Exhaust Crossover Pipe Question

[Matthew]

When I purchased my Mark II several years ago, it had a newer exhaust system installed , but I noted that it did not have the crossover pipe...it is basically two separate pipes from the manifolds to the rear bumper. I have noted that vendors do sell replacement crossover pipes; Can you tell me how these crossover pipes are physically attached to the main pipes at each side?
My car also does not haver the resonators infront of the rear wheel. Would it be possible to retrofit a pair of these into an existing exhaust system?
As always, thank for your input.

Matthew

[Barry Wolk]

Sounds like you need to start over Matthew. The crossover pipes are welded to the side pipes. That would be a tough retrofit.

Also, the resonator has to be the exact size with fittings at the exact angles or your pipes will hit the small space they are in.

Does your exhaust exit the bumpers or under them?

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg18/barry2952/1%20Mark%20II%20docs/exhaustsystem.jpg

[Nick DeSpirito]

Matt,

Sounds like you will have to replace the whole exhaust system if you want to go stock. The crossover pipe is clamped to pipes coming off the side pipes. You can see where the crossover meets the side pipe in the exploded view of the diagram that Barry posted. It's position is right in front of the rear axle. It's function is to give the system balance. How does your exhaust sound without the resonators and the crossover?

The "S" pipes, sometimes referred to as "snorkel" pipes, are at the rear of the exhaust system and they direct the exhaust gases out from the mufflers and up into the exhaust ports in the rear bumpers. Some owners have chosen to eliminate these for fear of getting their bumpers sooty and wet from condensation. I have no problem as I always take some paper towels and wipe off the ports when I put the car away after driving.

[Barry Wolk]

To me there's nothing cooler than seeing the exhaust gasses come out through the bumper opening on a frosty day.

I have a perfectly good system that I might be willing to sell if I get a stainless system.

If you're like me and never plan on selling your car, stainless is the way to go.

[Nick DeSpirito]

To me there's nothing cooler than seeing the exhaust gasses come out through the bumper opening on a frosty day.

Barry, you took the words right out of my mouth. Pulling away from a light and seeing your exhaust trails in the rear view mirror is very cool! :D

[Matthew]

Thanks Nick & Barry...
When I bought it, the tail pipes exited under the bumper, and I just couldn't live with that. I retrofitted a pair of snorkels, and now I enjoy the exhaust exiting the bumper....TOO COOL!!!
Nick, lets just say without the resonators, my Mark II is definitely...'throaty'.
Question...Will the lack of a crossover affect performance?
Thanks for your input. Barry, if you opt to convert to stainless, let me know. I live up here in cold Canada (Alberta), so my car is stored for six months of the year...my exhaust system doesn't seem to get very stressed. On the other hand, I did read the posts regarding stainless steel systems, and I might think about that...
Thanks again for your help.
Matthew