Upgrading Your Ride: Installing Side Pipes and Headers for the Coyote Engine
Once the body was painted, Ken’s team quickly got to work mounting the exhaust side pipes. I chose the Gas’N Touring side pipes, and honestly—they’re absolutely stunning! When paired with the robust 4-into-1 headers built for the Coyote engine, this setup truly shines. After logging 190 miles of go-kart-style driving, the headers have stayed rock-solid, largely due to proper mounting. However, I still decided to add exhaust hangers to ease the stress on the side pipes. Without them, bumps and rough roads might make the pipes bounce, which could flex and crack the headers—a pricey fix I’d rather avoid. So, let’s jump into the setup details!
Standard Installation: The Bolt Dilemma
Typically, the installation process for side pipes involves drilling long bolts through the 2-inch square tube in the floor. While this method works, it comes with a couple of drawbacks that many enthusiasts, myself included, find less than ideal:
- Water Intrusion Risk: Drilling extra holes through the floor creates more entry points for water to seep into the carpet and interior. Although it’s a minor issue, those small openings can add up over time.
- Footbox Clutter: The bolts are long and protrude into the footbox. Even if they’re in the dropdown section, they still pose a snag risk—something you’d rather not deal with while working the pedals.
A Smarter Solution: Rivnuts for the Win
Instead, like many builders, I opted for rivnuts over the long bolts. This method uses a single hole with built-in threads, ensuring a clean and secure installation without anything sticking out into the footbox. Not only does this simple tweak eliminate the hassle of exposed bolts, but it also reduces the chance of water creeping into the floor pan. Plus, it delivers a sleeker, more polished look—ideal for a high-performance setup like this.
The exhaust setup itself is straightforward—nothing too complicated here! The real challenge? Maneuvering the rivnut tool into that tight space. Pro tip: Jackstands were a game-changer for me, giving just enough clearance to get the job done comfortably. To keep everything secure, I added a dab of blue Loctite on the bolts. Trust me, that extra step ensures they stay tight, no matter how much you push your ride.
The installation process? Super simple. Just align the brackets, mark your holes, drill, and mount—done! It’s a quick and painless job that anyone can tackle with basic tools.
