[sgtpeper]

Sooo My exhaust looks to be original and its definitely rusting out in places. Its not loud but I do have some popping off throttle!

So what exhaust are people going with these days? The Ansa systems are no longer being made correct?

I'm almost thinking of just getting something used to put on it..

Thoughts?

 

[gigem75]

one solution is to get a set of headers. That gets rid of the first resonator. Then a stock middle section and a straight pipe without muffler for the rear. Gives a great sound.

 

[sgtpeper]

Why do I need headers is I'm using a stock middle section?

 

[Andrew]

I have had good results with the stock systems Centerline sells. Ansa was never very good quality, and I don't believe they're made any longer. MagnaFlow makes a higher-perf system, I think stainless. Stebro makes stainless, and I personally had a good experience with them on a Ferrari system, but you'll get other stories than that here.

Yes, if you have holes in your system it can lead to backfires.

Andrew

 

[gigem75]

The headers extend down past where the stock exhaust manifolds bolt to the front section, they basically connect to the middle section so there is no need for it. If you go through tunnels you won't regret it. It all depends on your budget and what all needs to be replaced.

 

[bianchi2]

i am runnign to magnaflow resonaters, one just behind the seats ( org. location ) and 1 more magnaflow resonater in the rear, sound nice.

 

[jrogue]

I bought and installed IAP's Italian-made (IMASF, I believe) exhaust that included front/middle/rear resonators/mufflers. Fit was very good with my stock two-piece exhaust manifold and existing mounts/hangers. Replaced all hardware, including manifold copper gaskets and nuts and the result sounds good, fits well and was not very expensive (including a nice extended and low position for the exhaust tip--which helps keep fumes from being inhaled while driving). Sounds nice too (not loud, but good).

 

[Alfacliff]

I have a set of headers on my 74, by a previous owner, with a stock middle muffler, and no rear. the sound is pretty good, except I think the front resonator might stop some of the harshness that comes up at 3500 or so rpm, not bad, but a little harsh. Underpasses and tunnels are fun.
cliff

 

[gigem75]

That's the same setup I have and tunnels, even underpasses are pretty amazing. Once up to speed and crusing there is no noticable sound at least not over all the other stuff going on.

 

[sgtpeper]

This will sounds stupid but...

How do headers differ from whats on the car stock? I'm trying to tell if I HAVE headers or not on this one...

 

[Alfacliff]

the replacement headers are made of pipe, the origional are cast in two pieces.

 

[60sRacer]

Stock exhaust manifold is a cast iron two piece. Close to headers, and excellent for performance - at low to mid range, performance is equal to or better than most tube headers.

Tube headers are available. Mostly aimed at top-end performance and racing. You buy three problems with them:

1. lots of heat in the engine compartment; can sometimes toast the alternator diodes (need to have the rear steel airduct for it, and maybe a heat shield too), and can boil the brake and clutch hydraulic fluid (need a heat shield here). Ceramic coating like Jet-Hot (inside and out!) helps. They add a lot of noise in the engine compartment too.

2. After 1975 in CA at last, they violate the AQMD smog rules.

3. They do not bolt to any of the available exhaust sets, so you need at least some custom installation.

Lots of the guys here in SoCal are really happy with the Magnaflow SS exhaust. Not much benefit to tube headers even with these. Even Murray's hot street/track engine kept the cawst iron headers with a SS exhaust.

Robert

 

[sgtpeper]

OK That makes sense. I'm pretty sure mine are stockers then

 

[sgtpeper]

Alright so it looks like I'm just going to get a whole new exhaust from the manifold back...

I'm looking at the one from Centerline which is in the mid 200s for everything. If I do go with that exhaust, should I go with the one with or without the rear resonator? I'm leaning toward without but would like some people who have had both to chime in.

Thanks,

 

[144]

The stock system is very good. I'd go with the resonator and the downturned end. The downturned tailpipe is a great help in keep fumes out of the ****pit. The upturned Ansa resonator wil put fumes in.

 

[sgtpeper]

Oh its not an upturned Ansa resonator, its just straight out like the stock system. Its just with one less resonator.

 

[60sRacer]

MagnaFlow sustem uses larger diameter pipes that connect to the stock manifoldif you wan to go that way. Not much more expensive than stock, perhaps except for the cost of going to all SS. Try a simple stinger (no muffler on the rear section) at the end if you want to make more noise; available at Centerline for stock exhaust, and MF will make you one too. The front resonator is an important part of the stock headers and contributes to great exhaust flow. Leaving it out can cost you a surprising amount of power.

Robert

 

[sgtpeper]

Yea thats what I was talking about, the resonator in the rear section. I priced the MagnaFlow system from centerline and its about 400 bucks more than a stock system..

 

[jrogue]

If you look closely at what Centerline offers for a 1974 Spider, the "stock" system with a rear resonator has a downward tilted exhaust pipe. The "straight-through" pipe does not. The difference, as referenced in my earlier post as well as a later one by RoadTrip, is key to keep exhaust fumes out of the ****pit and your lungs (downward tilted tip) or not (straight out tip).

 

[sgtpeper]

Ahh I see. Is it really that bad? My current exhaust doesnt angle down like it did on my '84 Spider and I don't really seem to get much in the way of fumes..