Triumph Repair: TR6 exhausts, tig welder, corrugated pipes

Question
Hi Scott,

A couple of questions about a TR6 exhaust:
1) Is there any reason why the front pipes would only fit a 72-74 and not a 75? I was under the impression that exhausts were broken down 69-72, and 72 on ward.
2) I'm considering building my own exhaust and am wondering if there's anything I should know about after market/universal exhaust components and mufflers - alternatively, is it not worth the effort and should I grab a stock system?

Many thanks,
-Cam

Answer
There were two different head styles, as you indicate, and swaps among the years were not uncommon.  You need to identify the casting # on the head, and lookup what year head that is.  Alternatively, measure the port size & spacing, and look up the respective specs.

Unless you are a good TIG welder, and are looking at a race or custom modification (i.e. side exit vs. rear exit) , you are probably better off buying an off the shelf header.  6 into 1 s are the most common, and once in a while you can find a pair of 3 into 2's.  There are theories & applications on more top end power is generated with an "into 1" header, but for the average street car, I don't think you will ever notice a real difference.  Just getting the better flow with larger pipes from a header will be the primary advantage.  Unless you have a lot of spare time, a supply of pre-bent pipes and the necessary flange, I would not recommend building your own header.

Fabricating your own exhaust & muffler is more reasonable, but any shop has the equipment to bend the pipe based on how you want it routed.  Any of the "universal" parts you can get always look cheezy when done (i.e. corrugated pipes and clamps).  Ground clearance always ends up being the problem to over-come when routing the pipes, and you typically don't find out until you start driving, where the poblem areas are.