Exhause outside frame rails.

[ripdog28]

As It says, I'm debating running my headers and exhaust outside the frame rails to make it easier to have side exhaust exit. Anyone done this or have opinions for pros/cons?

[BR3W CITY]

Both my old setup and my current setup run an exhaust thats at least partially outside the rails.
My old setup cross under the rails at the kick up in the wheelwell area, and then ran outside the frame all the way to my through-step exit.
My current setup runs inside the rails to the trans crossmember, then crosses over for the muffler mounts and the side exist.

A couple things I ran into;

Unless your starting with a dragster style header that actually exits over the rail, you have to cross over the frame somewhere. With a larger tube (unless you go oval), this can cost you some ground clearance.

It can be a bit hard to get a jack on the framerail if your exhaust tube hits first.

[vin63]

Three-inch tubing. I kept the exhaust tubing above the bottom of the frame (middle section). I did a bit of pie cutting (particularly the down pipe from the header collector), and welding of J- and U-bends to get the compound curves to snake under the front frame rise.

[BR3W CITY]

Mines in 2.5" but some similar style.

[ripdog28]

Thanks for the info and pictures guys. Really helps with ideas. Vin, im planning on upgrading my brakes, CPP spindle with single piston now. Been looking at Wilwood 4 and 6 piston set ups for 15in wheels. I see you run 16in wheels? What Spindle, Caliper are you running? I cant find a package deal but think I can piece it together to work.

Also, you do bodywork on the side or as a business?

[vin63]

I actually ran/run 15" wheels up front (thinking of a change once my paint job is finished)...the newer American Sprints. My rear wheels are vintage Ansen Sprints that are 16x12s. I run the older Western 2" drop spindle with the Wilwood 6 piston calipers. I think CPP now offers their modular spindle set up for all levels of Wilwood and Baer front brake systems. If I had to do it today, I would go that route for the bigger type of front brakes. I had to engineer mine, cut off the OE caliper mount ears, and design and machine my own caliper brackets.

I don't do bodywork...I don't have that level of patience. I will section and modify a fender in a heartbeat, but will not do the finish body stuff.