Cat-back mufflers

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

My 87 5ktq ran quietly for years on a straight pipe. Whenever a resonator 
or muffler leaked, I just had it replaced with a pipe. Eventually they were 
all gone. The law never complained about noise.

Last year I replaced the rusty leaking fuel tank and in the process had the 
entire exhaust system off the car. It looked sad and crumbly and 19 years 
old laying there against the garage wall.

My mechanic had acquired a 87 5ktq on mechanic's lien, because the owner 
couldn't pay a big bill, and it had a new dealer/factory stainless exhaust 
system, complete with kidney boxes and all the goodies, that had cost the 
former owner over a grand. There it sat, and could easily go on my car 
instead of the straight pipe. Mechanic said "$300 + tax on your car." Never 
hesitated.

He was selling  the lien car as parts to get back his money!

My ancient 87 5ktq is creeping closer to original than I ever expected. I 
drive it as a second car, and continue to marvel at its many unique and 
satisfying characteristics. .....among them the most comfortable front 
seats in my fleet. And I still admire its design.

Doyt Echelberger