Flex coupler?

[FastWoman]

Mike, maybe I used a term incorrectly. By "down pipe" I meant the first pipe that leads down from the exhaust manifold to the first straight section of pipe. It has two smaller pipes converging into one. Does "down pipe" mean something special? Anyway my engine and exhaust are 100% stock.

I understand from my local Z specialist that a midpipe muffler does a pretty good job of taming MSA's exhaust. Maybe a 3-chamber muffler would also do the job. However, either way I'm going to have to buy something extra.

In referring to the muffler, the compactness is in the diameter, not the length. There seems to be plenty of room under the center tunnel for something long and skinny, and the resonator currently under the car is maybe that size (only shorter). Thanks for the link, BTW. Summit is a lot cheaper.

Ztrain, the MSA premium exhaust has 2 1/2" pipe. It comes with a muffler, and I had no choices as to which one. It's the DynoMax Super Turbo. Maybe a 3-chamber muffler is in my future. Dunno.

[John Coffey]

Flex couplers are really not needed on the S30 chassis. The engine and trans are somewhat stiffly mounted compared to newer cars and FWD vehicles. Make sure your engine and trans mounts are in good shape and use regular rubber hangers for the exhaust mounting.

[Z train]

Mike, maybe I used a term incorrectly. By "down pipe" I meant the first pipe that leads down from the exhaust manifold to the first straight section of pipe. It has two smaller pipes converging into one. Does "down pipe" mean something special? Anyway my engine and exhaust are 100% stock.

I understand from my local Z specialist that a midpipe muffler does a pretty good job of taming MSA's exhaust. Maybe a 3-chamber muffler would also do the job. However, either way I'm going to have to buy something extra.

In referring to the muffler, the compactness is in the diameter, not the length. There seems to be plenty of room under the center tunnel for something long and skinny, and the resonator currently under the car is maybe that size (only shorter). Thanks for the link, BTW. Summit is a lot cheaper.

Ztrain, the MSA premium exhaust has 2 1/2" pipe. It comes with a muffler, and I had no choices as to which one. It's the DynoMax Super Turbo. Maybe a 3-chamber muffler is in my future. Dunno.

2.5?That's a bit on the large side.What number is on the Walker?Also,Walkers aren't known for "droning".

[FastWoman]

Ztrain, the muffler provided with the exhaust kit is a DynoMax, model 17733.

[Pop's Z]

Hi Sarah, I have that exact (well, not quite...I got the 5" model) muffler on my '73. I have an F54 block, an N42 head shaved w/ a Delta stage 2 cam an MSA header and their 2 1/2" exhaust. The Dynaflow muffler was toast (allthe parts were used) when the system came to me so I replaced it with the Magnaflow. It is a bit loud, but not too annoying. I say this from the perspective of a 65 yr old guy. I am considering putting a Dynomax "bullet" muffler in the tranny tunnel to tone down the noise. There is a drone at around 3K so I tend not to stay at that rpm too long. The "bullet" muffler is just a fancy glasspack so I'm torn about the difference in price. I can get a 12" (18" overall) glasspack for about $20, and the "bullet" is $40. Neither one is stainless. It has been my experience that stainless will break down due to heat after a while so be aware of that. I lived on a boat for 16 years and saw what heat does to stainless parts. I love the magnaflow and would recommend it for what you are wanting to do.

Cheers, Mike

[Pop's Z]

PS: You do not need a flex coupler in your system. There is not that much flex and between the motor mounts and the rubber parts of the exhaust hangers, so there just isn't that much flexing to be worried about. IMHO.

Cheers, Mike

[FastWoman]

Hi Mike,

I saw the bullet mufflers on the DynoMax website. They only attenuate the noise by 4 dB, which isn't much at all. I suppose that would be good for a tweak (e.g. to interrupt a drone frequency), but I don't know that it would make a major difference. I wish there were stats reported on other mufflers.

What sorts of problems do you see with SS and heat? Cracking? My '92 Saturn (which I've owned since it was a baby) has still has almost all of its stock SS exhaust, from headers to tip. I did have to replace the cat because the ceramic honeycomb crumbled. The exhaust note has changed a bit over the decades, but not much. The exhaust is still in excellent condition, even holding up through over a decade in Ohio snow.

On the original matter, I think all of you have convinced me I don't need the flex coupler. I appreciate your reassurances.

[Z train]

Ztrain, the muffler provided with the exhaust kit is a DynoMax, model 17733.

The 17733 is a Super Turbo.My guess is if you go the resonater route,the car will be really quiet.

Below is your muffler.Under that is the one i have on the wifes LZ-23 stroker.Quiet untill you put your foot in it and people remark about how good it sounds.Now keep in mind this is a Four banger and your motor will sound even better due to the extra two holes.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/17733/10002/-1?CT=999

http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/17732/10002/-1

[FastWoman]

Thanks, guys! Well then, no flex coupler (depending on rigidity of engine and transmission mounts, which are in good condition), and a midpipe glasspack. I'm going to go ahead and try the SS Magnaflow. I have my choice with prices: $20 for soft steel (no way), $40 aluminized (OK), and $60 for SS. I figure the midpipe muffler could collect condensation, so I think the extra $20 is probably worth it. I've talked to a couple of muffler guys and a friend who runs a marina, and none have raised concerns with stainless. They all say it's the best way to go. Anyway, that's been my experience too. So I think you just had a bad experience, Mike. Anyway, you seem to like the Magnaflow, as do others I've talked to. Magnaflow SS it is.

Thanks again, everyone. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

[tlorber]

If you really want performance, you'll need the "flux capacitor".

[FastWoman]

If you really want performance, you'll need the "flux capacitor".

Yup! The fuel injection system is next. Got my flux capacitor on order. Unfortunately the part is backordered until 2178. Go figure...

[Pop's Z]

Hi Sarah, It's been my experience that exhaust systems rot from the inside out. Stainless just takes longer. Being that you live by the Bay the external rust will be more of a factor. Also heat breaks down stainless...on my trawler I had stainless pipes custom made to replace cracked turbo exhaust parts. They lasted about 2 years and I eventually replaced them with Yanmar factory cast iron ($$$). I think you will be happy with what you have come up with. FWIW we docked our boat on our trips North and South on the ICW at Willoughby Harbor Marina...right in your neighborhood. We loved the Bay and explored many of it's coves and rivers. Cheers, Mike