Author Topic: How bad to drive with headers and exhaust pipes not connected? (Read 1344 times)

sigtauenus · « **on:** March, 10, 2010, 11:15:17 AM »

I've got two exhaust projects going, both involving headers and new dual exhaust systems, and both require cutting and welding the exhaust pipe to the piece that bolts to the collector. One is my 78 F-150 and the other is my fastback.

My 78 should be ready to go tonight. I was thinking that without the connection being solid, its going to be really freaking LOUD.

There is a Midas 4.9 miles from my house. If I drive the truck there, will I damage the engine from the lack of back-pressure? Will I get arrested or ticketed if spotted, or more appropriately, heard by a LEO?

What do you guys typically do? Call for a tow truck? Tow it yourself with a dolly?

RyanG85 · « **Reply #1 on:** March, 10, 2010, 11:30:00 AM »

You wont hurt the engine. I'm not sure how the law enforcement is in your area but if the truck is otherwise legal, I would drive it. Just make sure everything is secure and the exhaust fumes aren't coming into the cab.

Horseplay · « **Reply #2 on:** March, 10, 2010, 12:36:04 PM »

You'll definitely be heard unless you keep out of the throttle. Now will a LEO hear you? Depends if one is around I guess.

At less than 5 miles, I say drive it. Worse case you do get the attention of the police at which time you tell them you are taking the truck to the shop now to be repaired (as in something broke loose). I wouldn't even consider paying for a tow.

68EFIvert · « **Reply #3 on:** March, 10, 2010, 01:23:58 PM »

My exhaust shop is about 10 miles away and I called AAA when I needed to tow there.

TREE · « **Reply #4 on:** March, 10, 2010, 01:42:41 PM »

definitely I would drive it. you wont hurt it as long as the headers or exhaust manifolds are on, and exhaust systems do break if you are stopped just inform them you are making the attempt as we speak to get it to the shop to get it fixed. even at 10 miles I would drive it just my opinion and you know what they say about those

buening · « **Reply #5 on:** March, 10, 2010, 02:00:14 PM »

I would at a minimum hook up the headers if I were to drive it. You will blow black soot everywhere in your engine bay without any kind of manifold or header.

silverblueBP · « **Reply #6 on:** March, 10, 2010, 02:57:40 PM »

Run that biotch with open headers and take a pic of the big smile on yer face!!

Don't forget to grunt like Tim Taylor.

AzPete · « **Reply #7 on:** March, 10, 2010, 03:24:51 PM »

I was 15 miles from the shop in Az.....started at 55 mph for 8 miles then into town speeds. It was loud but a blast. Cops said nothing.

Midlife · « **Reply #8 on:** March, 10, 2010, 03:34:25 PM »

PepBoys and their ilk sell flexible exhaust tubing at various sizes. Why not attach something on a temporary basis while you drive to the exhaust shop?

sigtauenus · « **Reply #9 on:** March, 10, 2010, 03:34:45 PM »

I have everything up and hanging but nothing but the headers to head bolts are actually tight.

I couldn't really fully adjust anything with the pipes that need to connect to the collector loose. I figured I'd just tell Midas to go ahead and adjust everything and tighten it down once the collector fittings are welded up.

Whaddaya think, $50-100 for that?

And I just fired it up and at idle it really isn't too loud.

AzPete · « **Reply #10 on:** March, 10, 2010, 03:45:19 PM »

I would think you could block the collectors in place and get all else lined up and tightened. I don't think I would trust Midas to put things where you want them. Then drive it in and let them weld the collectors only.

RyanG85 · « **Reply #11 on:** March, 10, 2010, 06:21:07 PM »

Quote from: AzPete on March, 10, 2010, 03:45:19 PM

I would think you could block the collectors in place and get all else lined up and tightened. I don't think I would trust Midas to put things where you want them. Then drive it in and let them weld the collectors only.

+++++1 on that. I would never trust those guys to get things lines up. Maybe it just here but I have a hard time trusting anybody in a chain type store to do anything I care about....

blue65coupe · « **Reply #12 on:** March, 11, 2010, 08:58:14 AM »

Open headers are awesome.

johnpro · « **Reply #13 on:** March, 12, 2010, 09:39:39 AM »

Quote from: AzPete on March, 10, 2010, 03:45:19 PM

II don't think I would trust Midas to put things where you want them. Then drive it in and let them weld the collectors only.

+1. Isn't that who installed Midlife's mufflers wrong? I wouldn't use them if they were the last shop on earth.

sigtauenus · « **Reply #14 on:** March, 12, 2010, 12:45:35 PM »

This is my 78 F-150 that needs the exhaust welded up.

That pic was right after I painted it. Painted it myself in the driveway in base housing!

For the record, the cheap Omni enamel paint lasts about 3-4 years before it gets chalky and starts looking like crap. Fortunately I'm ok with that, it is a meant to be a beater I can throw stuff in and on and not worry about looks, I only care about function with that truck.

Fast68back · « **Reply #15 on:** March, 12, 2010, 02:14:08 PM »

Cool truck!

Midlife · « **Reply #16 on:** March, 12, 2010, 02:58:10 PM »

Quote from: johnpro on March, 12, 2010, 09:39:39 AM

+1. Isn't that who installed Midlife's mufflers wrong? I wouldn't use them if they were the last shop on earth.

Boy! You have a good memory! Mid's original mufflers were installed backwards by Midas.

AzPete · « **Reply #17 on:** March, 12, 2010, 03:33:35 PM »

Quote from: Midlife on March, 12, 2010, 02:58:10 PM

Boy! You have a good memory! Mid's original mufflers were installed backwards by Midas.

I will bet that they just had his car on the rack backwards.....

sigtauenus · « **Reply #18 on:** March, 21, 2010, 07:54:31 PM »

Turns out this was a non issue. I decided to cut everything myself and a neighbor two doors down has a stick welder and he did them for me. I cut one side, and by the time I had the second side cut the first one was back. By the time I got the second one back I had the first one bolted up.

Drove the truck yesterday, sounds good. I have pics if anybody wants to see headers and dual exhaust under a 78 F-150 4x4.

Fast68back · « **Reply #19 on:** March, 22, 2010, 04:23:01 AM »

Quote from: sigtauenus on March, 21, 2010, 07:54:31 PM

Drove the truck yesterday, sounds good. I have pics if anybody wants to see headers and dual exhaust under a 78 F-150 4x4.

I'm in!

silverblueBP · « **Reply #20 on:** March, 22, 2010, 04:24:49 AM »

Quote from: sigtauenus on March, 21, 2010, 07:54:31 PM

I have pics if anybody wants to see headers and dual exhaust under a 78 F-150 4x4.

Post those biotches up!

sigtauenus · « **Reply #21 on:** March, 22, 2010, 05:03:13 PM »

Here you go...

Not pretty, but it gets the job done...

sigtauenus · « **Reply #22 on:** March, 22, 2010, 05:05:28 PM »

BTW, I'm thinking about ditching the factory 2-v on that 351M, adding a alum intake and 4-v Holley, and maybe even dumping the crank and turning it into a 400!!

Well, before I get ahead of myself playing with the truck, I have some parts I still need to put on the fastback.