[toodles]

I’ve decided to replace the stock muffler and y pipe on my ‘07 with a Magnaflow 12580 bi-directional muffler.

I already have the muffler, but unfortunately the only exhaust shop that will do the work is 45 minutes away and doesn’t have a stellar reputation.

I’ve already replaced my suspension and done some other serious work on vehicles at home, but never any exhaust work.

The install seems pretty straightforward other than the custom pipes that will need to replace the factory y-pipe.

My thinking is that I might be able to buy pre-bent sections of pipe for that portion.

Is this a project a reasonably skilled amateur mechanic can tackle at home?

I have a grinder and a welder in addition to all the normal mechanic’s tools.

 

[BRATCAT]

You can do it yourself, but you'll have to be a decent welder at least to not burn holes in the pipe or leave any leaks. I've welded up my own exhaust before. There was a lot of hold it in place to see if it fits, then pull it out and weld it on the garage floor because I don't have the skill to weld blindly or upside down

 

[toodles]

You can do it yourself, but you'll have to be a decent welder at least to not burn holes in the pipe or leave any leaks. I've welded up my own exhaust before. There was a lot of hold it in place to see if it fits, then pull it out and weld it on the garage floor because I don't have the skill to weld blindly or upside down

What if I used exhaust clamps instead of welding it?

Also, what do you think about my idea of using pre-bent pipe sections? I can’t make those at home.

 

[Mar10]

You can definitely use clamps.

Y-pipe is available. RockAuto sells them, as I’m sure many other places do too.

 

[Mar10]

YouTube is your friend in this. Watch some vids on fabbing up an exhaust without welding. Doesn’t even have to be Xterra specific as the process translates across makes and models.
Im certain there have to be a couple specific to our X’s though.

 

[RamTest]

I already have the muffler, but unfortunately the only exhaust shop that will do the work is 45 minutes away and doesn’t have a stellar reputation.
Is this a project a reasonably skilled amateur mechanic can tackle at home?

Yes, you can get it done. But I suspect you will quickly regret not driving the 45 minutes each way.

 

[toodles]

Yes, you can get it done. But I suspect you will quickly regret not driving the 45 minutes each way.

It’s mostly the shop in question’s reputation for taking longer than they say they will and then charging more than they said they would that’s making me not want to go to them. The drive isn’t a huge deal.

 

[toodles]

You can definitely use clamps.

Y-pipe is available. RockAuto sells them, as I’m sure many other places do too.

Good to know on the clamps.

Unfortunately I’m not looking for a new Y-pipe since the 12580 is a 2 in 1 out design. What I’m looking for is 2 pieces of pipe to go from the cats to the muffler inlets.

I’m pretty sure pipe sections that are the correct length/angle/curvature for this purpose are available somewhere, but I haven’t been able to find them.

 

[Mar10]

Call Magnaflo and see if they have anything.

 

[smj999smj]

You have to modify the existing Y-pipe and fabricate them to fit the 12580 or have a shop fabricate two new pipes with flanges. IIRC, the outlet is a bit larger than the factory pipe, so you'll need to reduce it to fit the factory tailpipe or fabricate a new tailpipe. I have a 12580 on my 06 Pathy with DT mid-pipes; it sounds good at idle and WOT, but there is a lot of drone during light and medium acceleration. It also sounded pretty lousy until after around 1,000 miles when the muffler started breaking-in. If you don't like droning exhaust noise, I would advise you not to install a 12580. If you do, go for it! You may also have to fabricate some hangers, as well, now that I think of it. Also, don't be expecting a lot of added performance. I also have DT shorty headers and I didn't notice any diffence in performance after all of my exhaust mods. Best bang for my buck was the XTP plenum spacer and a Superships Flashpaq tuner. IMO, spending money on the exhaust and the aftermarket CAI (aFe Momentum GT w/ a dry filter) was just a waste of money.