Swap exhaust manifolds left to right?

[todd1561]

I was under my car today and noticed the passenger side exhaust manifold stud closest to the back of the car was missing. Upon further inspection I found that it snapped off about an 1/8" below the head surface :( No telling when this happened, I've never messed with the manifolds so I guess it just got too old and rusty and broke. All the exhaust hardware is very corroded, so I suspect even using proper heat I'd still snap a few more studs if I try to remove them.

That go me thinking, is there any reason I can't just swap the manifolds to the opposite side? As far as I can tell the way the flanges are oriented it would mean all the unused holes in the head would be utilized, so regardless of how many studs break it won't really matter. The hole orientation for connecting to the crossover pipe also seems like it would be compatible. I haven't seen anyone else suggest this so I imagine there's something obvious I'm overlooking.

Thought?

[dn010]

I think the 456 manifold outlet has an angle, it points slightly inwards towards the engine as opposed to 123's outlet that is pretty much just straight back. Besides, they wouldn't have come up with two different manifolds if it was that easy. Rusty exhaust can turn into a nightmare quickly. If it ain't leakin, leave it alone.

[ssdelorean]

<<snip>> Rusty exhaust can turn into a nightmare quickly. If it ain't leakin, leave it alone.

#truth
#wisewords

[todd1561]

The only reason I'm even considering it is because I'll likely be pulling the engine soon to tackle some frame repairs in the engine cradle area. So if I was ever going to tackle it that would be the time.

[Chris 16409]

If you get a new stainless exhaust, the headers have a 4 bolt pattern. You can use the unused holes to install the headers. I only used two struts per port on my car with no issues.

[Helirich]

If you get a new stainless exhaust, the headers have a 4 bolt pattern. You can use the unused holes to install the headers. I only used two struts per port on my car with no issues.

This!

Also, if you pull the motor, it?s not that hard to get the broke off studs out.

[todd1561]

If you get a new stainless exhaust, the headers have a 4 bolt pattern. You can use the unused holes to install the headers. I only used two struts per port on my car with no issues.

Yep that was going to be my plan B. Granted, it would be an expensive plan B as I otherwise don't have much desire for an aftermarket exhaust. They all seem much louder and I'm not a loud exhaust guy, I just find them kind of obnoxious. But that's just me. Of the various aftermarket options which one is the most tame?

[Timeless]

Yep that was going to be my plan B. Granted, it would be an expensive plan B as I otherwise don't have much desire for an aftermarket exhaust. They all seem much louder and I'm not a loud exhaust guy, I just find them kind of obnoxious. But that's just me. Of the various aftermarket options which one is the most tame?
In the overall picture of maintaining these cars, exhausts are moderately priced. DeLorean Europe offers theirs with cats now. I would get the new DMC system as I no longer recommended support of the lying crooks of D.IND.

[Chris 16409]

Yep that was going to be my plan B. Granted, it would be an expensive plan B as I otherwise don't have much desire for an aftermarket exhaust. They all seem much louder and I'm not a loud exhaust guy, I just find them kind of obnoxious. But that's just me. Of the various aftermarket options which one is the most tame?

I would check this one out. They are from England.

https://www.stainless-exhaust.com/

71629

[dn010]

As a previous owner of one of those UK exhausts, I would highly recommend you look elsewhere.
After spending a few grand, this exhaust turned into rust on me. The company refused to help me even though they like to say you get a lifetime warranty.
In the end, they claimed the rust was due to the dies they use to bend the pipes. I don't believe that.
I ran this exhaust for less than 10 years and the result is below.
My DPI exhaust is 10 years old this year and still looks great.
The only positive thing I can say about the UK exhaust was you could pick a quieter note, back then anyway. I requested a louder note and it did not sound beefy at all, if that is the result you're after. I love the sound of the DPI exhaust, that was the sound I was going for.

https://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=36261&d=1440110812


I would check this one out. They are from England.

https://www.stainless-exhaust.com/

71629

[cis6409]

I have that same system on mine to and unfortunately agree ,had all the same issues and some more .There's very little good quality stainless in the system it seems . I have driven mine quite alot over the 12 plus years .

The plug welds in the main silencer for the baffle gave up on 2 separate occasions causing a very horrible tinny rattle .also an Internal hole/crack in the tubalar manifolds 3 into 1 branch which caused a very annoying exhaust gasket leak but was not a gasket leak even though it sounded exactly the same.
It's a pity cause the sound for me, I was very happy with..
Ibwont be putting it back on when I finish the rebuild

Shane

[todd1561]

Thanks guys, I haven't decided on anything yet but it'll likely come down to the DMCH or DPI system with cats.

BTW, I've removed the old system and can confirm the stock headers are not identical, the exit flanges on each tilt down, so if I were to swap them side to side they would tilt up instead and be incompatible with the crossover pipe.

In total I have 3 broken studs, but since I plan to pull the motor regardless it shouldn't be too big of a deal to remove those and helicoil if needed. But either way I'll likely switch to an aftermarket setup as my stock one is a mess. The manifolds are very corroded and chunks were falling out of the catalytic converter.