Look funny? That's because it's for a car.

I got a call from Mike, who had built a hybrid Honda. No, not a sissy little fuel-sipping hybrid like a Prius, a rip-snorting Hot Rod that follows the time-tested formula for fun: big motor, little car.

Powered by a 200+ hp 2.4 liter V-TEC motor out of an Acura RSX, and it's shoehorned into a tiny, light Civic chassis. Whoohoo. Anyway, long story short, Mike needed an exhaust custom fabricated because, well, you don't see one of these everyday. He wanted it all stainless, and why not? It's an outstanding material for exhausts.

Mike provided the parts and a Acura TL header off eBay to canibalize for flanges and O2 sensor bungs.

These show how the flanges are made. First the flanges are opened up so the tubing slides through -- all the holes on the TL flanges had to be enlarged on my milling machine. Next, the tubes are welded on both sides of the flange for durability. Last, the flange is ground flat for a good seal.

Even though the O2 bung was already threaded, it distorted a tad with the welding. This would ruin your day if you didn't have a tap the right size. I really like having the right tools for the job.

I also really like bolt saddles to hold slip joints together: they're easy and effective. Like my Dad used to say: if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. I figure as long as you're doing it right, you might as well do a quality of work that you're proud to put your name on.