Replacing 2-piece with 3-piece exhaust?

[Canaro]

My 1989 325i Convertible needed a new exhaust. The garage quoted me some crazy sum for replacing the mid and rear boxes - I beat it handsomely by buying online from ECP. Clever me, I thought. But it turns out that the car had a 2-piece system. According to the Zone wiki, the systems are interchangeable as complete systems. And I'd really like it if I could avoid having to return the parts that I've already bought - if only to avoid courier hassles.

What do people think? Find a downpipe from somewhere and forge ahead with fitting a 3-piece system, or return the centre and rear parts that I've already got and go hunting for a 2-piece? In either case, I'd be grateful for any advice on where best to get the bits - I'm not interested in anything pretty or performance-enhancing (unless you count being roadworthy as a perfomance enhancement).

[capri_rob]

If you want to fit a 3 piece system you will need to change the manifold as the connections to the downpipe are different.

If your manifold has never been off you can enter into a world of pain with snapped studs etc.

I had the same dilemma - ended up buying a secondhand 2 piece system.

[Sanchez]

not all manifolds need changing, mine didnt.

See if you can supply a pic or more details of the manifold for some more help.

Which parts are you needing, try second hand. I have a 3 piece front section and a 2 piece rear section for sale.

[capri_rob]

Cheap 2 piece front section :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-E30-M20-3 ... 33743bff65

[Duke137]

Where are you based?

[Canaro]

I'm in Edinburgh.

[Sanchez]

I'm in Edinburgh.

PM replied.

[Canaro]

Thanks capri_rob - I saw that, but can't collect in person. Ideally I'd find something a little close to home, or someone who was up for couriering it.

As far as I can tell from the comments above, the tricky bit may be making sure that the manifold connection matches up. So here's a picture of the end of the existing exhaust where it meets the manifold:


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The centre and rear portions I've bought from ECP are going back tomorrow, and I'll be looking for used parts on the Zone and Ebay. Any further thoughts?

[lamby]

same on mine,two piece.ended up cutting front pipes and making it into a 3 bit system as i couldn,t find a two piece rear box and wasn,t paying 400 if i remember just for the back box.i had the downpipes welded to centre and rear with clamps.clamps would work for downpipes but i knew a welder so...........,oh and when you put downpipe back put gas seal around on it or two gaskets as mine had warped on manifold end

[Sanchez]

The above pic is good news for 2 or 3 piece.

The 3 piece front section I have is the same as above.

[Canaro]

Hmm, maybe 3 piece is the way to go. How much do you want for your front section, Sanchez?

[Sanchez]

Best thing is to see if you can get all the parts.

I paid 30 quid for it and would like that back if your happy with that.

[Canaro]

Thanks to Sanchez, I now have a very solid 2-piece rear section.

Anyone want to sell me a 2-piece front?