Firstly, forgive my lack of technical terminology, I've just had a quote from my local exhaust centre to replace the front pipes and the back box of my exhaust system. Needless to say, I'm not a happy bunny . Now, I know that the back part definitely needs replacing, but the front pipes had developed a kind of rattle (like a pea was bouncing about in there), although only if you strained your ears. I can probably only afford to fix the back box at the moment, but should I be overly concerned about the front pipes for the time being? I'm kind of at the decision to gradually fix the exhaust bit by bit. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Quote:
Front Pipe £322.77
Front Pipe £309.37
Back Box £210.69
Net Total: 842.83
+ VAT £990.33
It should also be noted that this is for a stainless steel system.
Seems a lot to me. There has been some recent discussions on here about exhaust systems and suppliers so a Search for " exhaust " may help you.
I seem to remember reading about a rattle near the front of the system and mostly it seems it is caused by a broken bracket/spacer, again a search is the way forward. In the meantime I wouldn't worry about the rattle, if the car is still legal to drive then go for it and enjoy it.
Good luck with finding a replacement.
PS. Last year renewed the front pipe on mine, manifold to cat, and motor factors were quoting £102.00 whilst the original Alfa OEM was £120.00, went for the Alfa one, at least you know it will fit !
Don't think they're stainless, but I figure they'll do for now and I can replace the back with a nice stainless Ragazzon or Powerflow until the time comes to replace something else!
Good one, I know Paul from AforAlfa says that the Aylsbury one is a good one, so you shouldn't have any trouble! Plus, you get that lifetime warranty :thumbs:
This is classic example i believe of folk in garages 'taking the p155' as soon as an Alfa rolls into the forcourt.
They prey on our a) love for our cars b) the remit that all Alfas are 'unreiable' and 'expensive' to run......pants.....some so called 'Alfa specialists' have careers based on this premise in my opinion.
you'll get it much cheaper if you shop around dude..
Any of these high street exhaust garages like the one you went to love to charge the Earth the second they see the badge with the serpant on,
Longlife, Powerflow etc though are all really good people who love working with steel
The tail pipe had corroded away on my Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo, it would have cost about £400 to get a replacement backbox / pipe from Fiat direct, or any other garages.
So I popped it into Longlife one Saturday morning, they removed the rear backbox, extended some new pipe from my centre section box to the rear end, stuck a nice shiny oval pipe on and away I went,
Not bad for only £90. And the sound was absolutely amazing.
You might consider ditching one of your own backboxes as well, it makes cars sound alot more fierce, especially Alfa's!!!
So I popped it into Longlife one Saturday morning, they removed the rear backbox, extended some new pipe from my centre section box to the rear end, stuck a nice shiny oval pipe on and away I went,
Not bad for only £90. And the sound was absolutely amazing.
You might consider ditching one of your own backboxes as well, it makes cars sound alot more fierce, especially Alfa's!!!
Thanks, Darren, I like the sound of that! I shall certainly take a look at the options - I hate the fact that everyone else can hear the car but I can't (as much, at least). Having had the car only a couple of months, I'm looking forward to hearing for the first time how it 'should' sound!
i asked my insurance about a stainless replacement for my 156 but direct line said that it would be considered as a modification and they wouldnt insure me. please check with your insurers first just in case
Hmm, you were stitched there then mate, as when I've declared my upgraded exhausts to insurers in the past they'va asked 'Does that give you any more power?', I've said 'No', which is essentially true to be honest, and then they've said it won't affect my insurance.
direct line and aparently i was uninsurable with this modification until i was 25 even though i said it woul be an asthetic thing only not to mention i could get one custom made and fitted for 160 quid. and the middle section post cats for 60 quid bargin
I think the pics on their site speak for the quality, and if you want them polished as shown ask them when you order them.Delivery was 1 or 2 days, and as I was renewing my insurance my existing company wanted an extra £13 (!) as they're not 'standard' equipment, but I switched to Chris Knott and doubt I actually paid anything extra for having a performance exhaust.
Well, just got back from Powerflow in Aylesbury and they had a quick nose around and quoted me £340 for a replacement back box(same as original) including labour and VAT. The front pipes they said probably didn't need doing and to be honest, I'm inclined to believe them over the 'advice' received last week! I get to keep my Zender twin pipes too! Think I'm going to go for it, but any other suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks all!! I'll get some piccies and maybe some sound on when its done.
Just an update on my exhaust situation, had the powerflow guys do the rear section last weekend. Very pleased - nice and quiet around town and fairly loud when I give it some beans. Could be a bit louder but I'll have to leave that until I have the cash to replace the rest of it! Here's some piccies. Thanks everyone for the good advice.
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