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MG MGA - Exhaust

I was speaking to a fellow MGA owner recently who was extolling the virtues of a mild steel exhaust system over a stainless steel one. Stainless steel obviously has longevity on its side but what has mild steel got that would make it a better choice?
Phil

Mild steel pros: less expensive, paintable
Mild steel cons: rusts easily, needs to be painted

Stainless pros: will not rust, stays looking good
Stainless cons: more expensive, thin walls, less noise absorbtion, more suceptable to expanding and contraction due to heat which leads to cracks

Alumininized steel pros: similar cost as mild steel, will not rust, thick walls, does not expand and contract like stainless, can be welded to either other material

Aluminized steel cons: can't think of any.

Most new vehicles are being sold with aluminized steel exhaust systems. Go to any wrecking yard and look at cars made in the last 15 years. You will notice that many of the exhaust systems still look fairly new. These are aluminized steel. Also keep in mind that while stainless steel will not rust, it does not necessarily last longer than any other material. It will crack and develope leaks sooner and the baffles in the system will break down just as fast as a system made from any other material.
Steve Simmons

I have a SS exhaust made by Falcon. The baffles blow out - see Barney's site as he has a link on how to replace the material.

This seems to be a peculiarity of the Falcon, or has anyone else had the same experience with another SS maker?

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/carbs/ex102.htm
and
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/carbs/ex103.htm
dominic clancy

My stainless steel Falcon exhaust is now 9 years old and showing no sign of deterioration. So whilst more expensive to purchase is probably cheaper over time. Lovely crisp sound from my exhaust, but always has been so I do not suspect any problems with the baffles. If it is a baffle problem then I'll stick with it purely for the enjoyment of the sound.

Dominic, is it your supercharger creating a higher exhaust pressure that is causing the problem. Presumably, if you have got higher inlet pressures from it and then set fire to the mix you will have markedly higher exhaust pressures, or am I wrong?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve

No, it was on the way out before the SC was fitted, and now it's completely baffle-less. I think it's another guarantee call to Brown and Gammons.

On the subject of pulleys, I have just been told that my radiator has probably been "lost" in the post, and that I have to wait another six weeks for a new one from England, so it will be a while before I can take photos of it. And the local suppliers don't understand why I don't buy from them (I could have had the guarantee replacement direct from Moss inside a week, and Moss is their supplier!)
dominic clancy

Steve, keep in mind the other advantage to S/S, when it craps out, it has a lifetime guarantee and the new one is FFFFRRRREEEEEEE. At least that is one part part you won't have to buy for your MGA again.
JEFF BECKER

My aluminized steel one is lifetime as well, but chances are it won't wear out before I can't remember where it came from! The only parts to my system are the box itself and some pipe. No proprietary stuff. I like it better that way because it's simple, less expensive and I can custom bend the pipes to run the exhaust exactly where I want it for heat and maintenance.
Steve Simmons

Steve

Where did you get your system?

Larry
Larry Hallanger

OK, this may be a bit subjective, but, mild steel systems just sound better. I'm not sure why, but they do. Oh, I have a Falcon SS system cause I hate rust. Sure miss that "sound" though.......
GTF
G T Foster

Which Steve?

If me, I had mine built at a local old-school muffler shop. He and I got under the lift together and he made it EXACTLY how I wanted it down the the smallest detail of design, shape, look and fit. I've done this now on both my TC and Y-Type. I also replaced the rusty steel in my Peco system on my MGB with aluminized steel, saving only the actual muffler can.
Steve Simmons

Hi Phil,

I picked up a mild steel Stage 2 manfold and 1"7/8 system from Maniflow in Salisbury this weekend.

The guys were very helpful, and guided me towards the best-suited system to my application - they will also tailor make systems for a little more. They offer a ceramic coating for the systems, which can be coated inside and out, and is (apparantly) better that wrapping tape (it definately looks better), and will help to preseve the mild steel about as well as stainless.

try: http://www.maniflow.co.uk/

Mild steel tends to have a lower "note", whereas stainless systems can be a bit harsh and tinny (I know my brother's is on is early Porsche 911 - sounds bloody awaful!)

regards,

Grant :-)
G Hudson

Thanks Grant - have filed that away for future use

Phil
Phil

dear listers-

FWIW...I had a stainless falcon exhaust with stock MGA manifold on my 1800 MGA...I could not get it past 3500 to 4000rpm..i switched back to my old header and 2' exhaust , with the moss performance muffler..it pulls to readline and has a grest exhaust sound...I sold the manifold and exhaust along with a spare rebuilt 1600..found out later that some stock MGA manifolds had the "y" partially blocked by a casting flaw..never did get a chance to check it out..i wouldn't think 240 more cc's would make that much difference with stock exhaust.. putting the Hi-gear 5 speed conversion in this winter..kit appears to be very high quality..I will be in UK this friday, hope to see the operation in Derby, perhaps what's left of Abingdon..Derek..are you planning to market those unique air filter covers on the B? If not , put those lampshades back together!! see you at the pub.
All the best
John Coryea
John coryea

This thread was discussed between 22/07/2006 and 02/08/2006

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