Removing stock exhaust intact? (mainly the tailpipes)

[BlackMetal]

On Sunday I'm going to be overhauling my exhaust system from the turbo back. The only real catch to doing mods on my car is that I always make sure to keep the stock parts in the event I need to change things back for emissions, if I ever want to sell the car in stock form, etc.

Does anyone have experience in doing it, or just enough general underbody knowledge to tell me if it's possible, and what would be involved if it is.

I'll have access to a lift, so if I lift the car to let the suspension sag and remove the rear wheels, would I have enough of a view and enough room to weasel the tailpipes out from over the axle? Worst case scenario I'll have to cut it at a certain spot and just weld it back together, but I'd prefer not to.

Appreciate any help...

 

[VinsGN]

I tried what you are talking about and I could not get mine out intact. I ended up cutting the inlet pipes just over the axle. And depending on the internal pipe condition the system may be more shot then you think. From the out side my system looked mint but after moving around the muffler all sorts of loose bodies came to life in side.

IMO unless you go crazy on the exhaust system an after market/non-original exhaust system is not going to deviate that far from “stock” where to hurt re-sale. It’s a ware item like brake pads.

Let us know if you get it out.

 

[BlackMetal]

Well that's the problem, the exhaust I'm doing isn't even close to being a stock replacement, it's going to exit in front of the rear tires. But oh well, I'll take a look once we get in the air, and if I gotta cut it, then I guess I'll just buy replacements from someone.

 

[John Larkin]

If you can slit the slip joints lengthwise with a die grinder and only cut through one layer of steel, you might be able to lube it well and twist it apart. Some heat, even propane, would expand the joint. I would draw a nice bright yellow line maybe 1/8" from the edge of the cutting wheel and start cutting. Since the wheel is consumable, you'll have to draw a new line after each cut. We're only talking maximum 2" slits so not that much wheel will burn off.