ERA Undercar Exhaust Question

[chuckbrandt]

I have undercar exhaust and I mocked up the engine and exhaust today. I see a little more of it than I expected.

I was planning to have it silver ceramic coated but now I'm wondering if that will stick out visually. What have other people like Peter done? Opinions? Is there black ceramic or other durable black coating available? Should I not worry about it?

What ya think?

Chuck

[computerworks]

On Peter's original (round-tube frame) the under-car exhaust does not hang below the frame line...
...it works it way rearward parallel to the tubes..

[chuckbrandt]

He recently completed a "street" ERA that looks like his original car. It must have the same exhaust as mine.

Thanks, Chuck

[cobrajeff]

Chuck -

Here is a picture of my friend's original 427 Cobra with undercar exhaust. He had this entire system made up out of Stainless Steel, and then polished. You can see it here, up on jack-stands, but, when the car is on the ground, it's hardly noticeable.




You could have your pieces powder-coated black, that should hold up. I believe Jet-Hot and Airborn Coatings both do black (nobody seems to want to do white - it's just not as durable as the black or silver finishes).

regards,

Jeff

[chuckbrandt]

Thanks guys, I might be getting over it, silver would definitely look better from the engine compartment side. I was only planning on having the header pipes coated. I still would like to see pictures of completed ERA cars with undercar exhaust from the side and hear what they have done about finish.

Thanks, Chuck

[clayfoushee]

Ditto, above, the black ceramic coating should have almost the same heat transfer properties and durability as the silver. It's just harder to keep clean, but on an undercar exhaust, it's not as much an issue. Do the headers silver, and then black the rest of the way back.

[REDSC400]

Chuck:
Is there an engine and trannie and full gas tank in your car? Reason I ask is that your car appears to be sitting rather high off the ground to me. Mine sits a wee bit lower?

I have black ceramic coated side pipes and they stay dark and black and chip free for 12+ years. That may be a way to go to make them less visible.

[chuckbrandt]

Hi Art,
The engine block is empty in this picture and so is the gas tank. I thought it was a little high too but they say that they settle after you drive them a while, in fact the instructions say not to adjust the ride height until you've driven it for a while.

Thanks for the comment on black. I'm considering that. I guess I'd just paint the muffler and tailpipe if I did that.

Chuck

[REDSC400]

Chuck:
I am not suggesting that you adust the ride height now, just that when you install the engine, trannie, clutch and gas, their combined weight will settle the car down about 2 inches in the front, and as such, you will not probably see the exhaust pipes as much. You could also consider spraying them with a black heat paint yourself. Eastwood has some nice header paint that could do the trick for you I bet. But if it were me, I would go with Airborn. I would check with them to see what they suggest. They do a really nice job. My side pipes have held up wonderfully all these years and evoke positive comments to this day. Mine are a satin black and withstand rock dings and such.

The car is looking good Chuck.

Who is building the engine and what will it be?
What trannie and clutch?

[chuckbrandt]

I'm building the 390 myself. Gessford did the block machine work and they did a beautiful job. The heads are what they call "poor man's cobra jet heads" which are C4AE-G castings fitted with larger CJ sized valves and some minor pocket porting. These were done at a local place, K&M in Raytown, MO.

Transmission is a toploader 4 speed, clutch is centerforce II.

After the all the bugs are worked out of the cobra I have a pile of NOS parts to build a 427 Side Oiler with Medium Riser heads. I don't know if I'll build that one myself or pony up and have a professional do it. At that point the 390 goes back in my pickup

Thanks for the encouragement. It sure looks closer to being done than it is with the engine in there, I'm getting very antsy.

Chuck

[Jim Holden]

The time tested method for getting an ERA down to the proper ride height is (first) to set the shocks; length and number of "clicks" in accordance with Bob's instructions in the ERA handy dandy, all questions answered "how to" instruction manual.

Next make sure you have a full tank of gas (I've run out in every car I've owned). Search for a suitably sized traveling companion (minimum weight has to be at least 225 lbs.) and then map out a route that incorporates a number of hills, dips and whoop to dos" that will help settle the suspension down. Travel at a reasonably brisk pace and stop for ice cream haldf way thought to check things out and asnwer questions from envious bystanders.

When you get home (and with your passenger now sitting in the driver's seat) measure ride height all around. Works every time.

Jim