Thanks Beatle. I too have spent a lot of (wasted) money trying to get a quality sound using custom exhaust shops. I am still torn between buying a local (quiet) custom exhaust system or buying an aftermarket off the shelf system. Although I am leaning towards justifiying the extra cost of an aftermarket off the shelf system modified to mate up to the exisitng front resonator.
Nick T 1980 Alfetta GTV 2000 -----Original Message----- From: The Baylys [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, 27 December 2009 11:59 To: Russell Neely; [email protected]; Tiberio Nick Subject: Re: [alfa] Centre Muffler I'll also add that the Alfetta is particularly sensitive when it comes to exhaust sytems. Apart from the problems involved in getting a new exhaust to hang correctly (loosely) so it doesn't vibrate through the chassis, the exhaust is prone to physical contact with the floor, rear engine casting and the rear axle/suspension if not routed just right. To add to the problems, the selection of the mufflers/resonator and their positioning will change the exhaust note and change the 'drone' at certain RPM. Moving the resonator an inch fore-aft has a pronounced effect. After spending a lot of money trying to save money by having local custom exhaust sytems fitted and modified, I would now spend that money more wisely on a proven quality aftermarket off the shelf system. These systems will still require some fettling to get the correct fit under the car but at least you start from a good baseline. One modification I do recommend though is to have an exhaust shop replace the slip joints with quality flanges, ensuring the positioning is EXACTLY the same your final fit-up. After getting the fit correct, and putting a few road miles on the new system, accurately mark the exhaust slip joints for length and rotation before dismantling. Removing the exhaust on an Alfetta for the inevitable guibo replacement is 70% of the job!!! Flange joints make this a cinch. Beatle Oz -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
