Topic: 1965 "A Code" with Factory Dual Exhaust - H-Pipe Problem

[rocket289k]

Hi Guys,

I'm having a terrible time with the fit of my H-Pipe on my factory style dual exhaust kit.  As you can see from the attached picture the pipe hangs well below the frame rails of the car.  The H-Pipe that was on the car prior to the restoration did not hang like that at all (I assume it was the original as it was very rusty).  I ordered another H-Pipe from another supplier to see if it would make a difference but both H-Pipes appear to be identical.  I'm a bit at a loss as to why the pipe is hanging so low. Any ideas?

Regards,

Ron

[carlite65]

i've seen that a lot. that pipe is just plain made wrong. it's possible that your suppliers got their parts from the same source.

[rocket289k]

i've seen that a lot. that pipe is just plain made wrong. it's possible that your suppliers got their parts from the same source.

Grrr - I was worried about that (it's very likely the case).  Do you have any recommendations that have worked for you in the past?

Regards,

Ron

[carlite65]

well scott fuller reproductions come to mind. i have not purchased any exhaust in years.

[rocket289k]

well scott fuller reproductions come to mind. i have not purchased any exhaust in years.

Scott Fuller came to mind for me as well.  His stuff looks to be outstanding but it's darn expensive too.  $495 + shipping just for the H-Pipe and he only offers the K code H-Pipe which wouldn't work with factory A code manifolds.  Anyone else have any recommendations?

Regards,

Ron

[krelboyne]

Precision Exhaust is one of the suppliers of the "H" pipes to the Mustang world.

I would be interested in finding out if they are the supplier of that version. They are eager to please and are dedicated to their products.

[rocket289k]

Precision Exhaust is one of the suppliers of the "H" pipes to the Mustang world.

I would be interested in finding out if they are the supplier of that version. They are eager to please and are dedicated to their products.

It appears that my H-Pipes (I now have 2) were manufactured by Motive Industries and the other by Precision Exhaust.  The Precision Exhaust H-Pipe is identical to Motive part (the companies have a bit of history that ties them together and use the same designs).  The reproduction H-Pipes on the market are just generic and universal fit models (hence why they are said to fit 65 - 70 Mustangs).  The bottomline is that they don't fit the early cars properly at all. 

In terms of Precision Exhaust specifically unfortunately, I haven't had a good experience with their products at all.  A complete "NOS Style" system for a 69 Eliminator didn't fit well at all (especially the portion of the exhaust system that fits over the rear axles).  The exhaust tips were out by 3/4 of an inch side to side and really looked awful. 

[rocket289k]

Next Steps

I'm going to look for NOS H-Pipe for the standard (non HiPo) exhaust manifolds or contemplate getting something custom built so it fits properly.  The current reproduction H-Pipes don't fit well at all as you can see in the picture I posted at the start of this thread.  I'm also going to contact Scott Fuller Reproductions.

[Hipo giddyup]

 If you find a good exhaust shop there is always a chance they can "tweek" the first H pipe you have to bring it up and tucked in?    Just a thought.   I added factory dual exhaust on my restored 67 coupe but at the time no small block transverse muffler was able to be found. I did however, locate a muffler for a big block car, (I think it was 2 1/4 pipe instead of my 2" pipe, and the exhaust shop used their equipment to neck it down. It worked like a chram! Just my 2 cents. 

[rocket289k]

If you find a good exhaust shop there is always a chance they can "tweek" the first H pipe you have to bring it up and tucked in?    Just a thought.   I added factory dual exhaust on my restored 67 coupe but at the time no small block transverse muffler was able to be found. I did however, locate a muffler for a big block car, (I think it was 2 1/4 pipe instead of my 2" pipe, and the exhaust shop used their equipment to neck it down. It worked like a chram! Just my 2 cents. 

Unfortunately with the number of bends in a H-Pipe modifying it is actually quite difficult and you'd have to grind off the connecting pipe to be able to bend the individual pipes.  To get it right would require a few hours at the shop for sure which would get expensive.

Ron

[aaatp]

I purchased my factory style dual exhaust from Virgina Classic Mustang, and it fits great, it went on in about an hour without any fitment issues.
My H pipe is tucked up nicely and I can hardly see it when I bend down to look for it. I'm not sure what vendor they use, but it appears the
vendor they use has got it right.

John

[rocket289k]

I purchased my factory style dual exhaust from Virgina Classic Mustang, and it fits great, it went on in about an hour without any fitment issues.
My H pipe is tucked up nicely and I can hardly see it when I bend down to look for it. I'm not sure what vendor they use, but it appears the
vendor they use has got it right.

John

Hi John thanks for the information.

[rocket289k]

UPDATE:  I've found a solution for an exact, truly NOS quality reproduction of the "A" code H-Pipe with 2 minor differences.  Over the past few days I've been in contact with Scott Fuller of Scott Fuller Reproductions.  Scott's exhaust systems are absolutely awesome and the attention to detail is amazing.  On the flip side that attention to details has a cost and his products are definitely premium priced.  But for the right car it's basically indistinguishable from NOS pieces (except they are brand new - no surface rust etc.)

During my initial conversation with Scott he indicated that he hadn't had anyone request an "A" code H-Pipe before and only manufacturers a "K" code H-Pipe (catering more to the Shelby crowd).  He offered to make me an exact replica of a 65 "A" Code H-Pipe as he had a NOS sample but the cost would have been prohibitive for a 1 one piece due to the engineering involved to create the fixture to create the pipe.  I told Scott I'd consider it and also be looking at NOS options too.

The next day Scott called me with news that he had a solution and in the process both he and I learned something new.  It turns out that the H-Pipe for a '68 GT-350 with the 302 "J" code is a perfect match for a '65 or 66 "A" code dual exhaust 289.  The '68 GT-350 H-Pipe itself is completely identical to the 289 "A" code H-Pipe.  The only difference is the placement of alignment tabs where the H-Pipe meets the intermediate pipes are in a slightly different spot on the pipe and the part number is of course for a 68.  However, once the  H-Pipe is installed you can't even see the part number.  Other than that the dimensions, bends etc. of those 2 H-Pipes are completely identical.  I complete forgot that the "J" Code 302 in the '68 GT-350 uses the same "standard" log type exhaust manifolds that the "A" code 289 does.  In fact those two exhaust manifold are pretty much the same other than having different engineering and part numbers.

As result, I ordered the H-Pipe from Scott today.  I'll let you guys know how it fits when I get it installed.

Regards,

Ron

[midlife]

I bought my A code dual exhaust (1966) from NPD five years ago, and it fit really well.  I just now went to the car to see if my pipes hang down as low as yours, and I have to get on the ground to see the pipes extend below the frame rails.  From the initial picture, there is no way I would be able to see the exhaust from that angle.

[jwc66k]

I got a full dual exhaust from NPD about 8 or 9 years ago and the only problem I has was that the intermediate pipes and the over the axle pipes were too long. Even after cutting the pipes several inches shorter, the "trumpets" still stick out too far on the rear valence. The "H" pipe was not a problem. I don't know who the original manufacturer was but it seems that quality problems existed then as well as now.
Jim