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MG MGB Technical - Exhaust replacement

Hi,
I've just found myself the following situation...
My car failed its MOT (road safety test for those not in the UK) because the back box is leaking, the garage now tell me (haven't had a chance to confirm it yet) that its a 1 piece exhaust and the whole thing needs replacing, is this likely or are they trying to rip me off(this is the 1st time I have used this garage).
If the whole thing does need replacing is it worth getting a stainless steel one and should I consider getting a free(r) flowing exhaust and if so which one??
I've been looking at the ones at the following link
http://www.mgocaccessories.co.uk/acatalog/MGOC_Accessories__MGB___GT_8.html
Also how easy/hard would it be to fit the exhaust myself and what
tools would I need (bear in mind I'm not the most experienced mechanic in the world, but I'm willing to try)
Thanks for your help in advance
David Hayes
David Hayes

Can of worms time David, one exhaust can fit like a dream and another can look like it was designed by a madman. Stainless lasts ages, but supposedly cannot handle a tuned engines output. Also you need the fitting kit and luck with the manifold stud nuts that the exhaust will fix to. Phone round some of the mg specialists in the magazines, and see what they charge and let somebody else scrape their knuckles.
Tatty

David,
I recently replaced my full exhaust system and used the MGBHive stainless steel standard setup. This costs just under £100 and sounds good on the car. It is a bit more throaty than the mild steel one but not too noisy.
Comes in three pieces and goes together easily.

Good luck
dave

Easy to do but takes two days!

Day one: Apply tons of WD40 or similar to manifold/downpipe nuts

Day two: Replace system

It's easy (unless you shear off the manifold nuts)
Stuart Robson

David,

Depends on your exhaust you should be able to replace just the back box. If it is a complete system though the MG owners club have a full selection of full systems and parts. I replaced mine with a new 4 brach manifold (extra 5 BHP), Free flow Bomb and a twin tail pipe. Comes in 5 pieces not to difficult to fit but you will need a fixing kit. Then if one part goes you can just replace that 1 part.

Good luck

Garreth
Garreth

I had a feeling that might be the case, thanks for your help
David Hayes
David Hayes

Garreth, did you get your exhaust from the MGOC? Which one was it
Thanks again
David Hayes
David Hayes

David. Do you have muffler specialty shops in the UK? Here in the US, it is very easy to take a car to one of the muffler shops and get the system inspected. Then, they can replace parts on an as needed basis. As to the use of WD-40, it was developed as a moisture displacing protectorant, not a penetrating lubricant. ZEP-45 and PB Blaster are much better for loosening stuck fittings because they both penetrate and lubricate. Les
Les Bengtson

Here is a little more information on WD-40, for those who are interested in little trivia. Does in deed stand for Water Dispersent. The 40th and apparently successful mixture. It was developed by the Howard Hughes Aircraft Company in El Segundo, California. They needed something to protect the aluminum skins on the aircraft they were building in the foggy coastal climate of El Segundo and Long Beach here in California. It was applied to the Aluminum to keep oxidation away and then of course hundreds or other uses were found. I don't know the exact date but perhaps 30's, 40's or 50's.
Geoff Kimler

I have a feeling PB'laster and ZEP aren't available in England, or at least an extra day's work to find. I know some guy's that have used Wurth's version with great success. I Use Aero Kroil myself.
Wad Keene

David,
My only advice is don't get the twin tail pipe stainless rear box from the MGOC (or perhaps anywhere!), it's simply too noisy. Really spoiled the car for me until I replaced it with the single tail pipe option.
Also I'm not to sure of the benifit of the stainless freeflow manifold, it may make a couple of horsepower, but it seems to allow a lot of heat to radiate on the same side of the engine as the carbs, in hot weather I do seem to suffer from fuel vapourisation since the new manifiold.

Charlie.
Charles Goozee

I got a two piece st. steel system from Moss (the standard type, none of this 'bomb' business) and had a friend help me fit.
A bit bonus was his father's pit, as it would have been difficult, but not impossible, on axle stands/ramps.
Before doing it I was anxious it would be beyond me but having had help doing it it would be something I would do myself in the future.
Check your fittings are still good - mine were buggered and before I replaced the centre and back bracket (from mgb hive) the exhaust hung too low.
Make sure you position it correctly before you tighten everything up.
Good luck, and don't buy mild steel - it's false economy :o)
Will
Will Hay

Forgot to mention before I replaced mine it was a one piece mild steel system, very common.
You could always ask them for a price to fit your own supplied system, although if you get from Moss I suspect they'll only charge you what you would pay (25% discount to trade etc.).
If they're around the £150 mark for st. steel and you'd rather not try it yourself I'd say go with it.
Will
Will Hay

This thread was discussed between 06/03/2003 and 07/03/2003

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