gotta replace my exhaust from the cat back to pass inspection...

i can get the bolt on OEM replacement from toyota for about $100, which ain't bad, but what fun would that be...

so, i plan to pick up a flowtech raptor muffler and exhaust tubing from the local parts store and make one myself.

thing is...i've never worked on an exhaust before or welded anything. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

but, i have a little mapp/oxygen torch i inherited and figure now's as good of time as any to learn to use it. and, if i screw up some cheap exhaust tubing, no biggie...

i plan to just hack off the connecting pipe after it comes out of the cat...so i can still use the connecting flange to connect it to the cat. then i will clamp and weld one of those pieces that increases the diameter from stock to 2.25" and then clamp and weld various pieces of pipe and the muffler to mimic the layout of the oem setup (maybe moving it up a little higher if there is room.

so, i gotta a couple of questions:

1. does that sound liek a reasonable plan?

2. what type of filler rod should i use to do the welding? the torch came with some "brazing rods". they are some type of metal coated with some white material. (i can only see a little of the metal, but it looks sort of copper colored.) will these work?

3. anyone know of a good write-up on this anywhere?

4. any other tips/suggestions/imput would be great.

at this point i pretty much have no idea what i'm doing, but that's never stopped me before. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

i'm gonna stop by the book store to see if i can find a good book on welding, but figured i would also ask you guys since many of you are welders and can prolly do an exhaust in your sleep.

thanks.

stan