Exhaust System for '87 McLaren

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:12 am

I need a new exhaust system for my '87 and am wondering when talking to an exhaust place, do I say I need one for an LX or a GT? I assume they are different after looking in a Mustang parts catalog. But I know these cars all started out as LX's.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:34 am

LX with a 302 V-8 Engine

Post by **negusm** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:44 am

I'm pretty sure they should be exactly the same.

I can't think of what could be different between an LX and GT. what are the parts books saying?

-Mike

asc709 · Post by **asc709** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:11 am

You need one for a 87-93 GT. The LX tailpipes are straight and may not clear the lower rear valence. The GT exhaust system should have the turndowns that exit just below the rear lower valence.

Let me know if you need any pics.

mustangjim · Post by **mustangjim** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:23 am

You can use a LX system on a GT, but you will need to extend the rear mount hanger extensions @ 1.5" to clear the rear valance.

I installed a LX system on my 87 Gt sometime back as the LX system had the slash cut tips in Stainless Steel vs. straight cut galvanized for the GT, all the bends remain the same.

Good Luck

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:43 pm

Okay...Question

Are you guys (asc709 & Mike) saying that Ford Motor Company supplied LX V-8 Coupes, built WITH the GT Exhaust ??

I have to check my paperwork, on that one, but I don't have time, now. Today's a hospital-day.

Post by **negusm** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:37 pm

asc709 wrote:You need one for a 87-93 GT. The LX tailpipes are straight and may not clear the lower rear valence. The GT exhaust system should have the turndowns that exit just below the rear lower valence.

Let me know if you need any pics.

You know, after I posted that, I was thinking maybe it was a tailpipe change. Everything from the headers to the catalytic converter and muflers should all be the same.

-Mike

Post by **negusm** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:38 pm

Sandy wrote:Okay...Question

Are you guys (asc709 & Mike) saying that Ford Motor Company supplied LX V-8 Coupes, built WITH the GT Exhaust ??

I have to check my paperwork, on that one, but I don't have time, now. Today's a hospital-day.

Apparently, to clear the lower rear asc/gt valence, they must have used GT exhaust...or modified it at asc to do so.

-Mike

Tom S. · Post by **Tom S.** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:23 pm

Sandy wrote:Okay...Question

Are you guys (asc709 & Mike) saying that Ford Motor Company supplied LX V-8 Coupes, built WITH the GT Exhaust ??

I have to check my paperwork, on that one, but I don't have time, now. Today's a hospital-day.

Yes. Look at the pics of the not yet done coupes in my Fotki.

Mustang exhaust pipes are one piece welded from the H-pipe back. The only difference would be the tips from the axle hump back. But since they were a welded assembly it can accurately be stated that these cars started with GT exhaust. There would be no reason for ASC to modify this since Ford had the parts available in the correct configuration on the assembly line and they would bolt up with no problem.

If I needed exhaust, and I have before for 2 LX's, I would troll all the Mustang boards looking for a set that was taken off when a car was new. It is easily removed and installed, WITHOUT cutting. I've done this 3 times. The last set I bought off a low mileage '86 for an '86 cost me $250 from the headers back and I was able to have it shipped via UPS intact without cutting.

ProTouringASC · Post by **ProTouringASC** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:12 pm

Just so all will know, I installed a Magnaflow stainless system with LX tail pipes on my '89 with no problems. They don't hit the valance and come out (with a little tweaking) through the notches in the stock asc valance with no problems.

The Magnaflows also have a nice throaty sound with little resonance.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 12:30 am

Back to square one.

I did check McLaren paperwork and braodcast sheets from the factory and, yes, it does appear that the exhaust/tailpipes used are from the GT. Yet another FoMoCo on line, installation to assist ascMclaren....(and some like to say that our cars "are not factory" ...) They NEVER did THIS for Steve Saleen

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 2:12 am

Thanks to ALL who took the time to respond to my questions about the exhaust I need to get. That makes sense about using the GT exhaust with the turndown tips to clear the ground effects valence panel added to the bottom of the LX fascia. I ordered today the Flowmaster GT kit and will be getting it installed at the Cadillac dealer I work at on Wednesday. Thanks again!! What a great group of McLaren lovers you all are!!

Steve Nelson
Sarasota, Florida
#476 with 39,000 original Florida miles

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 2:52 am

Loooks like yours is 2nd to THE LAST 1987!! 476

Tom S. · Post by **Tom S.** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:30 am

Sandy wrote:They NEVER did THIS for Steve Saleen

They didn't have to in this situation. Saleen designed his ground effects to work with the better looking LX brushed stainless exhaust.

351mclaren · Post by **351mclaren** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 8:54 pm

GT Exhaust for 87/88...on 89/90 you can run the polished LX catback due to the cobra style rear valance.

ascMcLaren Enthusiasts

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