I was planning to lower the exhaust pipes on each side in order to change out the perished transmission mount bushing and also drop the pan and change the transmission filter. I realized my exhaust system doesn't have a flange connection at the end of the downpipe/catalyst as shown in parts diagrams. It's a slip fit instead, which I'm guessing is not stock. The exhaust doesn't seem to have any leaks or holes, but it's a little rusty/crispy and I'm questioning how easy it's going to be to shift the pipes enough to be able to lower them for servicing the transmission.

Should I just struggle through it, or should I consider taking it to an exhaust shop to have them put in a flange where the slip fit connection is currently, to make it easier for future services? I don't know a lot about exhausts, but it would seem any good shop could do this. One shop I called asked me to provide the flanges and I noticed they aren't listed with specific part numbers in the parts diagram. Seems like these aren’t specialty items and a universal part would work.

Thanks for any input.



Parts diagram.

End of downpipe/catalyst.

Next connection, by the oil filter.

Clamp undone


Next connection.

 

The slip-joint style system can be seen here:

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/

In my experience joints can be separated with patience, twisting, and plenty of penetrating oil.

But the idea of adding flanged connections is good, and should be a routine task for your local muffler shop.

Cheers
DD

 

Dont add a flanged connection and I doubt a good muffler shop will do that becasue they know you'll be back complaining, Why becasue they leak, As you go down the road, movemnt in the exhaust and heat cycling will allow the flange to open up slightly and blow out the gasket. There is a reason Jag switched to slip fit. Yes they are a pain to service. The new hot setup is V-band Clamps but you have to use the good ones with a male and female side, The cheap ones are not gendered, The slip fit may take some time and mild violence to separate,

 

You're absolutely right, it's a universal part. This might be the exhaust shop politely telling you they don't want to work on your car. Scratch them from the list and find another shop.

 

Experiences vary; I've have good success with adding flanged connections. No problems or leaks.

<shrug>

Cheers
DD

 

As Doug referenced, you have the correct original setup on your car. Here's the link to the Jaguar's parts diagram showing the use of the slip fit on your USA model:

Genuine Exhaust Catalyst-5.3 Litre-canada/usa/europe Level 1 (5.3 Litre,germany,usa) For Jaguar Series Iii Saloon 1979 - 1992 Classic | Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts

I have the same slip-fit type setup on my 4 litre. And whilst it seals perfectly in use; when I had to split it, it involved heat and gently wedging apart the outside pipe until I could start to twist them apart using the original clamp fitted off the joint part, and then using it to twist the intermediate pipe to eventually break the join.

Good luck

Paul

 

The slip fit on my 83 came apart pretty easily. Take the clamp off, if it will not move, heat it up with a good propane torch until it starts to turn red. I would not put in a flange, lots of trouble and expense for little benefit.

 

Thanks to everyone for your input. Now I just have to find the time to attack it. @ptjs1 so you're saying move a clamp to a different part of the pipe and tighten it back up enough to have something to grip and twist - makes sense. I will try the heat on it also.