Exhaust system

[Sam01]

Hi all, hope everyone is safe and well, I am looking to buy a full exhaust system for my 3.4 S-Type, firstly a mild steel system if they are still available, as this is the system with the true sound but if I have to go to stainless steel, what do people think is the system that gives the nearest sound to the original. Any advice either way would be much appreciated.
Many thanks and stay safe.

[Glyn Ruck]

I have a Bell stainless system on mine & it is quiet & sounds civilised. None of that odd tinny sound some SS systems make.

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I'm also of the opinion that a decent mounting kit changes sound somewhat. Use band clamps. Stay away from U clamps & use proper mounts.

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[cass3958]

Sam can you add your location to your details please. As we are an international forum it would be nice to know where you are so someone can give you local information with regards where to buy the correct system.

I have a SS system from Double S Exhausts https://stainlesssteelexhausts.co.uk/ja ... st-system/ They are based only 30 miles from me in Devon UK. The previous owner had already fitted two rear sections from Double S so it seemed stupid not to buy the front sections from the same company and fit them. I have not had a problem with my system other than removing the U clamps and fitting Band clamps as Glyn has mentioned. U Clamps do not allow adjustment very well and allow the exhaust to leak at the joints due to the way they crimp the exhaust. Glyn has the narrow 1 inch bands in his picture where as I fitted the longer 3 inch band clamps to mine which really seals the joints well. The system fits the car well and it sounds good now I have sorted that annoying ticking noise from the Cams.

[Glyn Ruck]

Yes ~ you have some choice with band clamps. They are a lot more expensive in SS than zinc plated U clamps but well worth it. Length of band clamp used is your choice. I have had zero leaks using the mounting kit shown above.

[Sam01]

Thanks for your reply's, still looking for the mild steel exhaust system, seems like a needle in a haystack. There seems so many s/s systems on the market I am lost as to which one, may have to wait until we can start moving around and try to hear some.keep safe

[JCS]

When you are moving around trying to listen too, or look at different systems beware of the short cuts. Be especially wary of stainless steel systems, many, many have main boxes and connecting pipes made out of different quality stainless. Some even have mild steel internal fixtures . Don't let top names fool you and keep in mind there are NO cheap stainless systems.

All the lower grade "stainless" will attract a magnet to some degree, but it is worth taking a magnet with you if you are looking at systems. If you want a reasonable stainless system then ensure it is 100% made of 304 stainless and TIG welded and get that detail in writing.

As Glyn has already said stainless band clamps and new mounts are mandatory.

[Glyn Ruck]

Wise advice JCS.

Austenitic Stainless Steels tend to be more ideal for exhaust applications due to their chrome content & resistance to corrosion. They are either non magnetic or only slightly magnetic after being worked. Ferritic & Martensitic Stainless Steels are less ideal due to lesser resistance to corrosion & they are magnetic.

I have no experience of difference in sound between the different types of SS.

As JCS says there is no such thing as a cheap SS system without cutting corners.

I don't think you will easily find a mild steel S Type exhaust system off the shelf. You will have to have one made up. In a low use car that stands a lot they will rot out pretty quickly and there is lots to replace on an S Type.

[Sam01]

Many thanks for the great information from all, our well known supplier sells the bell system and am looking to go down this road. Once again many thanks.
Keep safe.