Muffler Replacement

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
Post Reply
User avatar
sjmst
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 4:42 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider
Location: Long Island, NY

Muffler Replacement

Post by sjmst »

Hi. The muffler on my 81 Spider is rattling all over. Have not been under it to check, but either a hanger or two is gone or the muffler or pipe needs replacement. Anyone have experience with the Muffler shops (e.g. Midas)? Can they replace mufflers on these cars, or do I need to source from IAP, etc?
Thanks
Sam
-Sam
Fiat Club America Long Island Chapter Contact

1981 Fiat Spider 2000 (original owner)
1982 Fiat X1/9
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
2018 Alfa Stelvio
mbouse

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by mbouse »

unless it is welded to the resonator pipe, why not just buy some hangers and do the work yourself? only take 30 minutes after you put the car up on ramps.

Doesn't sound like you are particular about any specific brand, style, or exhaust sound; so -

if it is a replacement needed, any quicky muffler shop can do you right in about 24 hours, as they may need to order a muffler. Unless there are lots of Spiders in your area.....

our traditional sources have the mufflers, but then you are paying for freight in addition to installation labor.
So Cal Mark

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by So Cal Mark »

the replacement muffs from the vendors are not worth the money they're charging for them. If you just need a muff, go to the local muffler shop. They'll have a universal muffler that will be just as good as the vendor units. The aftermarket Ansa units are poor quality.
Now, if you want a particular sound, you're going to pay alot more for a perf muff.
mbouse

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by mbouse »

for the cost of shipping I will sell you a perfectly fine standard muffler (used) that i took off my wife's '78 when i upgraded to a Danny O'donnell special....


hmmm... IAP muffler at $95 plus shipping no guaruntee on life expectancy
mbouse muffler at $0.00 plus shipping with the exact sameguaruntee as IAP

you do the math, but i think you will save about $95 plus tax by choosing the mbouse muffler
User avatar
sjmst
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 4:42 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider
Location: Long Island, NY

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by sjmst »

Thanks, all! Mike, I will try to get under the car this weekend and see what she needs. :D
CarNut

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by CarNut »

mbouse wrote:... i upgraded to a Danny O'donnell special....
What do you get with those? The web site calls it a system but the picture only shows the rear muffler. The price on the web site of $249 looks OK if it includes everything from the manifold back. I want a full stainless system. I emailed them but they never responded.
User avatar
sjmst
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 4:42 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider
Location: Long Island, NY

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by sjmst »

Looks like I need a Cat too. :cry: Oh well, getting it all fixed today, but thanks for the advice and offers! :)
So Cal Mark

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by So Cal Mark »

a full stainless system will cost a small fortune
CarNut

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by CarNut »

So Cal Mark wrote:a full stainless system will cost a small fortune
It's under $400 for a Triumph. I've got it on both my GT6s.
http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProd ... exID=29800
So Cal Mark

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by So Cal Mark »

there are different grades of stainless, but is $400 just for the pipe from the manifold to the muff?
pope

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by pope »

Maybe its stainless-like steel!


What costs is polished and coated
CarNut

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by CarNut »

So Cal Mark wrote:there are different grades of stainless, but is $400 just for the pipe from the manifold to the muff?
Whole system. It's only about $10/ft. for 2" stainless exhaust tubing. You don't need polished or special grades for strength or cryogenic applications. It shouldn't add more than $200 to the cost of a factory made system.
mbouse

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by mbouse »

Danny O'donnell is a great guy, but he does not respond well to internet or email. you have to call him for results.

additionally, you will get just the muffler and hanging brackets. nothing ahead of that.
CarNut

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by CarNut »

mbouse wrote:...additionally, you will get just the muffler and hanging brackets. nothing ahead of that.
Thanks for the info. My rear muffler is like new so it would make sense to just keep it for now. Sounds like I should just get someone to make me a center section.

Anyone ever delete both of the center muffler/resonators? The one under the seat certainly seems like it could go.
pope

Re: Muffler Replacement

Post by pope »

The one under the front seat is the catalytic converter, and you being in Michigan with no tailpipe tests...it can go. Now the one under the backseat is the resonator.
There has been some discussion about that. My opinion is to keep that but others may tell you different.
Post Reply