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another expensive muffler

4569 Views 27 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  GP smart for two
This is my second exhaust system in 21 months. The muffler is fine. The weal spot is the flex pipe that connects to the muffler but it's all a single unit. The part itself is $380, plus tax, installation not included! Anyone have cheaper alternatives? Anyone else have this problem of frequent exhaust system wear? Do I drive her too hard? I have been known to go top speed (90 mph) for stretches whenever possible.
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If it's wearing out that fast I would think there's potentially another issue at play. Are all of the muffler mounts intact?
It's entirey possible to braze or weld the flex pipe back on, mine came brazed when I bought it.
I'm not doing the work myself but I'll ask the mechanics to check the muffler mounts and motor moounts too. And I'll ask if they can braze it or somehow reinforce the weak point when it's brand new. Thank you!
I bet your motor mounts are shot. Mine were at less than 60k. Maybe even before that
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This is my second exhaust system in 21 months. The muffler is fine. The weal spot is the flex pipe that connects to the muffler but it's all a single unit. The part itself is $380, plus tax, installation not included! Anyone have cheaper alternatives? Anyone else have this problem of frequent exhaust system wear? Do I drive her too hard? I have been known to go top speed (90 mph) for stretches whenever possible.
I got mine for $125.95 new last week.

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I got mine for $125.95 new last week.


Exhaust Muffler Rear Autopart Intl 2103-535798 fits 08-15 Smart Fortwo
Total: $133.51
Order number:
Item ID:
Seller: autopartsgeek2
Have any pics if it?
Looks pretty decent. What’s your impression? It’s not stainless, but it’s a quarter of the price.
The thing's heavy that's for sure. I like the price; it's cheaper than my generic Grand Caravan exhaust. I will see if it will last me 80,000 mes like the last one did. What I had on my 08 that's broken now is a used one I bought off from the owner of Orange Crate (Illinois) after he did the engine swap and parting out the tranny and engine setup.
My 2009 only got 40,000 miles on its factory exhaust. If I can get that out of a unit like yours, I’d be happy. Let us know how it sounds once you get it installed.
I saw where somebody just stuck a straight pipe on it. Can't be much louder than a Harley I wouldn't think.
I saw where somebody just stuck a straight pipe on it. Can't be much louder than a Harley I wouldn't think.
I must be getting old. I remember when all mufflers looked like cans, and all headlights were round or rectangular.
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I saw where somebody just stuck a straight pipe on it. Can't be much louder than a Harley I wouldn't think.
Exactly what I did. Not quite as loud as Harley drag pipes. The main benefit of a straight pipe (angled down and out) is less roar inside the passenger compartment, compared to exhaust coming off the manifold.
Exactly what I did. Not quite as loud as Harley drag pipes. The main benefit of a straight pipe (angled down and out) is less roar inside the passenger compartment, compared to exhaust coming off the manifold.
Got a pic?
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If it's wearing out that fast I would think there's potentially another issue at play. Are all of the muffler mounts intact?
It's entirey possible to braze or weld the flex pipe back on, mine came brazed when I bought it.
Yeah that is what I did I found a flex pipe at one of the parts chains and welded it on. Works fine One does not know how long it may last. I may buy one of the the cheap non-stainless mufflers and store it in case it happens again. Original lasted 103,000 miles

I just looked at a store I know that used to sell the cheaper muffler online = sold out - it was $118.00
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I'm thinking just go to the muffler shop and have them bend one to fit. Be nice if some kind of baffle would fit though. I'm past the age where I can take the noise all the time.
I'd just gotten my cheapo muffler installed... whew!
63705
Auto part Muffler Automotive exhaust Vehicle Exhaust system
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A few things of note during my exhaust replacement saga on my 2008 Cheewawa. After six years since the last install, everything to do with the rear is practically rusted out, so basically, I had to "brutally wrench out" the whole thing. I needed newer bolts for the exhaust (2) to connect it to the cat, so I ordered 2 smart head bolts. They fit beautifully. I also needed newer bolts for the heat shield and got some hex from Lowe's. Then, the rear impact bar's 6 bolts, ordered from MB at some :$2.50 a pc; since I'd broken off one, I might as well get new ones all round.
Working alone most of the time, I had to be innovative when it came to the tricky part. One particular lightbulb moment was when trying to hook the exhaust ends to the rubber bongs; I put a jack underneath the left part of the base to force the end, which I'd lubed, into the rubber holder. It was such a sweet moment! No sweat at all! (see my pic up there, in earlier post)
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