[Healeys] Stainless exhaust again

[Bob Spidell]

In other climes, like sunny--i.e. hot and desperately dry--California 
salt isn't an issue, but quick trips to the corner 7-11 for a sixer are. 
Condensation from the engine exhaust pools in the low spots, and the 
pipes don't get hot enough to boil it out on short trips--think of the 
white 'smoke' coming from cars on cold mornings--and MS exhausts rust 
out from the inside. Since most of us don't use our Healeys for such 
mundane tasks (except for emergencies) SS isn't really ever needed, and 
you'll probably bash your exhaust to bits and rattles before it rusts. 
Plus, I think most 'performance' exhausts are a type of (fiber) 
'glasspack,' and you'll blow the 'glass' out in a few years.

I bought an Ansa exhaust for my BJ8 shortly after I bought it some 38 
years ago, and its pipes live on. Even though they made my car sound 
like a 6-cyl Ferrari, I'd love to get another set. Michael 
Lempert--maker of gorgeous steering wheels--considered building his own 
version but, unfortunately didn't proceed.


On 6/13/2022 2:55 PM, Jean Caron wrote:
> With the few miles we put on our cars each year  I simply cannot see 
> the need for stainless steel exhaust when a MD steel one will last 20 
> + years anyway.
>
> Jean
>
> Sent from my Bell Samsung device over Canada’s largest network.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> on behalf of Michael 
> Salter <michaelsalter at gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Monday, June 13, 2022 4:50:18 PM
> *To:* Stephen Hutchings <s.hutchings at rogers.com>
> *Cc:* healey Mail List <healeys at autox.team.net>
> *Subject:* Re: [Healeys] Stainless exhaust again
> I make my own front pipes for 100's because the cheapo repos are so 
> terrible.
> I use mild steel for the pipes, which I actually had mandrel bent in 
> New Zealand because no one in Canada seemed to be able to bend them to 
> the correct radius but, and pretty soon I'll get to the point of this 
> email, I weld the stainless flex to the mild steel with my TIG welder.
> I use mild steel for the pipes because I have yet to see a front pipe 
> that has rusted through unless the car is driven extensively on salted 
> roads.
> I'm sure anyone who does TIG welding could do the welding for you in 
> mild steel but if you are prepared to pay handsomely FAB Stainless 
> Welding could do them in stainless 905 669 7400 ask for Frank.
> BTW the stainless steel flex seems to leak slightly when first 
> installed but that stops after a little use, the gaps probably fill 
> with carbon.
>
> M
>
> On Mon., Jun. 13, 2022, 3:54 p.m. Stephen Hutchings, 
> <s.hutchings at rogers.com> wrote:
>
>     Just thought I’d bring you up to date on my quest for a leak free
>     exhaust.
>     The new downpipes arrive today, and I did a test on them before
>     going to the trouble of putting them on the car.
>     Well…Bell exhaust systems need new welders, because the two pipes
>     both leak at the welds AND through the flex pipe!
>     I’m trying to find someone local to fix them, but most muffler
>     shops say they can't weld stainless.
>     If anyone knows someone in the Toronto area who can do this work,
>     please let me know.
>
>     Thanks,
>     Stephen, BJ8
>
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