Hello fellow MG-drivers.
I've come across a problem that I can't solve on my own.
I bought my 1970 MG B in 1989. Never had any major problems with it,
although I must say that I drive it only in good weather conditions, with
the top down.
I have driven only about 18.000 kms (11.000 miles) during my six years of
ownership, so you will agree that this is not very much.
Last year, at a local MG Club event, I managed to drive through a pothole
and have damaged the exhaust system beyond repair.
I made then only some local repairs and, last winter, when the car was not used,
(in anticipation of the annual state safety check), I fitted a new exhaust,
that,
in this case, was made by Walker (Type 68-04125, replacement for
GEX 130 by British Leyland).
This exhaust works fine, of course, but it has two disadvantages:
1. The ground clearance is _very_ limited , i.e. probably only 12 cm / 5 inch.
In many occasions, this is too little and you get grounded.
2. The car now sounds just like an Opel Kadett. (that is: you only hear the
usual
engine tappet noise, you don't hear the exhaust any more).
[For you readers outside of Western Europe: An 'Opel Kadett' is the
prototype of a very popular and reliable, but also terribly boring car;
Opel = General Motors Europe.
No offense intended, BTW. I have owned three Opels for my
daily transport over the last 11 years].
I would like to buy a similar exhaust again to the one that came with the car.
Unfortunately, I've thrown the old exhaust away.
Can anyone tell me where it came from?
To identify it:
a. The exhaust came in three pieces, the first piece (a two-into-one fork )
from the exhaust manifold to somewhere under the seat.
Length probably somewhat under one yard / one meter.
The second piece about the same length, running to the box.
b. There was only one expansion box, near the L.H. rear wheel.
(no box under the seat, just a length of pipe there = _great_
ground clearance! ).
c. The sound was _much_ nicer, how can you ever explain that in writing?
A true, sportscar-like 'roar' !
d. The exhaust connected to the standard, cast-iron manifold and used the
standard fixtures, those near the L.H. battery box and near the rear
bumper.
e. It was mild steel, i.e. _not_ stainless steel.
f. There was a manufacturers name pressed in the bottom of the box
(yes, I was stupid enough, not to write it down, thank you... :-) ).
I thought it was something like ''Janspeed", but I have contacted
Janspeed in Britain and they wrote me that they only have made exhaust
systems that require a welded, non-standard exhaust manifold.
Could the name on the expansion box have been " Zakspeed" ?
I could not find the name of that company, however.
Any suggestions are very welcome. There is no hurry, as I definitely won't
exchange the exhaust again before the end of the summer season.
Cheers
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Bert Palte
Roggeveld 25
NL-3764 ZB Soest, The Netherlands
tel. + 31 35 602 6288 (evenings)
1970 MGB, Nr. GHN5 - 205838 G (chrome bumper, of course..)
+ several other old cars, partially dismantled...
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