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MG MGA - MGA replacement muffler

Am looking for a replacement muffler that retains the same sound of the original for an MGA 1600.
I've tried the replacements supplied by Moss and they normally sound fine, then they start to gradually get too loud and, after 2,3 years I end up replacing it with another new one, which isn't saying much since I drive the car less than 1,000 miles a year. The last new one was actually louder than the old one; much louder!
Anybody have any luck along these lines? Thanks...
L.R. deOlazarra

There's a good probability that the internals are rusting. Combustion products will create acid in your exhaust pipe. The reason that an exhaust lasts so long on a daily driver or a vehicle that has mileage is that the exhaust is heated up and stays dry. When you replace your system, drill a small hole in the low part of the muffler. It should allow the moisture to drain out, minimizing acid in the system.
Mike Parker

The Falcon SS ones blow their baffle material out - I have had them replaced FOC at regular intervals over the last 20 years under the original Lifetime guarantee. No the guarantee is restricted to rusting on the new ones....
dominic clancy

Mike, Dominic; thanks for the feedback.
Anyone else?...
L.R. deOlazarra

I have a stainless steel Stebro on my car. Not the cheapest muffler around, but it has a lifetime replacement guarantee, sounds absolutely wonderful, and they are only a few miles away.
Andy Bounsall

I have had my basic steel muffler for about 15 years and about 2 years ago it began to get truly loud ...painful on a long journey. The outer shell was sound so I followed a technique on Barneys site which involved drilling two holes in the aft end and rodding/repacking with glass wool ( same as ceiling insulation ). I blanked off the two holes and result is excellent. A cheap and great result...about 2 hrs work.
Neil Ferguson

My MGA came with a "Monza" exhaust. It was just too loud. I replaced it with a the standard basic steel muffler over a decade ago and it seems to fine. No too loud and no rust out. When this one needs replacing I will do the same again.
Bill Haglan

May not suit everyone, but I got tired of buying new mufflers that don't last and have for some years made my own (for my 1600 roadster and coupe and other cars). I buy stainless steel muffler casing (available in several sizes, one is identical to MGA) and perforated tube from a company that specialises in truck exhaust systems and fill them with proper glass wool (which I happen to have but insulation batts are probably just as good). I then weld on the ends (either salvaged, which if in fair condition seem to last, or stainless steel which I make myself). They are therefore straight through but the note/noise does not seem obtrusive.
Barry Bahnisch

Barry..never mind about the exhaust muffler....where in Oz is Yukon?? I tries to find on Google..but zilch.
Neil Ferguson

Unlike Dominic, my Falcon SS box has been fine. Great sound and 30,000 miles on it to date. Maybe it's his supercharger blowing the guts out of it?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Neil, For some unaccountable reason my location has been changed to Yukon! That is in Alaska, I think, but I am in Adelaide (South Australia)! I have corresponded on this website for years but am a bit dumb, can anyone tell me how to change my address/location?
Barry Bahnisch

Click on 'Customise' near the top of the page, and edit the details.
John DeWolf

John,Many thanks for the info, have corrected my address (hope that it has worked!). On the question of MGA mufflers, meant to add that my home-made ones have the correct offset tailpipe rather than the straight ones on MGB mufflers (which otherwise fit but are shorter).
Barry Bahnisch

Barry, Yukon won't be in Alaska until that glorious day when we have seceded from the US, and conquered B.C. and the Yukon Territory. 8^)
Del Rawlins

Sometimes it scares me how little the rest of the world knows about Canada.
Andy Bounsall

And vice versa!
Barry Bahnisch

Barry/Andy..you want to see real scary..have al ook at the attachment..and she is your neighbour,Andy!
This thread must get back to mufflers soon....

Neil Ferguson

Andy, do you have an MGA?, and the Stebro you have; is there a model or part number for it? Thanks.
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Neil; yes, around a year ago I did just that. In fact this last Friday I pulled the muffler and popped open the two plugs from the holes I drilled into the end and stuffed even more fiberglass into the muffler, bringing the sound back to a slightly more tolerable level once again. Still; I'd like to find a more permanent solution.
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Steve, Dominic; the Falcon SS muffler.. are these mufflers made by a company called Falcon or are they mufflers for a Ford Falcon car? If the former, do you have any company contact info and the model number for the muffler? Thanks.
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Bill; I guess I just ended up with a bad apple on my last one (standard issue from Moss)- it sounded like a 2 stroke model airplane engine. When I drilled two holes in the end to do the Barney Gaylord solution, I saw scant fiberglass within the muffler body. The one before that sounded fine, but only for several years. I'm just tired of dealing with the issue.

Suggestions still welcomed, but in the meantime, thanks to all for your feedback.
L.R. deOlazarra

Falcon SS exhausts are made for many cars. The major suppliers carry them. Forty-some years ago, however, I put a Ford Falcon muffler from the local parts store on my MGA. It was just the right size, but way too quiet.

Ken
k v morton

Manufacturer is Falcon. It's the SS exhaust sold by Moss and many others.
dominic clancy

L.R., Attached picture of my car with the Stebro fitted. I don't know the model number. The unit that's on my car is a dual chamber design and has additional resonator tips. If you want info, contact Dan at Stebro (sales@stebro.net). Mention my white '56 MGA and I'm sure he'll remember it. If you give me your email address I can send you a short video clip which Dan shot so you can hear how it sounds.


Andy Bounsall

k v morton, dominic; Thanks for clearing that up...
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Andy;Thank you(!)for the picture and contact info. Would love to hear the sound from the video clip; email is cat_tail@comcast.net
L.R. deOlazarra

L.R., video clip sent.
Andy Bounsall

This thread was discussed between 24/06/2010 and 29/06/2010

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