W111 muffler clearance to body

[wwheeler]

I am installing a Time valve exhaust and want to confirm the fit of the front muffler (resonator). What I need to know is the clearance from the front of the muffler to the rear trailing  edge of the right side floor pan. It doesn't matter if it is a Time Valve or a MB system. I currently have about 5/8" which seems a bit close and am afraid or burning the paint and undercoating. The pipes are a tiny bit long and want to confirm the fit before I cut.

I have a '68 W111 280se automatic. Thank you for your help!

[GGR]

You should make sure the elbow in the pipes between resonator and muffler is right under the right wheel tube. otherwise the exhaust may rub against the wheel tube depending on road conditions. This is also what will dictate the position of the resonator relative to the floor pan.

[dpreston Virginia]

Does this help? Photos from my 1970 280SE Cabriolet....

[dpreston Virginia]

Couple more....

[wwheeler]

Thanks for the pictures David. Sorry, but I was talking about the front muffler. Time valve called it the resonator. I don't really know what the difference is between a muffler and a resonator!!!

What I need is the clearance between the front of the front (or first) muffler (resonator) and the rear of the floor pan. There is like a 1" lip on the floor pan where it joins the trunk pan going up and over the axle. On the opposite side (driver's)of the muffler, the parking brake bracket is mounted on this same lip. I will post some pictures to make it easier.

I was able to use the pictures you posted to confirm the fit of the rear muffler! Thank you.

[wwheeler]

OK. Here is the picture showing what I need. That is the front muffler and that is the rear of the floor pan that has a 1" wide lip. What is the approximate gap between the two?

Thanks,

Wallace

[280SE Guy]

Wallace,

As you know Anthracite is not the same as your coupe but I just checked my dimension that you are looking for. I estimate my "Time Valve" dimension is about 3/8". I have not had any issues with the heat you refer to. Looking at your picture I would say that you have it OK.

Regards,

Bob

[wwheeler]

Thanks Bob! My dimension is 1/2" to 5/8" so that sounds about right.

I have already taken the exhaust down and am now welding it up. Stainless MIG welding is a little different, but not too bad. GGR's comment made me a little nervous because I test fitted the exhaust before the rear axle went in. So using several reference points after I took the exhaust down, I determined that the axle is just about where the pipe bend is at it's lowest point.

Whew!