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**MikeB** · 01-23-2022, 09:29 PM

Because your pipes run through the crossmember, a system from Flowmaster, Magnaflow, etc. won't work w/o modification. However an installation done by a local shop will probably use crush bends instead of mandrel bends. Crush bends can reduce flow by 20% or more.

If your son-in-law can TIG weld and has a chop saw, you can do it yourself using mandrel bent sections and straight tubes. I've done just that on two vehicles over the years. On both of them I used tailpipes that were mandrel bent, one pair from Flowmaster, the other from Heartthrob Exhaust.

As far the muffler shop's price quote, it seems a little high to me, but Magnaflow mufflers aren't cheap, and neither is labor these days.

Nice smooth bends here, not crushed:

01-23-2022, 09:29 PM	#3
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,440	Re: Exhaust System Cost Because your pipes run through the crossmember, a system from Flowmaster, Magnaflow, etc. won't work w/o modification. However an installation done by a local shop will probably use crush bends instead of mandrel bends. Crush bends can reduce flow by 20% or more. If your son-in-law can TIG weld and has a chop saw, you can do it yourself using mandrel bent sections and straight tubes. I've done just that on two vehicles over the years. On both of them I used tailpipes that were mandrel bent, one pair from Flowmaster, the other from Heartthrob Exhaust. As far the muffler shop's price quote, it seems a little high to me, but Magnaflow mufflers aren't cheap, and neither is labor these days. Nice smooth bends here, not crushed: Attached Images __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 01-23-2022 at 09:35 PM.