Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: silver surfer on April 10, 2019, 06:46:00
-
Hi all.
Restoring my car and planning to replace the whole exhaust system. Should I get one from Mercedes or look for a Stainless system? I am in the UK so would be grateful for any recommendations of good UK manufacturers / suppliers.
Many thanks
-
I put in a stainless system back in 2003 and never looked back. Love it, I bought it from Van Dijk in Holland.
-
Hi,
my stainless steel exhaust is 10 years old and I had no problems at all. I think it's a little bit louder and rougher than a steel exhaust.
But the main problem with stainless steel exhausts is their lack of fitting accuracy especially of those cheap ones: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=27995.msg201522#msg201522.
...WRe
-
I will go opposite way and switch from stainless to OEM. I will keep the stainless system as a spare part for the future.
BR,
Matti
-
I will go opposite way and switch from stainless to OEM../...
Ditto. Mild steel exhaust for me, like originally fitted ex factory.
See for instance:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=24399.msg174524#msg174524 (https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=24399.msg174524#msg174524)
-
Bare in mind that since these systems are all welded multi-componential systems the labour content in fitting the original is significantly higher than fitting a stainless system.
The original does sound better though, in my humble opinion.
-
Just had my stainless system removed, and a full new MB original system fitted from the downpipes backwards.
What a difference, sounds wonderful. Much quieter and a much deeper sound. I'm probably imagining it but car seems to drive smoother as well.
Expensive, particularly as the old SS system looked fine, but worth it. Recommended.
-
Are the pipes from exhaust manifold down available at MB?
-
I installed factory parts in 2009 and it still is in perfect condition. I always let the car warm up completely if I start it so I don't have any moister left in the mufflers to cause rust.
-
I was curious. I ordered the front pipe for 280SL a year or so ago. Never got NLA reply. Now I hear it should be here any day. I wonder if I get it...
-
Are the pipes from exhaust manifold down available at MB?
All factory parts..
-
I prefer OEM. But-- I am also in California where rust is not an issue. What will destroy an exhause system is running the engine for a short time without heating it up fully and then letting the car sit for an extended period of time. I always run the car fully to temperture and run it properly before parking it for an extended period.
-
A lot of the stainless systems do not have the "cross-over" feature at the front pipes. However there is so much labor and skill required to weld up one of these systems correctly, I like the idea of a permanent solution like stainless.
-
.../...the "cross-over" feature at the front pipes.../...
Read more for instance in this posting: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=20707.msg150036#msg150036 (https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=20707.msg150036#msg150036)
-
Are the pipes from exhaust manifold down available at MB?
I was told recently that the front down pipes are not available from MB. I had to go aftermarket for that part with mostly ANSA for the remainder.
-
I was told recently that the front down pipes are not available from MB../...
Looks like confusing info. Indeed, the parts market is in something of a flux; parts come and go on the shelves of M-B warehouses.
However, it seems that today, according to the Classic Center M-B official website, the Part is readily available
-
Maybe today but not a month ago. Sometimes we run into regional or country shortages until stock shows up. None of my regular suppliers had any at the time.
-
2 things.
The Pipes are NOT AVAILABLE. I just checked with the classic center for the 5th time in 12 months.
And Yes the cross over box does make a difference in performance, exhaust note, and fuel economy. If it didn’t MB would have never put it on the car.
-
For a while now, head gaskets for 230/250SL haven't been available. A customer asked for one, which I had in stock, and then he told me he would look around to see if he could find one. Later he told me he bought one from the Classic Center. I found this odd because my own suppliers couldn't get one from them during the same time period but somehow he could for a really good price?
-
I was debating if I should put my rusty looking but solid exhaust back on my car when I am done with the restoration. They muffler is a fairly new from Mercedes. Perhaps I will try and have it sand blasted then treat and coat with ceracote (ceramic heat paint). Not sure this will last forever but seems much simpler than painting and installing a new system when they are available. Much cheaper too. I only plan on showing it for a year or so before I get rid of the trailer.
-
Perhaps I will try and have it sand blasted then treat and coat with ceracote (ceramic heat paint)
I believe most exhausts rust from the inside out.
-
A few months ago I put a Timevalve stainless system from the manifolds back on a 280SL. Everything fit, no issues. They have changed the muffler pipes so they take the Mercedes tips. I like these systems because a reasonably talented amateur can adjust them to get the tips right and then tighten the clamps. With the factory exhaust, you need a skilled installer who will take the time to line up the pieces, tack weld them, take the system off and finish the welding, then reinstall.
-
Put a German-made stainless system on my 230 not long after I bought it there 20 year ago. Still looks good. Agree with the prior comment that it's a bit rough sounding, but I like that it has a more aggressive tone.