I kept the existing turbo downpipe. I cut the DP, and welded onto it a S/S flex coupling. The two shiny things shown are S/S band clamps. They are there to facilitate the installation of the catalytic converter. Here we see the test pipe installed. I used the test pipe during engine run-in; not wanting to run the risk of contaminating a new catalytic converter during that time if I were to have some problem with a fuel injector or an oil leak or something.

The flex coupling helps to reduce any strains or stresses that might be placed on the turbo outlet flange where the downpipe connects; and allows for normal flexing of the exhaust system while the engine moves on its mounts during acceleration and deceleration. The flex coupling also provides some leeway when fitting the rest of the exhaust system up under the body.

Beyond the second band clamp are the first mandrel bends that lead to the front muffler, a Dynomax ultraflow straight through 6in round muffler. It just about perfectly replaced the stock front muffler, being almost the same length, and only a fraction of an inch smaller in diameter.