BJ7 Exhaust on a BJ8: do I need downpipes?

[Schroeders]

Hello,

I have decided to just put a BJ7 and older exhaust on our BJ8, knowing that the tailpipes will be exiting the wrong side etc, I just like the sound of the earlier systems. I had removed the rear mufflers long ago and fab'd up pipes in their place, but the center muffler is rotted to the core now, and it's time to change it all.

So having said that, my downpipes are in good shape and I'd like to keep them in place if possible. However, they are shown with different part numbers; will a BJ7 center muffler section bolt up to the BJ8 downpipes, or are they longer / shorter? Would leaving them just push the end section out further or not allow to exit far enough out?

The mounting brackets look to be in the same place on the earlier systems as well; should the early system bolt right up with new hangers, or will I need to attached new brackets as well?

Thanks all!

 

[HealeyRick]

Sorry, can't help with the downpipe question, but I do have a complete BJ-7 mild steel exhaust including the BJ-7 downpipes with less than 500 miles that I'd sell for 1/2 new Moss price. PM me if you're interested.

 

[GregW]

There is something in the back of my mind that keeps telling me the pipe diameters are different. I'm going to a Healey meet today, so I'll take a look.

 

[Schroeders]

Awesome, thanks so much!

 

[Schroeders]

You got a deal sir, as soon as we get confirmation that they will physically bolt up..

I'll send you an e-mail shortly!

Thanks again!!!!

 

[Randy Forbes]

You got a deal sir, as soon as we get confirmation that they will physically bolt up..

I'll send you an e-mail shortly!

Thanks again!!!!

If he's including the downpipes, you'd be good to go.

The BJ8 has the LF outrigger modified to allow a bit more clearance for the exhaust, so the BJ7 *might* not tuck up as far, but that should be an easy fix with flexible pipe (as on the originals).

Looks like a cinch to me :wink:

 

[GregW]

I'm going to a Healey meet today, so I'll take a look.

Well, there were only BJ8s at the meet today. No way to cross reference. :frown:

 

[Schroeders]

You got a deal sir, as soon as we get confirmation that they will physically bolt up..

I'll send you an e-mail shortly!

Thanks again!!!!

If he's including the downpipes, you'd be good to go.

The BJ8 has the LF outrigger modified to allow a bit more clearance for the exhaust, so the BJ7 *might* not tuck up as far, but that should be an easy fix with flexible pipe (as on the originals).

Looks like a cinch to me :wink:

Awesome, thanks Randy. I'll just plan on fitting Rick's downpipes, as they will likely be prettier than mine anyways!

 

[Schroeders]

I'm going to a Healey meet today, so I'll take a look.

Well, there were only BJ8s at the meet today. No way to cross reference. :frown:

Not a problem, Greg, I just appreciate the help! I'll snap some pics once I get this done, it should look very nice and sound SO much better than the "got mufflers" plan they used on the 8's!

 

[SledLover]

About 6 years ago I did the very same thing to my BJ8. I got tired of changing out the resonators due to rust. I got new down pipes, but to tell you the truth I am not sure I had to. I installed some Moss aftermarket pipes and I like the sound quite a bit better than the old BJ8 sound. I thought they were Ansa, but I just checked Moss and they don't show them as available for the Healey. The hangers, etc. were not a problem, either, and I just removed the unused ones for the BJ8 exhaust.
Hope this helps.

 

[Andy65]

Works on mine. I have the stock down pipes mounted to the earlier exhaust. On my car, a 65 BJ8, the threaded holes for the exhaust hangers for the BT7 exhausts are in the frame - painted over and gunked up, but there.