Continuing our quest for knowledge of common body-drop problems and the remedies needed to lay low, we encountered the notorious exhaust issue. The Weekend Warrior Toyota was freshly on the ground and in order to put it completely back together to drive to the show, we were in need of a nice exhaust system that would tuck under the cab and not hang below the frame. After doing a little research, we came across some very cool universal kits offered by MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust.
MagnaFlow offers a universal muffler with a mere 4-inch depth for lowered and space-challenged vehicles. This flattened oval-design muffler is perfect for body-dropped minitrucks that need to tuck the exhaust as high up as possible to avoid pesky problems later. Small in size but not performance, this muffler still uses MagnaFlow's free-flowing, straight-through perforated stainless steel core. Stainless mesh wrap and acoustical fiber fill to deliver MagnaFlow's signature smooth, deep tone.
Since it's available with an 11-inch, 14-inch or 18-inch long body, and a variety of inlet and outlet combinations, we had limitless possibilities to build our system in the tight confines. So, we paired this muffler up with MagnaFlow's Hot Rod Kit, which includes stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing in various lengths and bends, along with clamps and hangers, for the creation of a custom exhaust system to meet the specific needs of our unique application. Here's a quick overview of how any exhaust shop or homebuilder can turn MagnaFlow's universal muffler and kit into the perfect exhaust system for their ride.
1. Here's a look at the MagnaFlow...
1. Here's a look at the MagnaFlow universal 4x9 oval muffler
2. The Hot Rod Kit, which...
2. The Hot Rod Kit, which comes complete with hardware and hangers.
3. Here's why you most likely...
3. Here's why you most likely need to redo your exhaust when 'bagging and body-dropping your mini. Most mufflers hang bellow the scrub line (the frame), and get in the way when layin' a truck flat on the ground.
4. First thing's first: the...
4. First thing's first: the old exhaust was marked as to where we wanted to start with the modifications, then it was unbolted.
5. Once the stock parts were...
5. Once the stock parts were out and ready for some love, we chopped off the old system after the cat and O2 sensor, so we wouldn't have to mess with any smog trouble.
6a. After a few trial-and-error...
6a. After a few trial-and-error runs of bolting and unbolting the stock exhaust, drawing out the best path for our straight pipes, and measuring our first bend angles, we were finally ready to weld up our pipe section.
6b.
7. The main pieces of the...
7. The main pieces of the exhaust system were configured and welded, then it was time to mount the muffler. Hardware was provided in the Hot Rod Kit, so be sure to follow the mounting instructions for the best results.
8. The final step with the...
8. The final step with the main system and the muffler in place was to decide where to dump or exit the exhaust. Rather than the traditional turn down under the bed, we decided to go with a more custom look and still had plenty of stainless tubing to make it work. Using two of the provided mandrel bends, we dumped the MagnaFlow tip in front of the rear tire.
9. It's a custom performance...
9. It's a custom performance exhaust look, sound, and feel; no matter which angle you view it.