Ok! Got the timevalve system shipped to me two weeks ago. I took my time in smoothing out the edges and the insides of the pipes where they slide together. Smoothed out the insets into the manifold and started to put the entire system in. I used anti seize on all the joints. I did it on the garage floor with the front wheels up on ramps and the rear on jack stands. I installed the lead pies first and tightened them down about 25 percent- this is the hardest part of the install. Once in, I used a floor Jack and inserted the next piece ( largest of the install) into the head pipes and they slid together perfectly. Of note, I did use anti seize on all the parts that fit/ slid together. Once in the right position, I installed the back muffler.
To save myself the toil of the bands, I connected the hangers to the bands first and then lifted the parts in place and attached. The only time I had to stretch the bands was for the muffler under the body attachment. This was tough and took many tries and angles but finally got it done.
This system fit just PERFECTLY !!! The bends were right on, the system fit snug under the heat shields. The rear muffler fit perfect into the space and the downpipes had plenty of clearance around the idler arm and rolled beautifully under the chassis. Great job timevalve!!
I did use the clamps rather than weld and the sound was just beautiful sweet. I don't really know the pure sound of the previous system as it was rotted out but what a sweet melody it plays now.
I reused the old hangers as the timevalve replacements were inferior and had no insulation as originals had. Plus the bands they sent me for the center fastener are incorrect. Fortunately my old ones were reusable. Last I attached the chrome tips provided by timevalve that were Mercedes parts.
In all I had about six hours into the install. If I had to do another today, I'd be in 2-3 hours now that I know the process.. For those out there are the fence, it can be done by yourself, in your garage, on your back. Just take your time. My biggest problem was disconnecting the old system from the manifold.
Now I can tune this beast and listen to it run!