Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-25-2016, 11:34 AM   #1
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Mufflers and exhaust systems

I don't know that I've seen a thread about mufflers and exhaust systems and since I'm in the market for at a minimum a muffler I figured this might be a good time to start one.

Ben's (bpg_austin) recent exhaust system installation turned out to be louder than he would have really liked. For myself I'm looking for a quiet system, I don't like to hear exhaust noise while I'm driving! The 310 that I used to have had a Banks exhaust system and you could barely hear (if at all) the exhaust while driving. While idling it had just a faint rumble to it. I'd like to find something similar.

The muffler I'm looking for will need two inlets (2.5" dia) and a single outlet that is 3" or 3-1/2". Length would probably be somewhere in the 24" to 30" range. I remember the muffler on the banks seemed to be huge and I'm sure that was part of the reason it was a quiet muffler.

I've been doing some searching and have found a few candidates but it would be nice to hear of some first hand experience. I'd hate to install a muffler only to find that it's louder than I care for.

Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 08:45 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
cmadmaxman's Avatar

 
1991 35' Airstream 350
Columbia , Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 927
Images: 40
Hey Brad, I have twin flow master 70s with a H-pipe cross for a little more torque in the lower RPM range. Headmen headers and 2 1/2 from headers to exit. When you romp on it you can hear em, but sounds good to me. On the road, not noticeable with the engine noise and highway noise.

Here is a shot after I welded up all the joints. This does not show the flex joints that I had to put in to keep my header flange bolts from working loose on me.

Click image for larger version

Name:	P7040440.JPG
Views:	158
Size:	58.5 KB
ID:	256925
Click image for larger version

Name:	P1010442.JPG
Views:	144
Size:	58.3 KB
ID:	256926
Click image for larger version

Name:	P1010448.JPG
Views:	149
Size:	57.3 KB
ID:	256927
__________________
Chris & Brenda....................cMADMAXman
AIR Member 12654
1991 350LE "Zephyr"
1982 310 MoHo (Sold! New home, NYC.)
Many Years ago, 1972 Argosy 24' trailer
Toad, 2001 Chevy Tracker 4x4
cmadmaxman is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2016, 06:33 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Chris, thanks for the picture!

Just recently I was doing some research on the H-pipe and came to the conclusion that I want to add that to my coach as well.

I don't plan on running duals as the gas tank is on the passenger side between the entry door and the rear wheel. I'm not to keen on the idea of running the exhaust pipe right underneath the tank! So the exhaust dump from the muffler will be just in front of the drivers side rear wheel. From the remnants of the exhaust system that were on the coach this will be the same as it was configured when I got the coach.

I didn't mention it previously but I will be running Thorley TRI-Y headers.

I think this is the muffler that I'm going to use. I want a stainless exhaust system since I hate rusty exhaust pipes I've also decided that I'm going to do the installation myself. I've never welded stainless before so I will likely install the system using band clamps and then drive it to an exhaust shop and have them do the welding.
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2016, 01:19 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
cmadmaxman's Avatar

 
1991 35' Airstream 350
Columbia , Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 927
Images: 40
You for sure dont need the exhaust under the tank!

I have a Gibson muffler on my 2001 8.1 2500HD Chevy truck. It goes out the back, so do not have an idea on the noise to the side of the rig, but the sound is good. Not loud, but enough to let you know that its a big block!

The only thing that would be different, my truck has the cats and no headers!
__________________
Chris & Brenda....................cMADMAXman
AIR Member 12654
1991 350LE "Zephyr"
1982 310 MoHo (Sold! New home, NYC.)
Many Years ago, 1972 Argosy 24' trailer
Toad, 2001 Chevy Tracker 4x4
cmadmaxman is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 08:54 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Chris, thanks for the feedback on the Gibson muffler. I went ahead and ordered one just now. It will make running the engine on the test stand a much more pleasant experience

I'm hoping to have the engine running again by the end of the month.

Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 02:25 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Hittenstiehl's Avatar
 
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,996
Images: 9
Whew glad you finally got those sentences out!!

__________________

Hittenstiehl
Hittenstiehl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 02:35 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
You and me both!
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 04:32 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
Gregsch's Avatar
 
1979 24' Airstream Excella 24
Tipp City , Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 551
Brad,
I went with standard replacement parts for the P-30 step van (Walker brand). Got it from Advance Auto and Rock Auto. As you can see from the pics the passenger side had to be extended to go past the generator. It was pretty simple to do, just bought a piece of straight pipe and mig welded it together. Could you go with dual exhaust by making a similar modification?
The mufflers are a little throaty but, since they exit behind the wheels you can't hear it when driving.
The beauty of this set up was it was very inexpensive. Did I just use the word inexpensive with reference to an Airstream Motorhome?
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	MH 7152012 009.JPG
Views:	136
Size:	725.4 KB
ID:	257044   Click image for larger version

Name:	MH 7152012 011.JPG
Views:	124
Size:	746.6 KB
ID:	257045  

Click image for larger version

Name:	MH 7152012 015.JPG
Views:	118
Size:	756.9 KB
ID:	257046  
Gregsch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 04:50 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
bobmiller1's Avatar

 
2005 34' Classic S/O
2006 39' Land Yacht 396 XL
north blenheim , New York
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,847
You need some Scott's fertilizer on your lawn.....just saying !!
bobmiller1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 05:26 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia , Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
When an RV speciality muffler shop in Jackson was still in business, years ago, I had my 310 redone there. They used Thorley headers and high temp RTV silicone to attach them to the engine (no gaskets at all, which amazed me, and it worked). The headers went into one line down the drivers side to a muffler and then exited out the side, in front of the wheels. Only one big line into the one muffler and out the drivers side.

They happened to be out of the "quiet muffler" the day they did my work, and asked me if I would accept a louder one, with the promise if I was not happy, they would change it out for the bigger quieter one. I had them go ahead. No idea what muffler the loud one or the quiet one was however.

The system was fantastic, reduced the heat issues of the engine completely, and was moderately noisy but not too bad. It did have "authority" though. The Thorley headers never gave me a bit of problems in the next 50,000 miles and was on it when I sold it. One of the best $1200 I spent on that rig. Too bad the owner retired and the kids closed the shop. He was great, the sons... well, say party types I would judge.
idroba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 06:25 PM   #11
jm2
Rivet Master
 
jm2's Avatar
 
2002 25' Safari
1977 20' Argosy 20
northern valley , new jersey
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 532
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler View Post

Just recently I was doing some research on the H-pipe and came to the conclusion that I want to add that to my coach as well.
so, Brad, what was the upshot of the benefits of an H-pipe? my local BB fans say that an X-pipe outdoes the H-pipe, but offered no explanation of what or why.

iirc, there's an H-pipe on our coach. any thoughts on a comparison?

thanks!
__________________
Joseph & Gabrielle

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci.

WBCCI 2087 - AIR 3144 - TAC-NJ2

https://defendwally.org/
jm2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 07:28 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gregsch View Post
Brad,
I went with standard replacement parts for the P-30 step van (Walker brand). Got it from Advance Auto and Rock Auto. As you can see from the pics the passenger side had to be extended to go past the generator. It was pretty simple to do, just bought a piece of straight pipe and mig welded it together. Could you go with dual exhaust by making a similar modification?
The mufflers are a little throaty but, since they exit behind the wheels you can't hear it when driving.
The beauty of this set up was it was very inexpensive. Did I just use the word inexpensive with reference to an Airstream Motorhome?
Greg, there's only one place that I can point the exhaust tail pipe and that's in front of the left rear wheel. The factory fuel tank is between the right rear wheel and the steps and there is an auxiliary fuel tank that fits between the frame rails just behind the differential.

That pretty much limits my options so I'm going with a dual inlet round muffler with a single pipe outlet.

The good news is since my Argosy is only 20' long there's not a lot of pipe involved
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 07:44 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by jm2 View Post
so, Brad, what was the upshot of the benefits of an H-pipe? my local BB fans say that an X-pipe outdoes the H-pipe, but offered no explanation of what or why.

iirc, there's an H-pipe on our coach. any thoughts on a comparison?

thanks!
Joseph, from what I've read an H pipe that is placed 8" to18" past the collectors increases low end torque in the lower rpm range. An X pipe increases torque in the higher rpm range. I don't know about you but I prefer to keep the rpms of a big block in the lower range!

For hot rods the X pipe is preferred but for a truck especially a heavy truck low ennd torque is the ticket.
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2016, 07:48 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by idroba View Post
When an RV speciality muffler shop in Jackson was still in business, years ago, I had my 310 redone there. They used Thorley headers and high temp RTV silicone to attach them to the engine (no gaskets at all, which amazed me, and it worked). The headers went into one line down the drivers side to a muffler and then exited out the side, in front of the wheels. Only one big line into the one muffler and out the drivers side.
Interesting comment about the high temp sealant. I'll have do some research on thst.

Thanks!
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Upgrade exhaust system or just replace mufflers Charlee Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 3 01-24-2014 08:10 AM
Looking for help and suggestions for Exhaust Brakes and Diesel Performance Tuners Re-Pete Tow Vehicles 43 03-26-2013 01:03 PM
water and waste systems TStuever Member Introductions 3 06-25-2006 06:33 PM
Please explain the Jacobs and MSD ignition systems guy99 Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 9 02-09-2006 07:00 PM
performance exhaust systems wb13798 Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 6 07-07-2003 06:54 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:45 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.