Cervinis Side Exhaust & Lowering Springs

['69 Hardtop]

For those of you who have installed the side exhaust, I just received my kit and I have a few questions.

First, have you experienced any significant ground clearance issues?

I have the Ford Racing handling kit on my '07 GT, which lowered the car about 1.5". My ground clearance right now is between 4.5 - 5". Cervinis side exhaust on a car of stock ride height gives you about 4.5 - 5" of clearance. So, I am guessing that I am going to have about 3 - 3.5" of clearance after the install. Do you think that this will be too low?

Second, does the side exhaust interfere with sub-frame connectors?

I am considering installing the BMR or Granatelli sub-frame connectors and I was wondering if I should expect some difficulty. I am thinking that the Steeda 3-Brace is definitely out of the question, but maybe some one could offer some better insight. I have yet to see a photo of these actually installed.

DISCLAIMER: I certainly do appreciate everyone's opinion, so please don't let that deter you from replying, but I am most interested in hearing from people you have first hand experience with running the side exhaust.

 

[DarkFireGT]

I don't believe that, without modification, the SFC's will fit. But since you have a coupe, they're really a waste of money. The frame on these cars is very rigid. Add a k member brace (with torque limiters would be even better) and you'll be good. Save your money.

I have a feeling clearance will be an issue. You'll want to make sure that you put the clamps on as to give you the most clearance. Speed bumps and steep driveways will definitely give you trouble. Going in at an angle can help. I lowered the rear about .75", but otherwise left it at stock height to avoid that. On steep driveways, the exhaust still hits.

 

[Emay]

Like Dark said it's real low as is, I'm running the pro kit springs and my side exhaust hits on any sort of imperfection where you are inclining and then flatten out abrubtly or worse yet declines immediately following an incline.

Taking angles is the key, but sometimes that unexpected hazard shows up. All you can do is be careful.

Lowered where you are, speed bumps will be an absolute no no. Just not gonna happen.

 

[Emay]

forgot to respond about the subframe portion. Here's a pic of whates entailed to make a BMR boxed subframe connector fit. This shot tells me all sub frames will cause a problem, not just BMR's..

 

['69 Hardtop]

Well, that is what I pretty much figured. I want the side exhaust, so I guess I will have to figure out some other suspension set up. Maybe AirRide.

Emay, do you have any idea how much clearance you are getting with the pro kit springs?

 

[Emay]

not alot I'd have to measure to be sure and not give inaccurate data, I'll throw a measure on there tomorrow..

 

[HEAVYGT]

not alot I'd have to measure to be sure and not give inaccurate data, I'll throw a measure on there tomorrow..

Hey Erin, we're gonna have to look at mine because eventually I want the side exhaust...see if its possible with the welded BMR tubular subframes.

 

[Emay]

Glenn you can do anything you want for money. I'm no welder, a trade I'd love to have, but you don't want me practicing on this project.

All of the subframes use the same rear mounting area which is where the exhaust obviously passes under the pinch weld to exit the side of the car. As you see in the picture it will require extensive surgery. If it were me, I'd use the boxed ones, cutting the tubular and meshing back togther is not going to give you the meat that the boxed frame in the above picture gives, no reason to end up with a part that is doing absolutely nothing for structural support whens it's point is exactly that.

 

[kooldawg6]

I don't know what suspension he is using, but he hit a "bump" last summer that ripped his driver side muffler from the pipe and cracked his side exhaust piece.

 

['69 Hardtop]

Well, I installed just the side exhaust. My ground clearance is a whopping 1 3/4". I got a little scrape on the bands that hold the tips on from the speed bump leaving work. I am thinking that I will have to start taking the long way home now. I also believe that the side skirts should be higher than the lowest part of the exhaust, but someone may correct me if I'm wrong.

pic:

 

[DarkFireGT]

Yes, the exhaust is the lowest part of the whole kit. You might want to turn your band clamps sideways to give you a little extra clearance.