What exhaust is this ?

[G Beale]

Has anyone seen this system or anything like it before ? I bought this last week with cans which I have re-sleeved & re-packed. Previous owner says it was from a race bike but that's all I know. Mild steel, very light, lovely 2-4-2 set up. Whole system is about the same weight as 1 standard can !

Took it apart so you can see what goes where.

I'm waiting on gaskets, clamps for the cans & some Kawasaki, half moon type collets to hold it all on and I'll let you know how loud it is. I'm guessing very.
I've cleaned it up & treated it with some rust rubbish for what it's worth but not sure what to paint it with. Any suggestions folks ? VHT black or possibly silver I suppose ?

[Kayla]

I can't help you with what kind of exhaust it is, but lots of people use B&Q BBQ paint on their exhausts.

What effect would a 2-4-2 have on the power and torque?

[G Beale]

I think the 2-4-2 bit is an elaborate substitute for a link pipe possibly but I'm no expert. Probably less restrictive than a standard link pipe ?
Hadn't though of BBQ paint, might give it a try today cheers.

[phuk72]

I think the 2-4-2 bit is an elaborate substitute for a link pipe possibly but I'm no expert. Probably less restrictive than a standard link pipe ?
Hadn't though of BBQ paint, might give it a try today cheers.

No idea what system it is although and that I can't imagine why the gases would be routed like that.

TOP TIP - don't paint your exhaust. It WILL look shit - I'm sorry but it will. Either spend some time and polish them or spend some money and have them blasted.

[G Beale]

I was gonna get them blasted but they were pretty good to start with so just used a wire wheel in my drill. If I did get them blasted they would still rust surely ? What does polishing them achieve ? Does it make the job of rust removal easier or does it deter rust ?

[phuk72]

I take it the downpipes are not stainless? It depends on what you are trying to achieve. Nothing is forever and they will continue to age no matter what you do to them.

If you want low maintenance but are happy with it looking crap - then clean, seal and paint with VHT paint. Or hide the rust with exhaust wrap.

If you want them to look good, you will have to clean them occassionally no matter what finish they have.

[Kayla]

... Mild steel...

You could have them chromed I suppose. Paint's cheaper though

[trixynut]

Chroming can be a nightmare to get done. Something to do with the 'acid' bath thats needed before the chroming: the carbon deposits that come out the pipes mess up the bath so it needs draining after? So difficult to find someone who is prepared to do it.

[G Beale]

Too late now I've painted it with VHT black. I have never in my life found paint that can withstand exhaust manifold temperatures so expect it to burn off within seconds of the engine firing up. It's all mild steel, I considered having them chromed but again, it will dis-colour/burn off so don't see the point. Function over form you might say ?

[slow codger]

Just an aside, but I dont have a link pipe on mine, 2 into 2 system with Micron carbon cans.

Dave E

[idl1975]

I think the 2-4-2 bit is an elaborate substitute for a link pipe possibly but I'm no expert. Probably less restrictive than a standard link pipe ?
Hadn't though of BBQ paint, might give it a try today cheers.

Possibly it was designed for the TDM? They have a big-ass collector, whereas the TRX is straight 2-2 with no crossover or link pipe. It might just be the effect of the crossovers, but it looks too short after the 4-2 bit for a TRX system.

Otherwise, although clearly the 2-4 combines the exhaust gasses from the cylinders, possibly the theory is also to increase total volume of the exhaust without using larger-section headers (maintaining gas velocity?). Perhaps trying to give the effective equivalent of a longer run, on the old British single theory of short pipe/long pipe, for more top end power? Seems like a lot of effort on a "diesel" - why not just have a link pipe if you want to equalise pressure? Are there any "proper" race systems that use this sort of arrangement?

Alternatively, whoever made it just thought it looked cool.

Dave E, great minds think alike!

[gregs656]

get the exhaust cam coated.

That exhaust looks really cool.

[TonyDevil]

I think the 2-4-2 bit is an elaborate substitute for a link pipe possibly but I'm no expert. Probably less restrictive than a standard link pipe ?
Hadn't though of BBQ paint, might give it a try today cheers.

Possibly it was designed for the TDM?

that was my thought
the TDM has a wider arse than the TRX
but i'd need to see a side on pic to be sure.

[G Beale]

Thanks Greg, I like it. I've had it on the bike loosely fitted & it all goes where it should so I'm sure it was designed for the TRX. Cans are quite small at 100mm diameter... . or is it the standard cans that are huge ? My Kawasaki header clamps came today & they fit so just waiting on gaskets now & I can fire it up.
I discovered yesterday that my Ford CVH cylinder heads have exactly the same exhaust studs as my TRX !

[idl1975]

Thanks Greg, I like it. I've had it on the bike loosely fitted & it all goes where it should so I'm sure it was designed for the TRX. Cans are quite small at 100mm diameter... . or is it the standard cans that are huge ? My Kawasaki header clamps came today & they fit so just waiting on gaskets now & I can fire it up.
I discovered yesterday that my Ford CVH cylinder heads have exactly the same exhaust studs as my TRX !

Ah, so it was an illusion. Sounds like it's going to be rather loud anyway!

I remember Yamaha made the V6 (and later V8) for the Taurus SHO. Probably the best bit of that car, when the electrics were working.