exhaust leaks?/muffler 'break in' period?

aways · 09-10-2004, 05:27 PM

I just finished installing a Bursch muffler on my Carrera.
It was kind of a PITA because it mounts with a bracket
that must be connected to two engine mount bolts. Once
the muffler is bolted to the CAT, there is no flexibility in
the positioning of the mounting bracket vi-a-vis the
engine bolts. Since the fit wasn't perfect, I ended up having
to drill out the bracket holes to get the correct fit.
Anyway, it's on, and now I have a couple of questions:

1) I think it's bolted securely to the CAT, but to be sure
is there an easy way to check for potential leaks neat the
connection? What would the symptoms of a slight leak be?

2) The sound of the muffler isn't as different as
I thought it would be (slightly lower pitch, slightly louder at
high RPM). Will the sound change with time? i.e. is there
a sort of "break-in" period for a new muffler?

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

My Danske changed quite a bit,,,,can't dispute that the Bursch should over time....most people hollow out or replace the cat with a "test pipe"....

The 3.2 has a pretty good stock exhaust compared to the SC....even though the Carrera is a heavy pig...%^B

Oh Haha · 09-10-2004, 08:41 PM

What gasket did you end up using?
The Bursch should change tone over time as the packing breaks down.
That is one of the reasons I went with a Flowmaster style setup. It should keep the same tone for ever. I love the sound of it.
Wayne

aways · 09-10-2004, 09:05 PM

Wayne --
I finally found the correct gasket at a local porsche repair shop.
Only cost $4, which wasn't bad. Overall, the Bursch is OK, but
I don't like the way it hangs down somewhat below the rear bumper
and can be seen from the back. The workmanship was acceptable,
but not precision. I bought the muffler from a fellow pelican member
for $150, which I think was a good deal overall. I can forsee one
day going with a banana shaped muffler like the Dansk, which
fits like the stock one. How was the flowmaster to install? Is it
visible from the back of the car?

Oh Haha · 09-10-2004, 09:52 PM

Idug up some pics for you. I pretty much just copied what some others on this board had done. Cost me a total of 140 bucks. Muffler is a Camaro single in dual out with the right side capped off. I think over the winter I will get another valance and experiment with dual outs for the he@# of it. I don't mind that the muffler hangs down. I painted it all flat black so it does kind of blend in with the rear.
Nice talking with you,
Wayne

Oh Haha · 09-10-2004, 09:56 PM

Oops, I guess that last pic is BEFORE I put the final coat of paint on the whole setup. Anyway, you get the idea.
Wayne

aways · 09-10-2004, 10:46 PM

Looks good. How do you support the muffler, with the stock band-clamps?

Oh Haha · 09-11-2004, 06:23 AM

Morning Allen,
Had to go to bed at some time last night!
I used two HD hose clamps run together around the stock bracket on the motor mount bar. I have since found better suited clamps at a semi-truck supply store. The piece that was welded on the muffler keeps it nice and tight.
Wayne