Flowmaster, American Thunder, install

[CUBSBLEACHERBUM]

Hey friends,

Bought a set of Flowmaster, American Thunder, axelbacks off of Craigslist this week for my 2012 GT. I am installing them tomorrow morning, any friendly pointers from people with experience doing this before i tear into it. I have been told that it is a pretty easy job.......guess I will find out.

 

[Svtpilot]

It's a pretty straight forward job. Once you crawl under the car and have a look it will be obvious what you have to do. Here is a link to the instructions on the American Muscle website just in case
http://www.americanmuscle.com/flowmaster-axleback-exhaust-0510gt-install.html

 

[CUBSBLEACHERBUM]

Thanks alot !!! I will let you know how it goes, I am heading into the garage now......

 

[BackInBlack]

Not sure how great the clamps flowemaster gives. I got pypes pype bombs for my 08 and just ended up going to a shope and getting them welded for 10 bucks. then later a different shop for my x-pipe and it only cost 30 bucks. just to be safe. and they did a great job.

 

[CUBSBLEACHERBUM]

Well, just finished......that being said, not as easy as I thought it was going to be. Now that I am done, i am VERY pleased with the results!!! Not real sure about the factory clamps, which I used to connect the Flowmasters, as I am not real confident about the seal. May have to end up going the whole welding route as well.......I will keep you posted. Thanks again for all of the help !!!!

 

[MoBlackGT12]

This will be my first and only mod until I get the car paid off. Serious question, how do you know if there are leaks? Is one looking for soot around the clamped area? I've never done this myself before, but will attempt it this time.

 

[CUBSBLEACHERBUM]

I had to adjust the clamp on the passenger side after the first fire up to test it......I could actually hear a small leak. After that, I am pretty sure that there is no leaking at this time. i am just concerned about down the road after everything "settles".......hope that helps.

 

[streethorse]

You really need to hit the clamps with an impact wrench to get them good and tight.

 

[mustangmike6996]

i have the American Thunders on my 2010. my clamps bottomed out and left the mufflers loose, so i installed 3 washers behind the nut to get some extra travel, havent had a problem since.

 

[Svtpilot]

This will be my first and only mod until I get the car paid off. Serious question, how do you know if there are leaks? Is one looking for soot around the clamped area? I've never done this myself before, but will attempt it this time.

You will see some sooty residue around the joint if there is a leak. Also if you suspect a leak you can try passing your hand about an inch or so over (over not on !!! ) the joint and if there is a leak you should feel pulses of exhaust.

 

[Svtpilot]

P.S. Some one mentioned welding. Welding them on will certainly be cheap enough and ensure that there are no leaks. However once they are welded it becomes a major pain in the a$$ to realign them. So before you go that route I would drive the car for a few days or so to make absolutely sure there is no rubbing, rattle, squeaks, or other alignment or fitment issues. Also as you noticed the pipes are very close to the rear suspension. I would probably not weld them then if you are planning and suspension modes in the future in case they have to be readjusted.

 

[Copentreygen5oh]

The American Thunders were a great choice and they sound great. I always get complements on how good they sound. You made a great choice!

 

[BackInBlack]

This will be my first and only mod until I get the car paid off. Serious question, how do you know if there are leaks? Is one looking for soot around the clamped area? I've never done this myself before, but will attempt it this time.

you will be able to hear leaks. easy fix.