Hi all. Its been a bit since I've been here and even did anything with the car, life seems to throw obstacles at times. I've been ramping up to start thinking about my next project and headers / exhaust is probably on the menu. Over the last year I've dipped in and out of here contemplating what it would be, even had an idea of how I would do it but never settled on anything. Low and behold I get a new item notification from RC:

https://resurrectedclassics.com/products/stainless-steel-dual-exhaust-system-s30z-240z-260z-280z-datsun-1970-1978-polished

Its a polished (but uncoated) header with end to end pipes muffler resonator hangers etc. Seems like a true dual exhaust so I guess its 3-2? States its a bolt on to standard block and all the standard hanger locations. For a quasi-newbie DIY type guy like myself this seems like it would be something I can tackle in my make shift garage without any "professional help". From my research previously its been pretty clear a coated set would be best for heat and longevity so that's my first concern. Of course there's the cost concern too as this seems a bit pricey compared to putting an end to end system together from various components but that may be more work and or require a shop trip. There's also the MSA end to end package I guess which I was contemplating as DIY as well with or without coating.

Opinions on this would be appreciated. Ignoring the cost factor (I know I know) what about this would be a pro/con if I were to get this and maybe some VHT to coat it myself?

I am well pleased with the MSA Ceramic Coated Header and Premium Exhaust System I installed some 14 years ago. The fitment was spot on, the OE heat shield fit without bending or mods, no interference with the steering rod or frame rails. The supplied Turbo muffler was a bit loud and had some drone at 3k RPM, a 12" resonator I later installed cured that and softened the sound a bit. A local shop I use was very impressed with the overall design and exceptional quality of the entire system.

That's a stainless system. Coating isn't required for longevity sake. Coating might help with heat issues

9 minutes ago, Patcon said:

That's a stainless system. Coating isn't required for longevity sake. Coating might help with heat issues

If I do decide to do this, any suggestions on the proper coating? Started looking around and there's a bunch of options. I saw some internal methods using spray with a 360 nozzle and 2 ft hose that looked like it did a good job on the interior. Exterior seems pretty easy.

@jfa.series1 That thing looks beautiful!

I probably wouldn't coat a stainless header. Jet coat could probably be used though. I bought a Z story exhaust and really like it...

I have this exhaust sitting in the garage ready to go on a pretty stock '73 with ZTherapy round tops. I'm taking the opportunity to clean up the intake manifold a bit, but should have it installed tomorrow. It's spectacularly nice cosmetically and seems quite solid... very mice multilayer steel gaskets and coated mid-pipe hangers. The header is a work of art...

It's replacing an older 3-2-1 setup with 2.25" pipe to MS Auto muffler. Sounded as you'd expect. I'm looking forward to hearing this setup... sounds nice in the couple clips I could find.

I'll update on results.

@L24ITS Wondering if you may run into the issue I had with mine. For me, once assembled I found that the mid pipe to tail pipe section could benefit from a longer tail pipe to allow for a deeper insertion of the mid pipes to the tail pipes to properly seat those together. My exhaust tip was barely out of the cowl so I had to compromise a little bit and slide the tail pipe section back towards the rear which then exposed a little bit of a leak which i had to seal with some exhaust tape around the section where they join together by the hangers.

I will sure let you know... did RC offer to fix it?

not really no. Basically they said you don't have to fully seat the pipes to make a good seal. I was like that sounds a little sketchy. Best of luck to you, let me know how it goes. Maybe my setup was weird due to PO mucking something up but I have a stock engine and it all seemed to line up pretty well so i didn't expect any surprises until i had one lol. Maybe I would have been ok with the tips where they were but it just felt like the age old exhaust into the cabin was something to deal with or an issue with exhaust up under the cowl all the time in traffic.

Richie G, I have been also looking at some exhaust 'drop-in' kits and probably would get an MSA premium one (coated version). What bugs me is that they found a new welder shop, which has 3-4 month wait period and I can't find any reviews of the new shop's quality of welding. Good luck with your search and look forward to seeing the final results on your car.

@jfa.series1 which 12" resonator did you end up installing (model/make)? I don't like loud/droning noises and will probably do what you did. Do you have any video with the audio of the exhaust sound? Thanks!

26 minutes ago, darom said:

@jfa.series1 which 12" resonator did you end up installing (model/make)? I don't like loud/droning noises and will probably do what you did. Do you have any video with the audio of the exhaust sound? Thanks!

The resonator is a unbranded stock model my exhaust shop carried. I do have a video from a local run I did on the car's 50th anniversary. I need to edit it shorter for posting. I attached a remote mic at the tailpipe to get the best possible sound capture. Stand by.

Contact Sean@ ZStory if you’re looking for a high end setup. Still need to have them sent to Jet Hot coatings to have them coated inside & out.