Exhaust- advice needed

2

2549andy

Member
I need to replace the front pipes on my 1974 3500S. The parts catalogue shows two versions of the longer pipe - GEX1596 to suffix C and GEX1597 from suffix D onwards. Assuming this refers to the chassis number, mine is suffix C.

Winns and Wadhams websites both show only one version of each. Winns give no detail, while Wadhams describe theirs as R77 and R78 and say they are suitable for 1971-76 cars. If cars built in 1973 are suffix C, that age range must include both versions, which leaves me wondering how one part is a suitable replacement for both. Presumably, the difference is such that they are interchangeable (perhaps with a bit of tweaking), but it would be helpful to know before I order.

Also, any experience of systems from either of the above, or from any other supplier, would be helpful.
 
I'm not sure if this helps, but IIRC suffix D cars were introduced with the 1974 model year, ie the lower compression engine / longer gearstick on the 'S'. At that time the exhaust systems were 'commonised' to the larger bore on both manual and auto (previously manual only). Presumably the fitment of the BW65 box in place of the BW35 auto box freed up enough room for the larger bore on the auto.. Whether the manual system was changed at the time, I'm not sure, though others on here would know

Are the part nos. you quote specific to the S or to both models? I know this doesn't answer your question, but I'm not sure whether the part nos. you quote are specific to the 'S' or not.
 
Thanks Tony. Mine is early 1974 (built December '73), with the higher compression and short gear stick so that all fits. So far as I can make out the numbers quoted are specific to the S, and there are two systems listed each for the S and the auto. From the pictures the manual and auto systems are very different, but the difference between the earlier and later versions of each is not clear.
 
Later auto (BW65) and later 3500S manual cars had the same intermediate and rear boxes according to my parts book, so the only possible difference there could be to the long front pipe is the rear flange, but I've never had any problems with any of the front pipes I've fitted regardless of year, so although there may be a difference, I can't see it being so great as to make either of them not fit on any car. Probably.......
 
Thanks. I'll just cross my fingers and order.

I will probably go for mild steel, as I've heard too many reports of stainless sounding a bit harsh. But if anyone knows different I rather like the idea of paying a bit more and never having to replace it again. Thoughts anyone?
 
2549andy said:
I will probably go for mild steel, as I've heard too many reports of stainless sounding a bit harsh. But if anyone knows different I rather like the idea of paying a bit more and never having to replace it again. Thoughts anyone?
Click to expand...

Stainless can sound a bit tinny at first, but after while a lining of carbon improves the sound.
 
Although my 110 always sounds tinnier when compared to the exhaust notes of mild steel-equipped P4's. However, it has one great big silencer rather than two or three.
 
My P6B came with a stainless Powerflow exhaust which didn't sound particularly good when I got it but, as Harvey says, it sounds much better after some miles and carbon.
 
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