My Garage Find 280SL - Looking for exhaust system parts

[willthomason]

Hello fellow travelers!

I'm in a bind. 

The aftermarket exhaust system I purchased is not cutting it quality wise and I'm writing it off as a loss (was not installed).  Unfortunately, my old system has already been removed and I'm in need of OEM header pipes, muffler and resonator to get back on the road. 

Does anyone have any sources or solutions they can share?
What are people's thoughts on stainless steel?

Thanks in advance!

Will

[MikeSimon]

Will: What are your plans for the exhaust that "did not cut it"?

[Cees Klumper]

I recommend stainless, I believe people have had good results with the TimeValve system (suggest you do a search on the forums here, plenty of discussion in the past on the topic, in fact one very recent one I can recall). I've had my stainless system now for about 20 years and it has held up very well (came from an aftermarket supplier in Germany, don't know the brand as I bought it lightly used).

[rwmastel]

Will,

There's no reason to post this in the Full Members section where limited number of people can see it.  General Discussion or Drivetrain sections make much more sense.

[willthomason]

Thanks Cees. 

Mike - I'll keep you posted.

[Bshaunessy]

Willthomasen
   I just finished ( DIY…..no credible muffler shops who could do this job anywhere near me) replacing my worn out OEM exhaust system (1970 280 SL auto) with an aftermarket steel system sourced from Buds Benz.  This is a tedious job as you need a hoist for starters and need to be able to take out OEM a exhaust as one piece ( original system was welded end to end).   If your OEM system is already out, you are half ay there!
  The aftermarket BUDS system came as:
(1) new manifold to resonator down pipes with integral crossover.
(2) new resonator…..must fit up to AND weld to down pipes.  Install downpipes and tack weld resonator after carefully lining up….the fitment in this step is very critical .  Remove from car and circumferential weld down pipes to resonator.
(3) resonator to muffler "S" pipes x 2.  These are bolt up both ends using muffler clamps….makes install and fitment much easier.
(4) muffler and twin tail pipes…..bolt up with muffler clamps
(5) BUDS supplied all new hangers, rubber donuts, 50mm clamps, new exhaust bolts and copper alloy nuts and exhaust manifold gaskets (2)….suggest you order4 of these gaskets as you need to install / remove down pipes several times.

While a tedious job, ALL THE AFTERMARKET PIECES FIT WELL TOGETHER.
Some pics of OEM welded system beside new after market bolt up system on bench prior to in car install.

[mnahon]

Will,

Out of curiosity, what was the brand of the aftermarket exhaust that you said you were not happy with?

Meyer

[Bill Sgro]

I've had a Time Valve in my 1970 280sl since 1988 and I have been very pleased with it!

[Cees Klumper]

P.s. I clamped rather than welded my stainless exhaust components together - works fine, no leaks.

[jeblack123]

Good evening.  If you are interested, I have a "never installed" OEM front exhaust pipe for the 280.  On top of that, I am in Albany, Georgia and frequently come to Atlanta which may negate shipping.

I hope I get the attachment thingy done correctly.

James (Eddie) Black

[BOTIGER1970]

Eddie,
If nobody is interested in the front pipe, I might be.  How much are you asking for the pipe?
Thanks,
Mark

[mdsalemi]

I second a positive vote on the Timevalve stainless steel system. I’ve had mine for over 20 years now, and I am pleased with it. Some very nitpicking purists with amazing auditory memory detect a slightly different sound than OEM, but then again, I would imagine anything, but the originally installed muffler is going to have a slightly different sound..mine is very quiet, what can I say?

I think you need to ask Timevalve for our systems. Some years ago he started focusing on Ferrari and other high cost exotics. Essentially the same pieces and parts bent differently but selling for 3x the price.

[jim 56]

Yes Timevalve great guy to work with helped a lot with advise also shipped right away

[rwmastel]

Good evening.  If you are interested, I have a "never installed" OEM front exhaust pipe for the 280.

I assume that pipe is normal steel, not stainless steel?

[jeblack123]

Yes, correct it is "normal" steel, not stainless.

jeb