Buyer Beware - Ghl Exhaust -

[79930]

I have been trying to install my new GHL header/Muffler system on my 79 930 for two evenings now. They claim it is a bolt on unit (HA!!). First I cut the hard line that goes from the engine to the flex/hard hose (they did supplied new hoses) and the new line hits on my air injection for exhaust system and now I can't reuse my old hose and can't find a new one on PP. I phoned GHL and I was told that "this unit is to be installed by a shop", if that is the case why are they advertised as simple bolt on units. I was told that the air injection system lines had to be modified. I have tried this evening but I am having no luck.
I also asked about the line that comes off the smog pump and was attached to the old exhaust and was told to plug that as well. Did they furnish any plugs you might ask -- NO.
I had to grind down the lines that come out of the header because they hit on the engine.
Also, No new bolts were included in the kit.

I feel I have been robbed. For the price I paid for this unit it should have included everything required including instructions.

BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!

[Brian993]

I can uderstand your point. However, are you a mechanic or mechanically inclined? It may be a simple bolt on procedure but nothing on these cars are "easy" mechanically speaking. Just look at whats involved in a oil change. You may be completely right and I am not saying your wrong. One of the things I have learned from this place. is if you want it bad enough and are going to do it yourself be prepared for anything. Good Luck

[TimT]

My friend owns a fairly succesful porsche repair shop here in NY, Ive seen him curse a blue streak trying to get GHL's to fit. After installing GHL's on a few cars, we came to the conclusion that they fit like doo doo (i have some pics somewhere). And then a number of them came back for exchange because the can split at the weld, GHL did make good on replacing the mufflers that hand grenaded, but the owners were without there cars while waiting for the replacement GHL's. As a result of his experiences my friend no longer recommends GHL products, and he tries to talk people who want to install them out of it.

Maybe GHL is getting there manufacturing and jigging to better match the cars, as I have read some threads where people are happy with the GHL's

[Superman]

I've heard the same disappointing stories from other folks about GHL. And oil changes on my SC are easier than about 90% of cars I've worked on.

[Doug Zielke]

The internet is a wonderful (?) thing. You can smear a company's reputation in just a few keystrokes.

Anyway...I have a GHL on my SC (admitedly, not the same deal as a 930), and it is exceptionally well made, fit the car perfectly, and came with all the bits it was supposed to.

GHL has had some issues with cracked welds. Matt Chamblin of this BBS had some problems with his SC muffler in that regard.
GHL replaced it free of charge; no arguments. They stand behind their lifetime warranty. That's good enough for me.

[beepbeep]

Hmm...do you really need that air-injection crapola? If smog nazis allow it, just rip it out and plugg the friggin' holes...

[spinner]

Can't comment on their mufflers but they made couple of custom pipes for me at a very reasonal cost while the other guys didn't. So, I'm happy with their service especially with the relatively low costs involved.

Paul

[tight as a bull's ass]

79930,

Did they say it's "Bolt On" for stock 930s? It's all in the wording and companies take advantage of this to sell their crap - they dance around words.

If this is the case and it doesn't bolt on for you, then it's false advertising. Try and get your money back. Make a big deal out of it, accuse them of false advertising. And remember, the customer is always right.

It's not a very nice feeling to pay big bucks for something that doesn't work.
good luck.

[1bar]

I agonized over which muffler to get for my '77 930. I found several threads with people who were very unhappy with B&B triflo mufflers and headers, especially as they have supposedly changed their warranty to 2 years (used to be for "life"). If the muffler can splits, I want someone who will stand by it for as long as I own the car. I chose GHL.

The muffler looks like a very good quality unit. The welds are first rate, and the look is excellent. The sound, however, is not - this thing was so loud I could not believe it. I sent it back, and they are building a new one for me from scratch that will be quiter.

You can't fault their service - the guy I spoke with was more than cheerful to go through this hassle just to keep me happy. I'd go back, and I'd recommend them to a friend (I'd just make sure they got the "quiet" version up front). I have an advantage, though - my air injection system seems to have fallen off somewhere... I can't imagine what happened.

I'm not sure why your unit wouldn't fit on a '79 - there are a lot more cars like yours around than like mine. I'd ask them for help, or if you're not satisfied ask for your money back. They seemed like upright citizens to me, and I can't imagine that they would stiff you.

[79930]

Yes, I am mechanically inclined. I have been working on cars for a hobby now for 18 plus years. I have 2 Jeeps that I have built for off-roading and have restored a 53 MGTD from the ground up.

I feel for the money spent that I should not be responsible for modifications and all hardware should have been included (no new bolts, washers, etc.) They did include new gaskets though.

The exhaust is now on and I have taken the smog control stuff out. Now I am in seach of a plug for the air injectors. Does anybody know where I might be able to find such an item?

Thanks
Kevin

[79930]

1bar
From what I have read, only the 78 and 79 had the air injection system. So you can stop looking for yours I don't believe it has fallen off

Kevin

[chuckr]

I work for a Porsche shop and we highly recommend GHL !
We have had the cracked muffler on one of the GHL exhausts and it was replaced at no charge, they even sent new gaskets, our dealings with GHL has been nothing but fantastic, I have never had any problems installing a GHL, I do admit I haven't installed one in a 79 930 but I just put one in a 88 911 that was a very smooth install.

[Wayne 962]

Let me add my opinion in here, and of course, take it as you may, because you might think it's biased (it's not).

I have not installed a GHL muffler on my car, so I don't know firsthand from experience. I have, however, talked with many, many, many customers who have. My experience with GHL is based on their opinions.

Just about everyone I've ever spoken to likes the GHL mufflers. This thread is the first time I have ever heard of someone being very unhappy with the product. I will admit that we have had more than our share of customers who have had 'fit' problems. However, GHL stands behind their product, and will do everything in their power to make sure that you're happy with the product, and that it is manufactured properly. This is one of the reasons that we carry their stuff. Other stainless steel muffler manufacturers have not been willing to repair their own work (I will not name them) and basically told us to jump in a lake when we tried to get them to fix an exhaust system.

GHL will stand behind their product. When installed, they do fit and sound great. It's probably not typical for that kit to come with all of the bolts, and plugs, etc, because everyone seems to have a different configuration on their car (especially early Turbos). Smog pump there, smog pump gone, etc. etc. etc...

As for the air injection plugs, are you referring to the ones that plug into the bottom of the heads?

Bottomline is despite these troubles, you won't get better service out of any other stainless steel manufacturer...

-Wayne

[makaio]

Like Doug said, I have been very happy with my GHL mufflers. The first one cracked at the seam weld on the can, after about 6 months. But they replaced it no questions asked. There service alone, made it worth the price of admission.

Now I'm not acusing anyone of being hostile on the phone, but I'm sure if you call them up and are polite, they'll treat you better, than if you call and are a jerk.

Be happy you didn't buy a B&B muff. Because if it cracks 6 months after you own it, it will cost you another $400 for a new can.

[TimT]

Well yes the internet is a great place to smear a (insert word/manufacturer here) reputation........however I offer my insights regarding the installation and quality of the GHL muffler...... I have personally witnessed the installation of at least half a dozen of the GHL mufflers...often we wonder what car the muffler /headers were made for?... because the muffler surely doesnt "BOLT ON" , and then comes a random post about how the GHL muffler doesn’t fit? go figure...

My friend curses the things he has to do to make these fit........ because he will give an estimate to install the piece of doo d%^ (oops) cant smear!! and he wants to honor the price he quoted... and he curses less often with the B&B mufflers.

Actually the welds on the GHL and the B&B and even fabiani units may look really pretty...... but they are partial penetration welds.. and the welds suck... I can say that with some authority as I am recognized by them "American Welding Society" as someone who at least has a clue.

The weld unzip on the B&B and GHL muffler because the base metal and filler metals arent made homogeneous by the welding process that the ( insert name) uses..... voids exist where they "lap weld" the “can” and then the harmonics of the exhaust may cause it to fail (the weld) im going to stop being a techno geek now

FWIW I have megaphones on my car, and a oem twin pipe sport system for the quiet tracks

Finally a lifetime warranty is great for a product that we all know has somewhat of a checkered past...and isn’t to costly to replace. The warranty that the muffler manufacturer in question offers is good...as it should be

I have seen to many of the (combustion silencers) made by this company returned....

Buy from whomever you want...I just offered an observation

[piedogger]

I had many problems installing GHL system. They eventually sent me a entire new system that fit much better but this was already after replacing oil lines they said I did not have to replace.

The real reason I am replying is not to complain about GHL (I already did that on a earlier post and I must say they bent over backwards to make me happy) but to say if your talking about the airpump holes in the head I just went to a local porsche repair shop and told them what I was doing and they gave me some allen plugs that screwed right in the holes.(I believe they are part of a 914 rear caliper)

[PDACPA]

Thanks for the confusion guys. I was all set to get a B&B and after reading other posts about bad GHL fits. Now I would be more inclined to go with a GHL for the lifetime warranty and the great customer support.

Argh, this decision will never get made at this pace!

[Moses]

Just another GHL experience.

I put a GHL muffler on my SC. Easy fit. I really LOVE the sound. Have not heard anything like it. My car is a targa, so droning resonance was a worry. There is NO resonance from the GHL muffler. It sounds sweet and smooth at freeway speeds with the top off. I couldn't be happier.

Also, the GHL folks offered to re-tune my muffler if I thought it was too loud. (I don't). Service has been great.

[1Gunner]

Why not buy a Borla stainless? All I hear is GHL or B&B.......
My Borla bolted on, and after 5 years, it's trouble free. And the sound is a very nice improvement over stock.

[Wayne 962]

We have a good reputation for selling excellent quality products, and GHL holds those same values. They have a good product, and they stand behind it when there are problems. The business of making stainless steel exhaust systems is not easy. There's a bunch of competition out there. But these guys are regular nice guys - we always meet up and chat at the swapmeets.

I would not normally go out of my way to recommend a company like this, but our customers rave about the product, and give even better marks for the service.

Yes, we have had a larger share than normal of packages that have had problems (probably about 5% or so). But we had the same problems with other manufacturers, and then got stuck with a bunch of bad product (there's a reason we don't sell certain brands on the site).

The GHL product is a good product, and Brian and folks at GHL will stand behind it 100%...

-Wayne