magnaflow exhaust system help

[cajun chevy]

Hope someone can help me
I have a magnaflow stainless exhaust system that I purchased new for my truck about 3 years ago and it doesn't seem to fit. I have a 1972 c10 SWB 307 v8, with headers. 2.5" drop spindles, 4 " drop springs in the rear.
Hoping someone out there has info and pics on installation.

Thanks.

[Steve Cole]

Hi, 3 questions: 1. Do you have long tube headers, like Hedman's? 2. Is it the complete "cat back" system? 3. Do you have pics of the areas that don't fit?
Thanks, Steve

[Z10]

I've got a complete Magnaflow stainless system on my 72 short step GMC, using shorty Sanderson headers. I also am using Magnaflow cats. The suspension is currently stock.

Check out my build thread for photos.

Good luck.

[cajun chevy]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Hi, 3 questions: 1. Do you have long tube headers, like Hedman's? 2. Is it the complete "cat back" system? 3. Do you have pics of the areas that don't fit?
Thanks, Steve

I do have long tube headers, which came with the truck when I purchased it. They are stamped"Mr.Gasket". which are probably not made any more.the kit is #16643, which is made for '66-'72 c-10. It contains, 2- inlet pipes, tru -x pipe, 2- mid pipes,2 -mufflers, and 2- tail pipes.I will go back to see my mechanic and take pictures .Thanks

[Steve Cole]

I have that same system. Drivers side was pretty straight forward, passenger side fit up to where the muffler gets installed but the last piece (the one that goes over the rear end ) didn't fit at all. After trying everything, that last piece had to be cut and welded 5 times to get the right curvature and clearance around the axle. Also, the front two pieces were unusable, those had to be made by the installer and it looks terrible. I called Magnaflow because their "custom fit" system didn't fit my truck. Their response was that the system fits the chassis not a particular engine/header combo. If your truck is lowered, it will not fit without modification. Between the cost of the system and having to take it to two different muffler shops to get it installed, I have over $800 in mine and it looks terrible. I will eventually have to redo it from the mufflers forward because it hangs too low with my long tube headers. It needs to go through the crossmember, not under it.

I bought this system thinking I would install it myself and save some money. That was a joke. If I had it to do all over again, I would just let a good muffler shop install a system. The stainless that Magnaflow uses is thin, and discolors easily. I don't think I have any pics of the install, but I will check.

[cajun chevy]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

I have that same system. Drivers side was pretty straight forward, passenger side fit up to where the muffler gets installed but the last piece (the one that goes over the rear end ) didn't fit at all. After trying everything, that last piece had to be cut and welded 5 times to get the right curvature and clearance around the axle. Also, the front two pieces were unusable, those had to be made by the installer and it looks terrible. I called Magnaflow because their "custom fit" system didn't fit my truck. Their response was that the system fits the chassis not a particular engine/header combo. If your truck is lowered, it will not fit without modification. Between the cost of the system and having to take it to two different muffler shops to get it installed, I have over $800 in mine and it looks terrible. I will eventually have to redo it from the mufflers forward because it hangs too low with my long tube headers. It needs to go through the crossmember, not under it.

I bought this system thinking I would install it myself and save some money. That was a joke. If I had it to do all over again, I would just let a good muffler shop install a system. The stainless that Magnaflow uses is thin, and discolors easily. I don't think I have any pics of the install, but I will check.

Thanks Steve, hope you can send me pics, appreciate it.

[Steve Cole]

I would suggest starting in the rear and working your way to the front, finishing at the headers.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

I would suggest starting in the rear and working your way to the front, finishing at the headers.

Isn't that backwards?

[cajun chevy]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

I have that same system. Drivers side was pretty straight forward, passenger side fit up to where the muffler gets installed but the last piece (the one that goes over the rear end ) didn't fit at all. After trying everything, that last piece had to be cut and welded 5 times to get the right curvature and clearance around the axle. Also, the front two pieces were unusable, those had to be made by the installer and it looks terrible. I called Magnaflow because their "custom fit" system didn't fit my truck. Their response was that the system fits the chassis not a particular engine/header combo. If your truck is lowered, it will not fit without modification. Between the cost of the system and having to take it to two different muffler shops to get it installed, I have over $800 in mine and it looks terrible. I will eventually have to redo it from the mufflers forward because it hangs too low with my long tube headers. It needs to go through the crossmember, not under it.

I bought this system thinking I would install it myself and save some money. That was a joke. If I had it to do all over again, I would just let a good muffler shop install a system. The stainless that Magnaflow uses is thin, and discolors easily. I don't think I have any pics of the install, but I will check.

You are so right Steve, I got it installed but at a high cost, lot of modifications needed. Will never take that route again. I guess I should have done more research before I purchased the kit.
Thanks again for the help. Marcel.