance muffler I thought why not just buy the muffler and use the stock pipes already installed since they are still in good shape and it's my muffler that has the holes in it. I noticed that the muffler kits have pipes that have a slot cut into the ends that meet with the muffler that pinch when clamped. Do I have to take off my pipes and do the same cut or is there another way to make the connection, besides welding because I don't know how to weld.

Additionally I contacted Perfomance Improvements and talking to them they recommended the Magna Flow to get an increase in performance, longevity, and it's one of their cheaper stainless steel options. Do any of you have any comments on the Magna Flows?

Finally let me throw in a needless smiley

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Welcome Spark Z.


Sure you can bolt up a performance muffler to your
existing pipes. Keep in mind that the intermediate
pipe (between the cat and muffler) will be 2", and
the tailpipe will be 2 1/4". So you'll need adapters
to match the pipes to the muffler.

If you need to extend the pipe length (for a short muffler),
then you'll also need what's called a 'spout', which is just
a short length of pipe that's designed to "fill in" a possible
gap in the plumbing. All this can be clamped together
using common U-clamps.

Summit Racing has a good selection of exhaust adapters
and spouts, clamps, etc. Just figure out what you need
beforehand, and go at it.......

 

[Original_Ranger84]

No they are both 2" pipe the tip is opened to 2 1/4".

 

[spark-z]

How much overlap between the muffler pipes to the existing pipes should I account for? Or should i just wait til I get the parts and measure based on the pinch in the tubes?

 

[spark-z]

oh and thanks for the reply

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

How much overlap between the muffler pipes to the existing pipes should I account for? Or should i just wait til I get the parts and measure based on the pinch in the tubes?

Original Ranger84 is correct, some do have a 2" tailpipe. My 04 EDGE
has a 2 1/4" tailpipe flared to a 2 1/2 inch tip. It's best to measure
yours to make sure what you do indeed have. The Edge may have
different pipe sizes....?

As far as pipe overlap, it's best to have the pipes even with the
end of the muffler, which leaves about 3" of pipe inside the reducer/adapter,
and about 3" of the reducer inside the muffler pipe. It's best to err on the
long side, and not cut anything too short. You can always slide any excess
pipe into the reducers.

I like to draw an exhaust system out on paper, writing down all the
measurements and what's needed, so I don't forget something.
Remember with the reducers, you'll be dealing with ID dimensions
fitting over the OD dimension of the pipes. Like I said, check out
a site like SummitRacing.com to see all the reducers that're available.
There's tons of them......

 

[spark-z]

I have the 04 edge as well. I guess I have some measurements to do. Thanks for your help.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I'm doing exhaust work right now as well on my 04.
I ordered the Dynomax cat back system for mine, it's
relatively inexpensive and seems to be a well-made
system for the money. It's not stainless, but is
aluminized with sturdy looking pipes.

 

[spark-z]

well the thing is I wanted the lifetime warranty that comes with stainless steel so I never have to worry about my muffler again and I plan on having this truck for a long time. my next issue is the hanger. It seems I need to cut off the old hanger for the muffler (or buy a new one) and weld it onto the new muffler. Well I don't weld and I can't seem to figure out how to inexpensively get a hanger other than going to the dealership and getting someone else to weld it on for me, and Ford has jacked up all their parts prices a year ago.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

well the thing is I wanted the lifetime warranty that comes with stainless steel so I never have to worry about my muffler again and I plan on having this truck for a long time. my next issue is the hanger. It seems I need to cut off the old hanger for the muffler (or buy a new one) and weld it onto the new muffler. Well I don't weld and I can't seem to figure out how to inexpensively get a hanger other than going to the dealership and getting someone else to weld it on for me, and Ford has jacked up all their parts prices a year ago.

You need a hanger similiar to this one:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WLK-36233/

There are several hangers available in this section,
depending on the configuration of your muffler,
so check them all.