Where to get something welded???

[V]

I need a factory y pipe repaired/replaced(1998 cadillac sts) and I'm not sure what I should really do about it.

It is not available new from anywhere, dealer or aftermarket. It also appears to have been a 2 year only version and seems about impossible to find used. The car was basically the same from 1998 to 2004 and I found used versions from 2000 and 2004 but they are different. Apparently there was a design change and a big enough one that it just wont work. Its seems early 98 is my style then late 98-04 is different.

The stock pipe has a flex section in it that broke apart, plus the last few inches were previously repaired with a section of pipe welded on, and poorly done.

I figure my easiest/best option is to buy a flex coupler, same size as the stock one, and have it welded on in place of the old one. Then use the stock lower bend and replace the junky section of aftermarket piping with new pipe.

However I have only found the flex sections in stainless steel. Do I need someone special to be able to weld the stainless to the stock piping? and then the stock piping to new piping?

[The_Bishop]

Nope, you can weld stainless to non-stainless steel just fine.

[sweetbmxrider]

A local shop welds mild steel flexes for us semi-regularly. Any exhaust guys in the neighborhood?

[Jersey Mike]

I think Meineke in Haledon welded my non-stainless cutout to the rest of my stainless exhaust, back in '09 or so. Don't think it cost but $50 or so.

[V]

These are the 2 pipes. The original stock one is on the left. As you can see, the new pipe doesn't line up with the crossover pipe coming from the manifold on the other side of the motor. The new one is also about 5" too short at the flange where it meets the catalytic convertor. The old flange got welded to the support brace so it got cut off. I still need to grind it off to free it, But in the second picture you can see where the flange needs to be.

I also though about keeping the newer pipe and cutting the pipe going to the crossover and having that rewelded so it matches up properly and then having the bottom flange extended 5" further back. But then I considered the actual diameter of the pipes and the older one is considerably larger so if I'm having something welded anyway, I want the bigger pipe diameter.

Once I get the exact measurements and pipe diameters, I'll order the flex section and go from there.

[V]

Local exhaust places by me are hard to find and when you do, they are either shady or want a lot of money, or just don't want projects at all.

I don't know any places in bergen county that I could trust or have faith in that they'd do it right. I would have the entire thing measured out and mocked up. they'd just have to weld it up. It would be easier if I could bring them the car and they weld everything in-place but thats just not possible.

Mike, I may have to check out that place in haledon. I though about 16wfabworks but theyd probably not want to be bothered with this. I just need to buy my own welder one day.

[TaKid455]

Unless you get nuts on measurements, this will be best done mocked up on the engine.

[V]

Welding while in the car just wont happen. no room once the engine/cradle is mounted.


I finally found a pic in google archives of what it should look like. It seems its a 98-99 version. It has 2 flex couplers originally. Makes sense now as to why the repair was done.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

I would say 16W Fabworks. I've seen quite a bit of his work firsthand and it's beautiful. He does exhaust but also extensive metal fabrications himself, and he's right in Clifton. While not right around the corner from you, it's closer than anyone else I would know.

https://www.facebook.com/16weng/?fref=ts

[Jersey Mike]

Originally Posted by Anti_Rice_Guy

I would say 16W Fabworks.

95% certain he wouldn't touch this. He has the skill set, but between his packed appointment book, shop rate, & work interests, this isn't a job I see him taking on.

[V]

Yea, I wouldnt expect them to bother with a job this small, like I said in an earlier post.

I did manage to locate one from a Cadillac specific junkyard. $175 plus shipping. That's a bit high IMO. I'm waiting on emails from 2 others to see if they have the part. If I can get one for a max of 125 shipped I'd do it, otherwise I'll get mine welded. The flex pipe is $40 and a good section of pipe with a 45 degree bend already is $20. So for $60 plus say 50-60 welding, I'll have something newer and not used which could fail any day.

[Jersey Mike]

True, but you're out time as well.
Fab would cost $60ish in parts + $60ish welding, so $120 total by your estimation.
For an added $50, it may be worth it for you to bypass having to deal with sourcing a shop, dropping off, detailing what need be done, returning for pick up, and hoping all the geometry lines up right...

[V]

Originally Posted by Jersey Mike

True, but you're out time as well.
Fab would cost $60ish in parts + $60ish welding, so $120 total by your estimation.
For an added $50, it may be worth it for you to bypass having to deal with sourcing a shop, dropping off, detailing what need be done, returning for pick up, and hoping all the geometry lines up right...

Yes, BUT, that's for a used pipe... that has 2 flex sections that could potentially break at any time being that its almost 19 years old. Motor basically has to come out to replace the pipe. I'm not really concerned about getting a fabricated one to fit. the old flange(cut off) is still in place(see second pic) I just need to mock it up to meet that point.

[V]

Update:
I still need to find someone to do the welding, but today I finally made/cut the pipe and it is ready to go. The old flex coupler that was on the factory pipe necked down to barely 2" if not less and was a pretty big restriction. The new flex coupler is 3" diameter along with the new pipe after it. That'll flow pretty good now.

[3.4 grape of wrath]

Where are you located and do you needed it welded on the car? I like using the ball joint flanges because it's more alignment forgiving.

[V]

I'm way up north in bergen county, zip 07624 to be exact.

I have the pipe off the motor and its all held in place right now with hose clamps so it can be tacked then test fitted one last time before being fully welded. The alignment isn't too much of a concern. The brace holds the flange so that its vertical. The car will be a daily driver, all stock so no need for fancy exhaust. I just had to make this myself since it is not available new anywhere. The factory has this basic setup with a small flex section. The original pipe which was poorly repaired to begin with failed due to 2 broken motor mounts.

[grazi]

Weren't you looking to buy a welder awhile back? You can buy a lincoln 140 for around $500 and have it for all your welding needs. Also can get a spool gun for it for aluminium.

[3.4 grape of wrath]

I live in Monmouth county 07728 it's a drive but I will help you out. Bring a couple beers and I'll take care of it for you.

[V]

My neighbor let me borrow his 110v MIG. So today, after shoveling snow, I decided to give it a shot and see if I could at least tack weld the pipes in place. I got a little carried away and ended up basically fully welding it up.

Yes, I know its not pretty, its also not done. I do need to grind some ares back down and finish welding it some. However, I think its pretty decent for my second time welding, and the first time was 13 years ago. I just need it to hold together for 6 months or so. Also, with my design, the flow will be so much better than the stock setup was. Its basically 3" all the way through now, not necked down to 2" at the flex joints.

[sweetbmxrider]

Nice work man, as long as it holds together who cares!

[DirtyBird]

Doesnt look bad for only welding 2 times. I know people where it looks like bird crude and have been welding a while haha

[3.4 grape of wrath]

Looks good from my house.