Exhaust System Renewal

[Leester]

All, I need some expert opinion here. I need to renew my exhaust and am leaning toward Timevalve. My car far from original having replaced the differential with a 3.29, a 123 ignition system and a few other similar changes.

I like the idea of the stainless exhaust and I have it on my 220SE. I recall several posts about the s shaped pipes between the two mufflers being installed backwards. I spoke with Timevalve's representative and he said they've been doing it that way for 30 years and as far as he knows they are installed correctly when they weld them to the front muffler.

They will send me the pipes loose and when I have them installed, the installer could match them to the system that's on the car which I believe is an MB system. In any case what is now on the car has the pipes exit horizontally and looks good.

Can anyone provide advice as to whether to have the system shipped with s pipes welded or loose?  Many thanks in advance.

Lee

[johnk]

I had mine shipped apart and I just installed them with clamps.  took very little time and fit in nicely. Thought I might weld them later when I have access to a lift but now I wonder why would I need to do that.

[dirkbalter]

I had mine shipped apart and I just installed them with clamps.  took very little time and fit in nicely. Thought I might weld them later when I have access to a lift but now I wonder why would I need to do that.

John,
Wondering the same. Is there a real benefit in welding the exhaust?
Where did you buy yours?

[Cees Klumper]

When I installed my stainless system I just used clamps. No leaks and I don't recall even using any paste to make the joins, just metal on metal. Has served perfectly for going onto 20 years now.

[MikeSimon]

In the 2-stroke motorcycle world is an exhaust seal/bandage used often with expansion chambers. I have used it successfully on exhaust that have clamped joints and are difficult to seal.

[johnk]

Bought mine from time valve amd I love it. Sounds great fit great coated it with black Ceracote very easy.

no real benefit to welding other than to say it’s the same as at the factory. The second reason I left mine clamped was in case I needed to Pull my engine for leaks or some other reason once have it running for a while.

[dirkbalter]

Bought mine from time valve amd I love it. Sounds great fit great coated it with black Ceracote very easy.

no real benefit to welding other than to say it’s the same as at the factory. The second reason I left mine clamped was in case I needed to Pull my engine for leaks or some other reason once have it running for a while.

Thanks and good to hear. Mine is from time valve too.

[Leester]

Thanks for all your experiences. When I talked to Mike at TimeValve he said some people liked them welded because the factory did it that way.

Just for clarification, the set is sent in pieces. The option from TimeValve is to have the s shaped pipes welded to the center muffler or not.

My plan was always to clamp at the down pipe. I am going to go ahead and buy everything including the s shaped pipes separate and clamp everything.  I am also going to have TimeValve weld in an 02 sensor bung near the end of one of the down pipes so I can fine tune the fuel mixture.

Many thanks to all.

[Tyler S]

The S pipe to center muffler is the most visible connection. It is easily seen looking under the car from the back. That may be why some preferred them welded.
Personally I would have them shipped loose as you may need to adjust their fitment to keep the rear muffler off of the rear quarter panel.

[114015]

Thanks for all your experiences. When I talked to Mike at TimeValve he said some people liked them welded because the factory did it that way.

Just for clarification, the set is sent in pieces. The option from TimeValve is to have the s shaped pipes welded to the center muffler or not.

Yes, I would opt for that (welding of the S-shaped pipes). TimeValve is experienced and renown enough to do that properly at this (adjustment-wise) vulnerable point.


IMHO,