I have to replace the back part of the exhaust on my '79 280ZX.

Do I:
1. Replace it with a stock part?
2. Get the local exhaust shop to build me one similar to the standard one?
3. Aftermarket?


Now my exhaust comes from the left hand side of the car, and switches over to the other side of the car. Is there a reason for this?

 

I'd say get the msa exhaust system dude. It sounds really good and helps open up the exhaust. Better power and gas mileage. It's also pretty easy to install too. Couldn't tell you why the exhaust exited on the right side. Just a design flaw I guess. If you paired that exhaust system with a msa header you will get a nice throaty sound and a good power increase. Of course it all depends on your budget.

 

I think My 81s originally had exhaust that went across the back of the car to exit on the right side but they both had been replaced with ones that exit on the left side before I got my hands on them. I say this because there are heat shields that go across the whole back of the gas tank that look like a little tunnel for exhaust piping to go through. I'm not sure why they would have done that, maybe for extra muffling purposes or something? Generally the longer an exhaust system is the quieter it gets. I had a custom built exhaust made for my car and it exits out on the left (2 1/4" ID pipe straight through to a flowmaster 40 series, sounds awesome and it only cost me about $120 all together). Also All of the aftermarket bumpers/ body kits I have seen have a notch cut for the exhaust on the left side. IMO there's no reason at all to have it exit on the right, just more extra pipes that you don't need.

 

yea my 79 exhaust exits out the right too, im guessing they changed that when they switched bodies in late 81 or something

 

I have the MSA. If you get it opt for the aluminized one. I didn't for some stupid reason and mine has been rusting ever since. No holes or anything yet though. I really need to take it off one of these days and high heat paint it. I don't know what I was thinking.

 

Series I (79-81) exits out the right and Series II (82-83) out the left.... and yes get the MSA exhaust. I went with the aluminumized myself and the ceramic coated header. I just wish they had a 3" for the turbos since no one else does.