Which exhaust?

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Duncydoo

Active Member
Posts
111
Location
Bathgate, Near Edinburgh
Hi All

As per usual someone needs help.

I have a 1984, 90 with 300tdi engine. Originally would have been a 2.5 N/A I believe.

Front down pipe has totally split just by the flex and is/was hanging off making a hell of a racket. Got a new down pipe, no flex no cat. Took the old one off at the weekend (getting the top bolts of was fun, oil, blow torch and then eventually stone chisel and lump hammer followed by so serious torque) and went to fit the replacement pipe. Turns out the pipe goes about 5” past the join for the mid box.

I have spoken to MM 4x4 where I got it and their man was pretty helpful, asked me to send pics of the rest of the exhaust and he would try to determine what I need. Thing is he has said I may need to replace the rest of the pipe. Things are tight (or maybe it’s just me) and I don’t really want to have to fork out for a full new pipe.

I know you will want pics but not at home just now so can’t get them. I realise no mid box will help performance but this costs, and I know there is probably a way I can cut/bend/shape the front pipe I have, however I have neither the tools or the skills required to do this, unless someone has a really simple way of doing it that I can’t think of.

I’m presuming there must be others that have an old 90 with a 300TDI upgrade that have had to replace the front down pipe.

Any help very much appreciated.
 
My 1986 90 300TDi (ex 2.5NA D) just uses a standard off the shelf 300TDi system so if yours doesn't then you will have to make do and mend with whatever fits.
The end hanger on 90 300TDi tailpipes changed partway through production and the two pipes aren't interchangable without cutting & welding the bracket so make sure you order the correct one for your vehicle.
Make sure that whatever pipe you fit is the correct size. At least one major manufacturer of SS systems sells a 300TDi system that is about 33% smaller in CSA than standard which will do nothing for the flow of gasses. I think they just use the same size pipe for NA, TD, 200 & 300TDi systems but in reality they are very different.
 
The main thing is where you have fitted the 300tdi, if its in the normal 300tdi position (ie close to rad) then you should just be able to use standard 300tdi front pipe, and system .either single box or two box type .
 
Thanks for the replies folks

I'll have a look at where the hangers are and hopefully get something sorted. The part on e-may is going to be to short from what the guy has said but worth a look.

Engine is fairly far back hence the pipe being too long. One more question, I’ve never got my head round the whole “FROM TA999222 TO WA159806” thing, does this refer to chassis number?
Welding a new bracket is beyond my skill level so I’ll just need to get the right pipe I guess. That or I could always use some string.....
Will update when resolved.
Thanks again.
Dunc
 
yes vin no or chassis no,its the last pair of letters before numbers ,i doubt youll find a pipe of the shelf as engine isnt in std place and could have been shortend std 300 exhaust or a bitsa ,no std one will fit and maybe best bet is to buy ebay conversion one and use the std system that goes on the back of it at least in future youll know what to buy other than converting bits everytime
 
Quick update

Have now got this sorted, I couldn't find and easy solution that wasn't going to cost anything less than £100 until..... Stainless Creations in Falkirk

Love these guys...

Once I took the silencer off and fitted the down pipe properly not only was it too long but it also fouled (touched) the chassis. I'd driven past a boy racer mod shop and popped into ask for any local exhaust shops.

Stainless have in a little under four hours, taken down pipe off put a bend in to miss the chassis, cut off an old rusty section from the rear pipe, measured and made a custom straight middle section and fitted the whole lot with new hangers for the grand total of...... £60.

Guys couldn’t be helpful enough, they normally make custom high performance pipes for sports cars and all their stuff has a lifetime warranty on it. Not sure if they have just done me a really good deal but I can’t recommend these guy enough. Guy said they have done quite a few side exits for 90’s so that may be a thought for the future.

Link to their site below.

http://www.stainless-creations.co.uk/

Thanks to all for comments / ideas and for the info on the Vin No (bit think I know)
 
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