Replacing exaust system

[mscher]

My 1998 Nissan Pathfinder exaust system, has finally dying of rot.

I'm like to replace the whole system, but am concerned if any of the aftermarket stuff is as nearly as good as the original.

Not too impressed with the NAPA or Autozone stuff etc, as it seems to be too generic, requiring more clamps and custom hangers. Plus, most of their mufflers starts rotting after only a couple of years.

Anyone have other sources for quality aftermarket exaust parts?

Thanks

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Replacing exaust system

Rockauto.com sells the Walker and other lines of exhaust.
That or your local exhaust shop can custom bend and weld the entire setup.
The Autozone and Napa kits with all the clamps would be my last route to go.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Replacing exaust system

Considering the original OEM lasted 10 years.... why not use nissan parts that should be good for yet another 10?

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Replacing exaust system

Two rules with exhaust.

Go aftermarket (and i don't care what brand) it will only last a year or two on a Japanese built vehicle. The plus side it will be about a 3rd less than factory and can be installed in your drive way with out to much problem but due to quality of the system it may not fit right.

Go factory and it will last a long time and fit/sound right. On the down side cost is usaly way out there and you will probably need a hoist to install it( most factory exhausts need the rear axle hanging down to install becouse its one big long peace).

hope this helps

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Replacing exaust system

I agree. aftermarket is cheaper but wont last as long. I have had a few aftermarket systems rust out in as little as 2 years. do you take a lot of short trips or only long drives? That has a HUGE effect on longevity.

I would price out both OEM and aftermarket and decide from there. Also, how many more years do you plan to keep the Pathfinder? That would also have an effect on how much you want to spend on it.

 

[mscher]

Re: Replacing exaust system

Thanks for the replies.

I am considering OEM replacements, just a little concerned with how big of bullet, I will need to bite.

I'm putting the Pathfinder on a 20+ year plan anyway.

 

[mscher]

Re: Replacing exaust system

I would price out both OEM and aftermarket and decide from there. Also, how many more years do you plan to keep the Pathfinder? That would also have an effect on how much you want to spend on it.

I keep thinking it will make a nice roomy coffin, that is already paid for, it that tells you anything.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Replacing exaust system

I did an after market exhaust on a ford bronco and it completely rotted away. Terrible cheap steel ....... did not last 3 years at all.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Replacing exaust system

if you plan on keeping it till the very end I would suggest pricing out OEM to compare then. although if it turns out to be a $1400 system, that buys quite a few $200 aftermarket jobs.

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Replacing exaust system

Back in the mid 70's I always drove older cars so when I got a different one I would take the exhaust system off from the manifold out (no catalyctic converters) and take them/it to work and measure the bends,planes and lengths and put it back on.Since I was in the early years of my metal fabrication employment I would spend my break time over the next couple of weeks bending and trimming the pieces.I would give one of the welders a case of beer to weld them for me and VOILA!!!!.A new exhaust system made out of .120 wall material instead of the .058 or .065 wall that was used for the original.They held up VERY WELL!!!!!

And now that you all know this you will be able to sleep tonite.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Replacing exaust system

200 bone system every 2 years 100 bones a year NO BRAINEr ....Ifin some writes it off by accident ....only a 100 bone loss....instead of that 1400 bone system on a junker......hard to chooose eh.....errr the motors throws a rod hummmmmm

 

[mscher]

Re: Replacing exaust system

200 bone system every 2 years 100 bones a year NO BRAINEr ....Ifin some writes it off by accident ....only a 100 bone loss....instead of that 1400 bone system on a junker......hard to chooose eh.....errr the motors throws a rod hummmmmm

Started looking as OEM exhaust prices and started breaking out in HIVES!!
1/3 the value of the Pathfinder in a new exhaust?

It looks like the muffler and pipe is very solid, but the pipe rusted where it welds to the flange that connects, to the fromt section.

I have recently purchased a used Lincoln Weld Pak 100HD, without the gas attachment.

Is this flux wire feed welder, capable of welding exhaust pipe? I want to give it a try.

 

[okboating]

Re: Replacing exaust system

Your weldpak is just about perfect, just make sure that you remove the parts to prep and weld, so sparks will be far away from your gas lines etc. The other key with mig is CLEAN metal. Good luck!
Dave

 

[dolluper]

Re: Replacing exaust system

Yerp clean your surfaces real good and get her done ...practice makes perfect eh....plus your learning keeps the brain working......

 

[mscher]

Re: Replacing exaust system

After closer inspection, it appears that the main muffler is rotted pretty good, even though the pipes are solid.

I can get a replacement front/rear mufflers/pipes for about $300, mfd. by an aftermarket company call Bosal Perfromance.

They are supposedly American made and carry a lifetime warranty.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/d...nderQQBosalQQMufflerQQ19961998QQBO285187.html

Anybody have any experience with this brand?

Also, has anybody ever exchanged an exhaust component, that had a lifetime warranty? Was there a hassle?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Replacing exaust system

If you want to play with the lincoln welder get some exh pipe sections, it doesn't take much to blow holes in it. My first practice welds were with short tailpipe sections from autozone, I have that same Lincoln rig you have.