Quote:
Originally Posted by Jezzer 1
Firstly I would like to thank Gary (Lovel) for doing an excellent earlier post on ZT rear boxes - see here:
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...+steel+exhaust
After reading that, I got in touch with a Chinese manufacturer with a view to getting some Roewe back boxes made up with the correct tips for Rover 75's.
The first sample unit has now arrived, and I need a volunteer  !
The sample has been produced in 409 Stainless Steel, which is a normal spec now for automotive exhaust systems. It has downward curved tips which should match the original Rover 75 versions of the back box. It is for
saloon models only.
Including freight, the sample has cost £185.00 to get to the UK.
Is there a member here who would like to buy the sample unit at the price shown, fit it to their car, and report back on fit, sound, performance etc?
If the findings prove OK, then I can import the boxes in lots of ten for a more reasonable price.
I don't have a saloon at the moment which needs an exhaust, so a willing volunteer is needed  .
Shown below are photos of the sample:
The unit would be yours to keep once paid for. Please remember however that it is a SAMPLE, and fit and finish might not be up to the final standard.
You would also need to fit the unit fairly quickly so that we can get feedback to proceed to batch manufacture.
Any takers? |
Well I finally got around to fitting this silencer to Mrs MB's car and here are some comparisons to note and all the cars tested are diesel models at idle 150mm from the exhaust tips, measured using Decibel X app for iPhone
Original exhaust with minor leak of exhaust gasses = 82dB
Trial exhaust after five days in use = 74 dB
ZT exhaust (Powerflow stainless) = 96 dB
Duotone exhaust (Longlife stainless) 92 dB
75 Tourer (cheap aftermarket system) 86 dB
In practice while driving it is almost impossible to differentiate between the sound levels of this replacement and the original system, so on that point alone it wins for me, and it considerably quieter than either the ZT or the Duotone.
Prior to fitting the exhaust, I checked it internally with a endoscope as I had concerns about internal construction as I was able to pass a tig welding rod from the inlet pipe straight through to the outlet pipe
It would appear that the methodology employed in the construction consists of three separate resonator chambers with large perforations, with a central chamber encompassing inlet and both outlets.
This silencer is
almost identical in size to the original and is fitted using the original strap, however I suspect unlike the original is actually of single skin construction.
When it came to fitting the silencer, I had to fit a sleeve to the original pipework to allow for a snug fit into the swaged end of the new pipe, and found the supplied clamp which was welded to the pipe would not provide an even clamping load.
As I wished to replicate the original exhaust as closely as possible, I made the decision to weld the two sections together, so proceeded to tack the two sections together with the parts fitted on the car, then removed the entire exhaust, ground off the welds securing the clamp, then seam welded the assembly.
After refitting the system, I carefully checked for leaks and satisfied there were none, took the car for a quick test drive, and was very happy with the cabin sound levels.
In summing up, I would say that this is the closest you are ever likely to get to replicating the original system, and I am very happy with the finished result, I also had a comment from the MOT tester today, questioning where I had managed to obtain an original silencer from.
It should be pointed out that the car was tested by an MGR trained mechanic, in an Xpart service centre, which was a former Rover dealer, so no stranger to these cars.
Would I recommend the outlay on one of these based upon my findings? yes I would not hesitate to buy another.
I do think it would be prudent to supply these complete with a fitting strap, as the majority of owners will not have the original box fitted, or as in my case have to take a huge amount of care removing the fixings from the original.
I shall continue to monitor the performance and keep a check on the external condition in terms of corrosion resistance as time progresses, updating this thread where appropriate, and wish to thank Jeremy for his efforts in making this happen
Brian