WolfGT

I am finally coming to the realization that the routing of the LS exhaust is totally different than the 5.0 exhaust. The LS routes right out through the trans tunnel like normal but the 5.0 goes out through the wheel well and then back under the car. Threading itself through the suspension and then back to the center to then run along the tunnel. I have taken the time to search back through the forum topics and have not found a good thread on this. I figured I would start a thread that I could get some advice/tips on doing this correctly and also gather some pictures for reference.

Please provide your tips and pics to help me and anyone that follows.

Thanks,
Greg

MX-Brad

General conclusion I've come to is to find the best exhaust shop in your area ...a place that does hot rods, showcars etc and have it done custom -tucking up nice and close.

cvx_20

I'm pretty sure that is called "reasoning from a special case" or something like that. The exhaust routing you describe is peculiar to the Monster Miata kit developed to install a Ford 302 into a Miata. It has been around for years and has become the de facto standard for Fords, much as V8Roadster has for the LS motor swaps.

However, there are many, or at least a few 302 swaps out there that do not use the Monster Miata kit. Some have modified the stock subframe in such a way that a more conventional exhaust routing is possible, some have purchased the V8R subframe without mounts and installed their own to accommodate the 302.

Here is an example of a modified stock subframe and the resulting exhaust routing: MiataV8 Conversion: MiataV8 302 Exhaust

Mike

charchri4

When I researched a 5.0 build with the intention of doing one I never found any compelling reason to go outside like that either. I figured I would try to go the more conventional route like Mike did. +1 to what Mike said.

WolfGT

Well, my compelling reason is that I already have the headers. So that decision is made, good or bad. So information/tips/pictures on existing builds like this is what I'm after.

Gabriel

Hi Wolf - i just finished building it myself.. i did it much like the pictures provided in the monster miata v8 conversion kit.. I am almost done editing the video.. i will post you the link soon enough.. it took me around 20 hours to fabricate.. basically a big weekend job

charchri4

Ah sorry didn't catch that. Did you look at Jasons builds on his site?
McCully Racing Motors- Our Builds...we're doing our part to help empowering Miatas one car at a time...

I forget which one now but one of them is pretty detailed about it. Also there is several build threads out there that show it as well.

WolfGT

I went through all of his build pics and only seen one that went into any detail on the exhaust (this one - MRM V8 #3- Laguna 331 V8 Miata), but even then all it had was a pic of the car going off to the exhaust shop and then 3 pics of the complete exhaust out of the car on the ground. Which is nice to see it complete, but I would also like to see how it is routed on the car so I can begin to get an idea of clearances with other parts.

I have seen one I found google searching that looks like it comes really close to the front tire at full lock. It's things like that I am wanted to be clear on for when I take it to the shop. Also routing through the rear to end up with a center exhaust. And I definitely want a true dual exhaust. I have see others go to a single and run it back. Not wanting that.

charchri4

Since the exhaust is already dumped in the right spot, and you want true duels, and you are doing a beefy body kit, have you considered Cobra style side pipes?

MX-Brad

Picasa Web Albums - Bill Eagle - Project MIata

exhaust shots about half way through the gallery...lots of good pics. Bill Eagle's build.

cvx_20

There's a couple of different iterations of exhaust thru that album.

That is a study in how to do a V8 Miata properly!!

Mike

charchri4

Agreed book marking that album for sure! Any idea where his build thread is that he used all those photos on? He's on mnet but no thread and he sold both builds he did 5 years ago.

WolfGT

I looked through all the pics and only found what I have already mentioned. If you guys see something different with more detail, post up a link.

charchri4

There's about 20 shots of his exhaust both on and off the car in that album. Not sure what more you would need to duplicate it. What are you wanting to see?

Who ever did that exhaust is quite the artist! It's one pipe from the header to the cats and they look perfectly matched side to side. https://picasaweb.google.com/1149522...12981707170162

It would be interesting to know what his ground clearance is with the exhaust running under the frame like that. https://picasaweb.google.com/1149522...13040937429122 I bet it aint much.

Gabriel

ehh.. YA! i saw this pics too i was like.. WOW, that is a nice exhaust!

sebz

Mine was not that great but work well.

I use headman header and stock mustang 2005 muffler.





With the bumper

charchri4

Damn you SabZ what did you go and post that for? Just what I need is another freeking epic cool body work and exhaust idea to completely take over my day, distract me from my work and lead to a few hundred more hours in the garage. That is a down right work of art man!

If you need me I'll be in la la land dreaming of how this would look on mine...

WolfGT

Thanks jim, that is exactly what I was after. I don't know (or really care at the moment) how you got from the cardomain album to the picasa album, but that album is exactly what I was after. I will pick those pictures out and use them for reference.

sebz

Charchris, i will take you better picture later. I make that bumper with a wizdom bodykit with a rear s2000 diffuser (I have the mold in my shop).

charchri4

OK after googleing Trois-Rivieres I'm not going to swing by with a gallon of fiberglass and borrow that mold for a couple hours. LOL!

In don't know what to think because I really do like the single exhaust. It gives it a nice subtle stock look like the rest of the car.

MX-Brad

Ya Jim....good find.

sebz

I just finish my rear bumper. Just don't want to start a new thread for that.