I'm finishing up the install of my Fister mufflers-almost done, but I have a question: when the muffler inlet pipe meets the cat outlet pipe, do the ends of each pipe just butt up against each other, held in place by the big 2 bolt clamps? I thought one slid over the other when I removed the original mufflers, but they seem to be about the same diameters.

 

They are the same diameter......they go end to end and the clamp makes the seal.

 

What he said. I'd also reverse the bolts that go through the mounts so they're easy to get to next time… Finally, make sure you have the chrome tips lined up and matching before snugging everything down and putting the fender back on.
I found that when I put both cans back on it caused a misalignment of the older tips…

Have fun,

B

 

Remember the bolts are attached right side up so that if the fasteners fail gravity won't allow the bolt to fall down and out.

I would recommend keeping them aligned as designed no matter how unlikely a failure.

 

^ Which bolts are you talking about? This definitely does not seem applicable to the clamp that joins the cat to the muffler... ?

 

I'm pretty sure he is referring to the two long bolts that attach the can to the bracket that has the three weld studs on it. If you flip them upside down where the bolt comes up from underneath and the nut is on top it will make it a breeze to remove and install the cans. Downside is if the nut gets loose the bolt falls out and your muffler might drag on the pavement. His thought is (me thinks) leave well enough alone and I agree.

 

I agree. Also think about dropping that bolt on unsuspecting cars behind you on the freeway. Could be lethal if sling shot by a tire...

 

Everything is back together. Some condensation dripped out of the clamps when I started the engine, but I couldn't feel any gasses leaking. I'll also have to play with the alignment of one of the tips this weekend-no one was around when I put them back on-it's hard to do when you have to tighten the clamp, walk down the driveway to check, then get back under to do it again.

 

I understand your reasoning… though highly unlikely. If your bolts were half as hard to push through as mine were, there wouldn't be a problem with them slipping out…