APC Muffler Up-date

The APC muffler has now been installed. It looks easy to do and depending on your skills, it could be. It is a job that if done right, will work out to be a very pleasing to have done yourself. It could also turn into a nightmare if done wrong. If you feel that you would like something like this done but lack the skills needed, get a garage to put it into place. It could get pricey but if the idea is that appealing, you will not regret it.

I have set this page up to show what is involved to put a aftermarket muffler into place.

This picture shows the stock factory clamp that holds the muffler on to the main pipe assembly. This part on the disassembly took the longest to do. The two clamp bolts where removed to have the cutting of this section of pipe out. The muffler itself was pulled off by twisting the metal on the forward section and taking off the front mounting pipe section.
The muffler after it has been removed from the car. At this point, you are at the point of no return!!
Here is the large space that the once have the factory muffler in place.
This the small end section that had to be cut off. It retains the old muffler clamp. This had to be removed to make make a clear section of 1 1/2" pipe for mounting the new APC muffler.
Work began on mounting the various parts to allow the muffler to go on to the car. This started with placing the various reduction pipe on to the muffler. This allows the stock 1 1/2" pipe to mate up to the muffler's 2 1/8th" intake point. This was mig welded up.
The new muffler being test fitted into place. It goes nicely into place.
In order for the muffler stay in place, custom mounting brackets had to be made. I used 1/4" solid steel rod and formed the parts in my well used vise.
Here are the roughed up formed rods. Please note the nut welded on to one bracket. This was needed to copy the front mount assembly on the stock muffler. I used the old muffler as a reference point to get measurements for new brackets.
Here is the completed muffler assembly. Note the longer bracket arms on the new muffler. This was needed seeing that the APC muffler is narrower then the factory sock unit. The same general set is very close to the original though.
The new muffler is now in place.This detail picture shows the new muffler mounted clamped on to the cars 1 1/2" pipe. The clamp is put this way to allow room for the pasenger side lower rear suspension arm. Also note the amount of working space is far greater!
This view shows the muffler mounting brackets in place on the factory mounting points. It fit in very nice.
Here is a rear view of the muffler. Since the pipes I bought where straight, the muffler is slightly off-set in the bumpers cut-out. This does not bother me too much although this can be fixed with a slightly bent connecter. Some adjustments also will be needed on bracket measurements points.
Here is a ant's eye view of the APC muffler in place. It fits very nicely into the space.
After all is said and done, it really makes the car sound different. I like it!! Take care in doing any work like this. There is no sense in hurting yourself. In the end, enjoy you ride!!