Russe11
True Classic
After some discussion (https://xwebforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/exhaust-options.43171/) I purchased a Header from Vick Autosports (https://www.vickauto.com/parts/performance-exhaust-header-4-1-fiat-x19-sku-27-6919/) to install in my 1981, Fuel Injected X1/9. Probably the most significant factor in the decision was the Stainless Steel construction. Another factor was the claim in the description that it would work with stock mufflers for Fuel Injected cars as well as for Carbureted cars. I wanted to use the FI version, because that would allow me to use the brace from the transmission to the flange of the header to muffler joint. There have some hurdles along the way, and I thought it would be useful to document how I'm approaching it.
The first thing I noticed was that the flanges of the header and the muffler would not interface properly.
The FI exhaust system has an adapter flange in that spot, between the muffler and the catalytic converter, but the configuration on the cat-side is a 4-bolt flange. My solution was to make a flange to adapt the different bolt-circle diameters and joint type. Raw material came in the form of a 2 1/2lb cast iron dumbell weight.
At this point, I could physically join the parts. I removed the old exhaust system and temporarily installed the header. That's when the length discrepancy became apparent to me. I was referred to a post from Andrew at Vicks, in which he explained that adjusting the length of the header by cutting the collector would allow the parts to fit. So, I hung the muffler with the tailpipe in its proper positionand the adapter in place on the muffler to find where the collector needed to be cut. This is how it lined up:
So, it was clear to me that I'd need to cut the muffler, instead.
to be continued...
The first thing I noticed was that the flanges of the header and the muffler would not interface properly.
The FI exhaust system has an adapter flange in that spot, between the muffler and the catalytic converter, but the configuration on the cat-side is a 4-bolt flange. My solution was to make a flange to adapt the different bolt-circle diameters and joint type. Raw material came in the form of a 2 1/2lb cast iron dumbell weight.
At this point, I could physically join the parts. I removed the old exhaust system and temporarily installed the header. That's when the length discrepancy became apparent to me. I was referred to a post from Andrew at Vicks, in which he explained that adjusting the length of the header by cutting the collector would allow the parts to fit. So, I hung the muffler with the tailpipe in its proper positionand the adapter in place on the muffler to find where the collector needed to be cut. This is how it lined up:
So, it was clear to me that I'd need to cut the muffler, instead.
to be continued...