Ah. In that case, keep the head and cam you have. Cheap out and keep the stock timing chain and oil pump but freshen up the pressure valve.
One thing to remember is that the 66 Barracuda sat low to begin with. I know, I used to own a 66 Barracuda Formula S. People who keep their cars at the stock ride height already have clearance problems running an exhaust line down the passenger side, especially where the pipe has to go over the transmission crossmember. You used to be able to buy crossmembers which had been modified specifically to accommodate an exhaust pipe on the passenger side. You will likely want to track down one of those or get yours modified.
Since you plan on replacing the suspension to drop the car almost to the ground, you might want to consider keeping the stock exhaust line as the driver's side exhaust pipe and then having a exhaust line of the same diameter installed for the passenger side which attaches to the front exhaust manifold (assuming you go with Dutras). The stock exhaust pipe diameter was somewhere around 1 7/8 or 1 13/16 (I can't remember which). If you are dropping your car then every little 1/2 inch of clearance helps. You say you like your car loud, so just run 1 7/8 straight pipe on each side, no muffler.
I can't say I am too crazy about your exhaust idea. I think you run a serious risk of leaking exhaust back into the passenger compartment, especially if the car is lowered and the exhaust pipes are scraping over bumps. One good collision with a rock or speed bump could break the pipe loose from the taillight fitting (I am assuming you aren't going to attach the pipe directly to the taillight housing).
Frankly, I think you are going through a lot of work and expense for a result you really won't be happy with in a daily driver. If you are building a show car that will be trailered, then do whatever you want, but if you are building a car you will actually drive everyday then I would highly recommend you keep the stock suspension and go with a more durable and safe exhaust system. But, to each their own. it's your car and your money.
|
Anyways, no the exhaust will not be attached to the housing and will be suspended by a rubber hanger. I will have a small heat shield separating the exhaust from the housing. As for the suspension, eventually it will have air ride. I think if I keep the section of exhaust that will be routed through the trunk one piece from where it enters the trunk to where it exits, it will keep the leaking to a minimum. If it doesn't work then oh well I'll do somthin different.