My 87 Series III has developed an exhaust leak at the front joint by the firewall. Any recs on where to purchase a better exhaust than the stock system? As well as what to get? Thanks!

 

The stock system is very well designed. The 3 into 2 into 1 then back out a pair of mufflers blends all the pulses well and is a known good design. You could try a high flow modern catalytic converters, yours make be plugged causing back pressure and then the pressure could be blowing out the manifold gaskets. You could also remove the mufflers that are behind the converter or more breathing but I doubt it would make any difference other than noise.

 

I agree with icsamerica, the stock system was pretty good and also made of stainless steel. Are you sure it is not just the middle flange joint has worked loose ? It's an easy fix if you can get the car up in the air. YOu might need a new flange olive, though.

BTW if you do buy an aftermarket stainless system, make sure you keep the swan-neck pipes right at the back where the exhaust comes out of the rear valance, they are made of a high quality stainless steel, and the ends have a rolled section to make them pretty. I don't think the exhaust suppliers make these, only the pipes and silencers.

 

The leak is at the flange. The left side condenser vent dripped on the pipe and my girlfriend welded the hole shut, now it seems the flange on the opposite (passenger side of joint) is loose. I will get it up on the lift at her shop Sat afternoon. I'd prefer to get rid of the cats as I am emissions exempt but for now I need the car to drive properly.

 

I have an exhaust leak at the manifold-->downpipe gasket. Its on a lumper however. Gets a tonne of curious questions with most people commenting "That doesn't sound like a Jag..."

 

Nothing sounds worse on any car than an exhaust leak. Very inelegant.

 

Actually, the leak was a pretty gaping hole just behind the flange. So I got some high temp aluminum sheet and the uber high temp fiberglassy wrap kit which did the trick. Also their is another leak but it is a pinhole. Time to start getting the new system figured out. Not going to piecemeal it. Front to back will be replaced in one shot.