tales from the crypt -- er i mean under the hood...

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re exhaust stop leak ---> is 1000 degree engine silicone gasket sealant suitable ? cuz i have that around.

re cutting the exhaust ---> cutting hte new stuff was easy -- hack saw went right through it (lots of elbow grease but it was ok). the old one, the guy at the local cole muffler was a saint, half an hour before close, he takes it in, zips off the pipe and says "have a nice day - no charge".

re new exhaust ---> summit racing sucks ****.

it doesn't fit.

passenger side pipe fits, everything else fits, but the driver side pipe wont clear the rear differential... evertime you put a load in the bed it comes smashing down on the rear end... and there is no way to get it up higher -- its as high as it possibly can go right now.

i called summit they guy goes "oh ya - there's a note on the sales screen we have here says 'may not fit 2 wheel drive systems'..." i said "um... and why didn't it say that on the website, or in the catalog, or the guy who sold it to me tell me...?" he's like "i dont know... take it to a muffler shop, we can't help you.... or buy a lift kit.. we have em on sale for 350 for good ones"....

so now i need about 80 bucks in precision bends and a new driver side rear pipe cuz the one with the kit is junk.

Jstas

Well, there ya go then. Take it right back to the same guy and give him your business. If all you need is some pipe bent then go for it. Also, don't worry about the other joints, just have him weld the whole thing up. Might as well, since it will be there. Seriously though, get it fixed right and it'll last a good long time.

Also, now you know the pitfall of buying Summit Racing branded parts. Anymore, I just buy headers, mufflers and cats and have a shop bend up and weld some pipe for it. It's more expensive but at least you know it will be done right and fit right.

wlrandall

That's exactly why my system is from Gibson. Two hours to install (with breaks), fit out of the box and one cut to get the factory system off. Sorry you had to deal with their crap.

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ya i had kinda thought that since u recc'd headers for the caddy from summit that they were a good place, but now i get the more correct idea... while they may be good with shipping / cust svc / availability, they're not necessarily great with fitting for vehicle specific parts.

no biggie.

so you think i should have it welded? prolly a good idea - good call... i had forgotten about that.

I painted the whole thing with one coat primer / 2 coats flat black of 1500 degree engine paint.

once the dude puts the new driver side pipe in, i'll paint that too - wont be as good as painting it off the car, but hey -- i figure the engine paint shoudl add to the "anti-rust-ness" of it. its gonna rust no matter what, but this will hoepfully give me an extra year or two outa it.

*Grumble*

good news is it SOUNDS FKIN AWESOME! ... sounds like a damn muscle car. and it looks fantastic ... summit ended up sending me the wrong tips too... got nicelooking chrome plated ones from pep boys for 6 bucks each -- prolly wont last more than 2 or 3 years, but so what -- then in a few years i pay another 12 bucks for two more -- dont have to worry about some kid stealing 100 dollars worth of tips either.

Jstas

Well, Summit is a good place to get parts. But, I usually only get brand name stuff from them. The Summit stuff is cheap compared to comparable stuff from Flowmaster, Hooker, Hedman, Borla and so on but you really do get what you pay for. Most of the Summit branded stuff is cheap knockoffs of more expensive brands.

Thier tech department isn't as strong as they say it is either. They seem to push alot of stuff, even if it isn't what you are looking for. I remember calling them up to get a good price that they had on a Lunati cam that I wanted and they kept trying to push a Comp Cam on me that I didn't want. Even after I told them, I talked to Lunati myself and that cam was what they said would work best for the setup I was running. I hung up the phone and called up JEG'S, told them what was up and asked if they could match the price. They said yeah so I bought a set of lifters and rocker arms from JEG'S too.

But Summit sometimes has parts that you can't get or find many other places.

However, both companies are very poor on finding actual parts. I remember having to find a fuel fitting from Holly to fit a funky 2 barrel carb from them. I must have ordered the part from both JEG'S and Summit 9 times and each time they sent me the wrong one. I got tired of sending the parts back and waiting for the refunds. I have 3 fuel line banjos sitting around here. I figure I'll end up needing them for something eventually. Anyway, I ended up going to a local speed shop who also pulled the wrong part. I ended up walking behind the counter and dusting off an old Holly parts catalog dated from like 1979. I found the part and told him that I know they still make it and I need it. I ended up paying 20 dollars for an 11 doller part but I got what I needed. The guy was totally stunned too. He said "I love customers like you who know what you are talking about. You make my job so much easier and I always learn something. I mean, I saw that part number in that catalog and all I could think was ...holy ****! That book is older than he is and he knows exactly what he wants! That is an awesome customer!" Then I bought a new copy of Desktop Dyno 2000 from him too and he gave it to me at cost to offset the excess fees for ordering the part. He was a cool guy. I'll go back to him again in the future.

CPHILHOWER

PBD, I made my own exhaust. Or more corectly, I bought the parts and had a Mieneke install them. Edelbrock RPM muffler and Borla tip. Was done about 1 1/2 years ago. The pipe they used is Crap. Damn thing looks like I will be replacing it in another year. Next time, I think I am getting a Stainless Steel pipe off the Converter. Maybe a new muffler? Stainless steel of course. Maybe I'll get one of the APC cans from work. Hell maybe two. One on each side. Just have to trim out the bumper. I prefer a Roar in my exhaust.
Chris

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chris, do you have any idea what stainless steel pipe costs? if i can pinch 5 - 7 years out of a 280 (total cost after havin cole do this extra piece) system, i'd rather do that than spend a grand on a lifetime system... sure, someday when i've got the cash, i'll value the lifetime stainless steel but right now -- a grand is harder to come by than a **** supermodel on my front lawn.

jstas, i've noticed the wonderful world of online parts shopping isn't nearly as easy as local parts shopping... the only good thing is price.

then again u know what i realized... for the guy at cole to have gotten the kit, installed it himself, and made it all right - he estimated me at 330.

for all the aggravation i've gone through so far i prolly only saved like 40 or 50 bucks at best.

somethings i really should just leave to the pro's. which sucks cuz i like doing things myself -- i learn stuff.

i'm chalking this up to a learning experience... at least now i know how to weave my way around an exhaust, but if i ever need another dual exhaust i'm having it done by a shop -- a single out is simple enough cuz the stock hangers are there and its not hard to jump one pipe over the rear end... but anything more complicated than that i'm having done.

Jstas

Well, a few good things about custom pipes is you know they are going to fit. Also, you have the luxury of not being limited by what a kit gives you. If you want 3 inch pipe and nobody has a 3 inch kit then, the dude can custom bend it up. Also, you aren't limited in muffler choice either. Alot of kits come with the company's cheapest or lowest line of mufflers. Getting it custom bent you can put whatever mufflers you want on. You options are limitless. You can even choose side exit or rear exit. Well, you get my point.

Systems

... i think my pathetic life is getting to the point wher ei should not make any decisions without consulting the momo forum.

shall i get an exhaust ? --- nay, wait until the forum replies...

its got 3" pipe in front with dual 2 1/4 outs with a 3 chamber turbo muffler.

i would have liked some other more funky ****, but for 169 bucks + 15 for paint + 13 for tips + 10 for shipping.... i really dont think i cudda got much more.

its just the fact that now i'm out another 80 cuz the fkers cant get it right that irks me.

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went back to cole this morning...

73 bucks... not horribly bank breaking.

this guy bent the whole thing by eye, gave me 4" clearance over the rear end, and i noticed the pipe is much heavier gauge metal than the **** that summit sent me.

all tolled, i'm quite happy with it right now -- just wish i wudda gone to cole in the first place... 330 versus 280, btu for that extra 50 i wudda got much heavier pipe and probably a better grade product overall.

he liked my engine paint idea on the exhaust tho.

Jstas

Good thing about that is now you know a guy who can do exhaust. If he moves, follow him. He'll give you the hookup if you are steady business. Make sure you let his boss know, if he has one, that he was a huge help to you. If he doesn't have a boss (works for himself), get him a case of beer or something for helping you out so much. Then he'll remember you and be more willing to help you out when you need it. When it comes time to fix the Summit exhaust or even do the Caddy, it could come in handy and pay off.

Just make sure he drinks beer or doesn't have an alcohol problem. 'Cause like then that would be bad.

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LMFAO -- "make sure he likes beer -- or doesnt have an alcohol problem" --- ROTFL

... he's actually the assistant manager at this branch of cole muffler... good dude.

and i've got a bigger question now...

is my catalytic converter suposed to sound like kerneled pop corn popping in a tin can... i hope the analogy gives u an understanding of the sound... cuz thats what it sound like at idle... popping corn in a tin can. only a little deeper.

seems like its comin from the cat --- it was there before -- only like 75% quieter with the factory exhaust... now its mucho - louder...

is this normal??

Jstas

Could be a loose heat sheild rattling away. You may have busted it when you were horking the exhaust system around trying to put it on.

I'd just take some metal cutters and snip it off if it is rattling. Your floor might get hotter but that is most likely what the noise is. You don't need it but it can be nice to have.

wlrandall

Also, it being a Dodge and not knowing how many miles you have, you might also do this. Once you confirmed whether or not it's the heat shield, get under the truch after it's cooled off. Grab the converter and shake it best you can. If you hear its internals rattling around, it's shot. Dodge has a history of premature cat failures.

Jstas

If that is the case, I do believe that emissions related equipment like a catalytic converter is covered under a federally mandated warranty until 45,000 miles. After that, you are on your own.

wlrandall

From what I've heard and depending on the year model it is 80K. Not bad, eh?? Just can't remember the specifics...

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99 ram 1500 2 wheel drive 5.9L 360 with 77,080 miles on it as we speak.

i have like *thinking* a year of "extended warranty"(and up to 95k) left on the truck.... would that be covered under the ex warr if its not under the 80k thing?

imma check out that heat shield thing tomorrow afternoon -- never thought of it -- if it isloose, is that something that i can have point welded ? or just cut the sucker off?

CPHILHOWER

PBD, Did this happen after you put on the Dual exhaust? The Cat on my 93 Escort went bad after I changed the exhaust manifold. I installed a Hedder. Blew out the Cat and the baffles in the Muffler. My friend had his O2 sensor fail. Developed a rattle about 1 month after his muffler fell off. The element inside broke.
Chris

Jstas

You know what, sometimes a cracked exhaust manifold can sound like that too. I have seen them get cracked when people are removing and installing exhaust parts. you may want to check that out too. Its easy, just cover the manifold with water from a spray can and then start the engine. Look for bubbles. If you have bubbles, you have a leak and/or crack.

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been busy as **** last few days - yet to check anything...

i am worrying now though -- from what u guys are saying -- if there is something wrong w/ the cat or the manifold(s) can i harm the new exhuast too??

the last thing i need is to replace a brand new exhuast.

... and chris it did it before the new exhaust cept the loudness was like 1/3 of what it is now.

Jstas

No, it won't hurt the new exhaust.

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ok here's the deal...

w/ the thing cold, i went under there and shook pipes comin out of the headers and into the cat -- nothing wrong.

found that heat shield -- its like welded to the floor board and was not loose.

shook the front pipe goin from cat to muffler -- nothing.

then tapped on pipes from headers to cat -- that funky sound came outa the cat.

then tapped the front pipe from cat to muffler... funny sound outa cat.

then tapped the cat... really really loud of that sound outa the cat.

it's nto loose -- i shook the cat and it wont shake - like its not loose, all the pipes are very tight.. but when u thwack the cat or around it it makes that funny popcorn kernel's in a kettle sound.

does that narrow it down?

obviously its SOMETHING w/ the cat... but does that mean the cat is busted? or am i running too much air flow through it? or is this normal?

again, thanks for reading.

Jstas

The cat is busted. It happens. You'll probably need a new one. Might want to talk to your new buddy and see what he can do. It can end up being bad if you let it go for too long. Those chunks will end up either melting and slagging throughout the exhaust system and plugging up your exhaust. That is bad. Either that or the chunks could work thier way down to the muffler and end up destroying your brand new exhaust system. Both cases are bad for others behind you and can even run a serious risk of setting a vehicle on fire.

Again though, you might want to check out that federally mandated warranty stuff we were discussing earlier. It may help you out.

wlrandall

Originally posted by Jstas
Again though, you might want to check out that federally mandated warranty stuff we were discussing earlier. It may help you out.

I'd go ask around at the following, knowing a dealer won't give you a straight answer:

http://dodgetrucks.org

http://www.dakotatrucks.com

Pick some brains, get what you need and then go to the dealer.

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well teh dealer agreed on the 80k thing when i talked to them today to set up an apt... i go in friday and the curtesy shuttle takes me to school (few blocks away - and thank god its the only dodge dealer i trust)... so i'll let ya'll know how it goes.

Jstas

WOOHOO! SCORE ONE FOR VINNIE!

wlrandall

Good deal!

Just don't let them give you any crap about your catback system. It is allowed under the Magnusson/Moss Act and will not under any circumstances have voided your warranty. Good dealer or not, don't go in there unarmed. Just keep reminding yourself they are there to make money-and that's it.

Jstas

They can't void the federally mandated warranty because the cat back exhaust does not affect the emissions system at all. It only affect the sound emissions and those are not stringent standards. Infact, I dnot even think that there is a federally mandated limit to used cars exhaust volumes. That is usually left up to state jurisdiction.

Unless the catalytic converter shows signs of being tampered with, they cannot void the warranty. If it does, they have legal precedent to call the police, have you arrested and jailed. Kinda sucks but that is the deal. However, cat-back exhaust systems qualify as replacement exhaust systems. With 70 some odd thousand miles on the truck, it is feasible that the exhaust system could have needed repair.

wlrandall

jstas, you're 100% right, but dealers have tried it. Not only for exhaust, but intakes, chips and other things. They assume we're all idiots and don't know the law.

Jstas

Well, that other stuff is covered by manufacturer warranties. Since the manufacturer is the credible source behind the warranty, they can void the warranty for what they see as a breech of the warranty. If you stick a reprogramed chip in your ECM, they can void the warranty. It can go the same with almost anything except emissions because that is insured by federal law. That goes with anything that has to do with emissions. Even old A.I.R. systems. Within the mileage range though.

But things like brake systems and exhaust systems and even suspension bushings are considered wear items and in some cases are not even covered by a new vehicle warranty. So hi cat-back exhaust should affect no warranty limitations in any way because it is a wear item.

Wear items are items that wear out like brakes, tires, hoses, exhaust systems, lights and so on.