I just posted the following on the VTCI Forum, but thought that I would post it over here also; since I don't think this is a T'Bird unique question:

I recently purchased a dual exhaust conversion for my '63 T'Bird HT (390 4V).

I purchased it from Kepich Exhaust/Klasskollection via eBay. Comes complete with turbo mufflers (my choice). It appears to be good quality construction and they were a pleasure to work with during the information gathering and ordering phases. They custom build each system after it is ordered and FedEx delivered mine eight days after I ordered it.

Their system is what I call a "true dual" with two totally separate exhaust systems (left and right) all the way from the manifolds to the muffler turn down tips at the rear bumper. I want to install a "H" pipe crossover between the two separate exhaust. I have purchased a "universal" H pipe kit from SUMMIT which should work fine for my plans. Therein lies my question: Where should the H pipe be installed on a 390 4V?

I am very familiar with the old hotrodders method of installing the system and then spay painting several feet of it starting just aft of the manifold. You then drive it until the exhaust gets nice and hot and burns most of the sprayed paint off. You then intall the crossover (H) pipe as close as possible to the spot where the paint stopped burning off. This approach however, involves installing and removing the exhausts and then re-istalling after the mod. I am HOPING that someone out there has already gone through this and can give me some good ideas as to the proper location.

Hopefully I can do the H pipe installation mod PRIOR to installing the system and only do it once!!

ANY help and/or advice will be greatly appreciated!

thanx,

texastomeh

You need to instal the h pipe where it fits. I not sure the location is so important with the exception that closer to the engine is better. I put mine about 12 inches behind the header collector.

1957 Fairlane Club Sedan
428 - TKO600 - Currie 9+
3.70 Detroit true track

where do I need to put it so that I don't have to remove the exhaust system to get the trans out.

Hollis Franks
Black 63 1/2 XL R Code
Gray 65 289 Falcon Ranchero

I installed my cross pipe only I used a straight piece of pipe instead and when I finishedthe welding, I cut pipe in exact middle and installed a stainless "band" clamp so's I could R&R pipes with ease in case I needed to remove the trans. in the future. The band clamp does not leak. The cross over/"H" pipe made a noticable difference on exhaust tone.