epp_b

The pipe from the muffler that connects to the exhaust pipe coming from the engine has literally "torn" off. So, the exhaust pipe is only being held losely by a brace that's somewhere toward the middle of the car, and is rattling a lot. Oh, and the engine is LOUD

Here's what I mean:


The red line indicates where it has "torn" off. I think it probably rusted through.

AFAIK, the muffler itself is working fine...can this be repaired somehow or do I need a new muffler?

2forties

I would just go to a junk yard and get a muffler from there for cheap.

epp_b

Ah, that's a good idea! Short of that, do you think it's possible just to get a new pipe? I think the muffler, itself, is working just fine.

Bryan

You should be able to go to any exhaust shop and have new piping made.

epp_b

I went over to a garage today and they told me that they could cut off the flange and just weld a piece new pipe in. It should cost about $50 CAD (as opposed to replacing the whole muffler for about $200 CAD or so). He says the mufflers a little bit hollow, but still fine.

The next time I replace the muffler, however, I'll have to have a new flange put on the pipe and get a new gasket (I know those are cheap).

Do you think it's worth it to save a few bucks now? Will I end up spending a lot more in the long run?

epp_b

I took it to another garage for a second opinion (I know the guy, it's a small town). He says that it's already been repaired once before. So, I'm just going to get a new muffler. Thanks, all.

silviaks2nr

iTrader: (1)

you could just get a new cat-back exh

epp_b

I have more important things to spend money on for my car before I consider any performance and costmetic upgrades.

silviaks2nr

iTrader: (1)

well you can get a new full system for the same price as paying for a new muffler/piping and weld up.

epp_b

Really...examples, please? I've been quoted at $235, including labour, for a muffler. The muffler includes the piping and connects with a flange, not a solid weld.

And, actually, I've just been thinking...having driven around for the last few days with basically no muffler, it's really not all that loud. A stock ricer-mobile (Civic) with a coffee can is much louder, so there's no matter of legality here. I also love all the little noises I hear from the engine (the pops and crackling when taking my foot off the throttle, for example...it's fantastic! )

I wonder if it's possible to buy a "fake" muffler (basically, a muffler with nothing in it) ...?

silviaks2nr

iTrader: (1)

my brother got an obx catback brand new for $100 on a local forum. you might have luck looking in the forsale section for a used exh. or checking a larger forum like nico or zilvia. you can definitely find something used for under $235 and maybe something new if you look hard enough. I got my apexi dual exhaust for $260 on a forum too. you should really consider an aftermarket like these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/N1-89...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/89-94...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/89-93...QQcmdZViewItem

epp_b

Just remember, that's $235 Canadian, with labour. I'm guessing that the muffler itself is probably $150ish.

silviaks2nr

iTrader: (1)

if you have jackstands and a floor jack putting a cat back on is super easy... so no labour charge

epp_b

Assuming, you mean "cat black", I see. Is it just a matter of connecting some flanges and exhaust hangers?

silviaks2nr

iTrader: (1)

cat black?
cat back refers to an exh that is from the catalydic converter back
they take like 30 mins to install once the car is on stands. there are a few rubber hangers and like 3 flange connections. you can drop the whole oem exh as one piece and put the new one in as one piece