Hey guys, just started cutting up my exhaust to allow for the dutra front piece. I read the instructions and cut in front of the clock mark, but wanted to make sure I had cut enough off to clear or see if I need another 1/2" or so off.

I cut right where the gusset finishes bridging the two halves of the manifold in the middle. Here are two pics:



I know several of you run this and could tell me. It looked pretty close to this one from Doug's instructions but I didn't want to have it welded only to find its too long. Thanks guys!

MJ

Looks great to me! That's about where I cut mine.

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'68 Dodge Dart 4dr Sedan

Thanks pat, last thing I wanted to do was deal with welding cast iron and find out I hadn't cut off enough in the first place and have it hit!

udaman

That is the place to cut, looks good.
Now comes the hard part, fitting the cap-off plate and doing the welding.
For a weld-on cap, try to leave a good amount of exposed cast iron around the cap so you have good area for weld penitration. Per heating the assembly helps the welding process.
DD

Thanks Doc! Glad to hear from you that I've not botched it so far

Quick question: would you suggest tapping two bolts to hold the cap in place, then welding it on? Or trying to tap 4 bolts and skipping the weld and use high temp sealant of some kind. I think Jim might be able to help me weld the cast iron, so that would make a big difference

MJ

Definitely weld it if you can. You don't want to have to pull that thing back off for exhaust leaks.

I would suggest placing your unit in vermiculite after welding to let it cool down slowly, so you won't get any cracks in your welding.
You can get it at plumbing/heating supply stores. Not that expensive. [/i]

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"Never miss a good opportunity to keep your mouth shut" Will Rogers.

ok Al I'll check into that. I was going to use a box of play sand and try and wrap it. I'm running out of time here so it may have ot wait until I get to CA. Of course, then I lose access to the welder! Ah well. Something will work out. I guess I may be forced to go for the screw in method at that point.

Thanks for giving me all this great advice!

MJ