Triad West: Dual out muffler

Kemo · 05-30-2002, 07:01 AM

this muffler fit right up in there without a hitch, combined with early heat exchangers. I think it looks pretty good! However, i was not able to use the stock muffler clamps. What are the risks of not securing the muffler? Has anyone installed this muffler? If you did, how did you secure it? Thanks...

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

Not a good idea. You will have the weight of your entire exhaust system on the exh port studs in the head, not really designed to be load bearing elements. Not an area you want to break anything
If you look closely, ater a day's break or so, I bet that you can find a way to use those straps, or have some fabricated. Check with the muffler mfr. for help ideas, etc..

Good luck.....

Kurt B · 05-30-2002, 07:54 AM

When I had this problem, before TRE put a custom bracket off the engine mount on there for me, I just held it by the bumper shocks. You can see them up there, get a strap. You do not want to just leave it hanging. Not good. Eventually, the bolts holding the cat and muffler or just the muffler on with simply break--and it won't take long under the heating conditions the bolts are under down there.

Eventually, I went back to the stock muffler with a dual out I made, so now it's held by the normal straps.

Kemo · 05-30-2002, 08:05 AM

kurtb, silverc:

thanks for replying, ill find a way to get it attatched to the muffler bracket up there. Im a fairly industrious guy, so im sure i can figure something out. Unfortunately, not too many people on this board have tried this muffler...

kurtb - nice job on your bumper replacement.

Steve W · Steve W's Garage

Use a couple of hose clamps around the glass pack portion of the muffler and strap them over the existing muffler bracket on the motor. You can get some long ones at Home Depot's plumbing department. That's what David Said of Triad West said most folks were doing with their muffler. Worked well for me when I had one.

Randy W · Randy W's Garage

A local shop with welding capability should be able to adapt a mount off the center back section of the muffler that bolts to the center of the rear motor mount crossbrace. That's what I had done two years ago, and it has held up fine.

Bob Goding · 05-30-2002, 03:04 PM

Kemo---how does it sound ?

Bags · 05-30-2002, 07:46 PM

Kemo;
I just finished adding SSI's with the triad muffler. Like yours, it did not fit flush against the muffler mount. To make a long story short, you cannot let it hang. I went to a local muffler (not a chain) shop that was recommended. The muffler man welded a bracket from the muffler holder to the Triad. I sprayed it with motor paint, the high temp stuff, and it cost me $10.00. The bad side is if I ever want to change it I will need to cut it off. However the added low end torque, increased power and great sound make it unlikely I will change. The only down side, it is a little resonant between 2000-3000rpm, but not enough to make an impression on my wife! Good luck
Mike

Kemo · 05-31-2002, 05:54 AM

Steve, Randy & Bags: Thanks, those are great options. Ill have some free time this Saturday afternoon to fiddle with it. I have a good friend down in Austin who recently purchased a high-dollar welding apparatus. Im sure between the two of us, we can come up with something interesting

Bob: I havent had the chance to start the engine after the install. The rubber 'S' hose from the bottom of the oil resevior to the oil cooler was cracked...so i ordered another. I attempted my first valve job whilst I was in there. Im a little nervous about that one, i had some chatter before. But I only found 1 valve that was loose. So we will see. I orderd the part from Pelican already, along with some new Ignition wires. Just checking the mail. I cant wait to fire it up!