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Re: Need info on experiences with mufflers esp.OEM vs el cheapo Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Mon, 22 Jan 2001 16:34:26
In Reply to: Need info on experiences with mufflers esp.OEM vs el cheapo, Snaab [Profile/Gallery]
, Mon, 22 Jan 2001 16:13:38
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First, I avoid the muffler shops and their 'lifetime' warrantee. In most cases, they cover the cost of the parts (cheap), but not the labor (expensive). What's more, I've seen some pretty impressive hack jobs as they get whatever muffler they happen to have on the shelf to fit. Sure, sometimes you get somebody that knows his stuff. But the next time you go in you could get the guy whose toolbox consists only of three sizes of hammers.
When my exhaust systems die, it's usually a hole in the middle muffler (I call it the resonator). To make my life easier, I just replace everything aft of the catalytic converter. If the resonator is shot, how far behind can the muffler be? Also, the joints tend to weld themselves together over time. For the labor involved, it's easier just to replace the whole system.
I buy a replacement system, resonator and muffler. I've gotten them from a place in New Hampshire call Performance Parts, and lately I've gone to Sobstory. Don't rememeber the actual numbers, but I'm pretty sure it was a hair under $200 for everything, delivered. This is a Starla muffler, which I believe also makes the mufflers for Saab.
Now all I need to do is undo the two nuts holding the front of the pipe to the back of the catalytic converter. I usually place the order for the muffler, then go out and spray the studs with WD-40. I do this every day until the muffler arrives. I jack up and support the left rear of the car, and take off the left rear tire. I then take my sawzall and cut the pipe from the resonator to the muffler. The two pieces just come off easily. I reassemble the new pieces, and I'm good to go. If the studs on the catalytic converter are in good shape and the nuts come off, the whole job is about 45 minutes.
I get about 3-4 years out of a Starla before the resonator develops a hole.
, Mon, 22 Jan 2001 16:13:38, Mon, 22 Jan 2001 16:34:26 <-- Viewing This Message
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