Re: Leistritz muffler for '85 GT

[ti@bazooka.amb.org (Ti Kan)]

gt6493c Fluhr, Eric J writes:
> I am getting to head home for the summer, and plan (plan? maybe NEED)
> to replace my muffler system on my '85 Coupe GT.  I was interested in
> Leistritz, and wondered if anyone out there has any experience or
> opinions on it.

I am not sure if Leistritz makes one specifically for the Audi Coupe,
but their quality is very good.  I have a Leistritz muffler on my
Audi 4000, but it was one originally for the VW Scirocco and I
had it modified by a muffler shop to fit.  The inlet pipe was cut
off and a curved one to match the Audi exhaust pipe was welded on,
and I had the hanger ears on both sides welded on as well.

The Leistriz is a bit louder than stock, but not obstrusively so.
There is a small gain in power due to the better flow characteristics.
The big black oval tailpipe is very good looking.

> Also, other recommendations would be welcome, although
> my limit is about $250.  I have too replace it from the cat back, since
> the pipes as well as the resonator are rusted through.

$250 should be enough for the Leistritz muffler with some room to
spare.  You can probably have a muffler shop make a piece of
exhaust pipe to connect between the cat and the muffler.  It is likely
to be cheaper than to buy the factory pipe.

If anyone recommends ANSA mufflers to you, don't buy it!  They rust
in less than a year.  Even in sunny California!  Also, they are loud
but provides little power gain.

> Also, I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Franco Industries
> variable cam sprocket.  I don't know how much it costs, but I think I
> remember seeing something around $300+.  I would be happy for a moderate
> boost in performance, since 110hp/120lbs.-ft just isn't fun any more.

The variable timing sprocket does increase the power a little, but
its dollars-per-horsepower value is very poor.  The most power that
can be scavenged will be from your exhaust system.  Then you can
upgrade to a slightly hotter cam.  For real gains though, you can
bump the engine displacement up to 2.5 liters by boring and stroking,
but that's fairly big-time stuff.

-Ti
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