[66rdster]

Hi Chuck,
I appreciate you sharing the info on your build. Some guys are too embarassed to say they made a mistake on something. We all fumble along and do the best we can. And we all make mistakes or goof something up. I recently finished a frame off restoration on a Chevelle. Seems like every other week or so I had to go into the house and tell my wife what I screwed up. Like installing the window felts and breaking the door glass (don't ask)! Like yourself, I intend to do nearly all the work on this project myself except the machine work on the engine.

I am planning on using the 351W engine and T-5 trans instead of a big block for several reasons. Without the kit its hard to know what will fit in there for exhaust. I was hoping that maybe some block hugger headers would fit and then run the pipes along the inside of the framerails till they get behind the footboxes and then??? As for getting through the frame rails, on a street rod, I cut a 3.5" diameter hole in the rail to run the exhaust through. I inserted a 2" length of 3.5" od pipe into the hole and welded it on each side, the 2.5" pipe slid through with room to spare. I don't really know how this comprimised the strength of the frame though. I ran it many years without a problem, but then, I'm sure it wasn't nearly as stressed as a Cobra would be. If not exiting in front of the rear wheels, with the 9" rear there is more room around the axle area to go out the back with it. I had also thought of using, along the inside of the frame rails, some chambered exhaust pipes that are available in the Summit racing catalog. They are 3.5" in diameter with 2.5" inlet and outlet and 26" long. Anyway these are just a couple of thoughts I had. I also like the Flowmaster Hush Series that you are using. How do you like them and are they very loud? Thanks again for the info and the cool web site.

Mike