Syncro and Quantum mufflers.

[phile@swamp.stpaul.gov (Philip J Ethier)]

Yes, I am going to call dealers on  this, but I thought I would ask the
knowledgeable members of this list.

Is the rear muffler the same on a Quantum Syncro as on a FWD Quantum wagon?

What is the cost for a new one?

Are all the new factory replacement ones stainless?  

Are the short pipe on the front, the flange, the can and the tailpipe all
one piece?

The original is sure not stainless.  I recently had the intermediate
section of the system on my '87 Syncro replaced with a plain pipe,
eliminating the rusted-out center muffler.

The shop welded the pipe they fabbed to the stock flange at the back so I
could pop in a stock muffler at some later date.  The exhaust tech told me
that the original muffler would last for some time yet.  Well.  Last
night, I started it up to clear the driveway so I could get the Lotus into
the garage.  The Syncro sounded like it had no muffler.  Rolled it into
the garage and got the lights on, and started it up.  On the rear muffler
assembly, on the short pipe between the flange and the muffler can,  there
is a huge hole which looks like it started out from a seam.  My daughter
says she was nearing home  an the car  "smelled funny"  but that the noise
did not start until she was parking it.

The pipe is too curved for a good Campbell's soup repair.  It would not
last anyway.  The cancer would hit the interface between pipe and muffler
soon enough, and it would fall apart.

So I suppose a stock muffler is the smart choice.  The exhaust tech
already told me that mufflers that can be made to fit in there are not
plentiful or cheap.  If the VW/Audi replacement is stainless, it ought to
last, and maybe some day I may replace the center section with stock, and
the flanges will still match.  Waddaya think?

phil.ethier@stpaul.gov