Installation
Flowmaster's Universal Mandrel Bent Exhaust Kit was designed
for the DIY ethusiast with average fabrication skill and welding
ability. A vehicle lift helps as well. However, like a majority
of hobbysists, even FM doesn't have a lift. To demostrate
how "universal" the kit really is, we worked with
the local performance exhaust specialist, Mr. Z's Muffler
of Sparks, Nevada.
As we mentioned, having a shop install this kit will require
some initial contemplation on part of the installer, these
guys are accustomed to building custom systems from scratch.
The project was started by cutting off a header collector
flange and tack welding on one of the ball adapters from
the Header Collector Ball Flange Kit.
The adapter fit cleanly and the increased ground clearance
over the standard three-hole triangle flange was already
noticeable.
The first mandrel bent pipe was mocked-up here in combination
with the ball flange Kit.
Once fitment was confirmed, the flared adapter was welded
to the first pipe in the system.
In order to size up the cross-over pipe, the procedure
was repeated for the passenger side.
Flowmaster includes these "fish mouthed" H-pipe
ends to build a tight fitting cross-over pipe.
The nature of the Montego chassis created a narrow gap
between the first pipes off the headers. The H-pipe Ends
that Flowmaster inlcuded in the exhaust kit were not usable
for this application.
This shop improvised and used somes excess to create a
short 2.5" diameter H-pipe.
At this point, it was time to mock up the positioning
of the 50-series mufflers.
Choosing
an Exhaust Shop Just like low-quality imported speed parts are
compromising your street machine, so is having critical
fabrication done by employees who have little to no
stake in the company they are working for. If
there is a service you require for your project car
that you'd rather contract out, then choose a skilled
fabricator, engine builder, or other craftsperson
who has experience working on enthusiast cars or runs
their own shop. By all means, it really is our responsiblity
to keep these guys operational since their skills
are most suited for the consumers that can really
appreciate the work.... Us!
Unfortunately, once you've decided to search for
the right shop, you will still be faced with the potential
feelings of apprehension and anxiety that come with
letting somebody else work on your car. With Project
MX, FordMuscle was faced with the same possibilty
when we needed to partner up with a exhaust shop to
help us with our Flowmaster install. The difference
this time? We managed our concerns by doing a little
research.
Start by asking around. Find some local enthusiasts
and inquire about who is doing custom exhausts in
town. Once you have found a few candidates, dig a
little deeper by paying a visit to the shop. Look
for clues that the business really is serving the
local peformance niche by taking a quick survey of
the office environment. The
photo to the right here shows a large collage of past
projects performed by Mr. Z's Muffler. This was a
great indicator that we were in good hands. for our
Flowmaster exhaust install. Another bit of advice,
be patient and let the shop work without hounding
them. Remember, many of these guys are artists in
their own right and most prefer time to do the job
correctly over delivering early.
As we mentioned, having a shop install this kit will require
some initial contemplation on part of the installer, these
guys are accustomed to building custom systems from scratch.
The project was started by cutting off a header collector
flange and tack welding on one of the ball adapters from
the Header Collector Ball Flange Kit.
The adapter fit cleanly and the increased ground clearance
over the standard three-hole triangle flange was already
noticeable.
The first mandrel bent pipe was mocked-up here in combination
with the ball flange Kit.
Once fitment was confirmed, the flared adapter was welded
to the first pipe in the system.
In order to size up the cross-over pipe, the procedure
was repeated for the passenger side.
Flowmaster includes these "fish mouthed" H-pipe
ends to build a tight fitting cross-over pipe. 
The nature of the Montego chassis created a narrow gap
between the first pipes off the headers. The H-pipe Ends
that Flowmaster inlcuded in the exhaust kit were not usable
for this application.
This shop improvised and used somes excess to create a
short 2.5" diameter H-pipe. 
At this point, it was time to mock up the positioning
of the 50-series mufflers.
Choosing
an Exhaust Shop
If
there is a service you require for your project car
that you'd rather contract out, then choose a skilled
fabricator, engine builder, or other craftsperson
who has experience working on enthusiast cars or runs
their own shop. By all means, it really is our responsiblity
to keep these guys operational since their skills
are most suited for the consumers that can really
appreciate the work.... Us!