MSA muffler

[Darrell 240Z]

I bought the 2.5" exhaust system from MSA. The muffler that came with it is huge and is exposed below the body. I would like to replace it with a muffler that is smaller and doesn't hang below the body. What are your suggestions? 1971 240Z, engine is stock except for MSA header. Thanks, Darrell 240Z

[fixitman]

You might consider Borla muffler no. 40659. I have the 2.25" diameter model on my car. The body dimensions are identical for the 2.5" diameter model. As shown in the attached photos, it does not hang very far below the fender. This muffler might be a little longer than the MSA muffler but the "S" pipe can probably be trimmed as needed.

I suggest doing a web search for the best price. Summit Racing had all the parts I needed in stock and would price match.

Good luck.

Fixitman

[Darrell 240Z]

Thank you for your advice. It looks like the 40659 is the one. The MSA is 10" while the Borla is 7/78"

[fixitman]

The other Borla muffler to consider is 40653. This is the Borla muffler that MSA offers. I had purchased the 2.25" version of this one. Though it fit, the shop found it a little tight and it extended down farther below the fender.

If you are interested in this one, I have a new, earlier Borla, but practically identical, version of this muffler with polished tip and stainless steel saddle clamps for sale at a very reasonable price. When I started my project in the 80's, I was going to use a 2.5" system again but decided to downsize to 2.25".

Fixitman

[Arne]

Darrell, what is the part number of the DynoMax that comes with the MSA kit?

[blue 72]

Hmmm. I was able to turn the Dynomax muffler that came with my 2.5" MSA system up and tuck it in close to the body (w/o touching). My car is a '72 with an MSA 6-1 header. I would assume that the mufflers are the same, but that could be an erroneous assumption. I'll include a picture of mine for reference in case you wanted to try my approach.

[Arne]

Interestingly, I've seen this conflict before. I know that there are lots of people who have complained about the MSA oval muffler hanging very low. But I also have heard of (and seen) numerous cars where the muffler was able to be tucked up neatly as pictured above. I don't know what the difference is...

[ktm]

They are probably installing it wrong. If I remember, it is center in, offset out.

[240ZX]

You guys are right on the install of the muffler. I've also got the MSA exhaust system on my 1970 and it's a simple matter of correct muffler positioning. If installed incorrectly, the muffler will hang down....when install correctly, the muffler is tucked upward and doesn't hang down.

Tom

[Arne]

You guys are right on the install of the muffler. I've also got the MSA exhaust system on my 1970 and it's a simple matter of correct muffler positioning. If installed incorrectly, the muffler will hang down....when install correctly, the muffler is tucked upward and doesn't hang down.

They are probably installing it wrong. If I remember, it is center in, offset out.I figured as much, but couldn't figure out why so many people would all install it wrong. But now I see. If 'center in, offset out' is the way it fits properly, then when it fits correctly the muffler itself is technically backwards. Because the Dynomax documentation shows that the inlet is supposed to be the offset.

[soundmasterg]

It seems to work just fine installed backwards. :)

MSA should probably get some better documentation though. I remember when I installed mine and I had to trial fit it several different times to see which way would be best. It doesn't hang down overly much.

Greg

[fixitman]

Sound doesn't know inlet from outlet. Turbo mufflers are basicly a straight thru angled design. The attenuation and pressure loss are the same either way it could be installed.

Fixitman

[Arne]

Sound doesn't know inlet from outlet. Turbo mufflers are basicly a straight thru angled design.DynoMax's documentation claims it is not a simple turbo muffler. If they claim one end should be the inlet, I figure there must be some reason, even if it is fairly trivial. Otherwise why not allow the greater fitment options that reversing it would allow?

[xray]

The universal mufflers will fit/flow in either direction.

http://www.dynomax.com/ecat/pdfs/superturbo.pdf

(Top of page 2)

[MidLifeCrisiz]

Don't know if this will help but I just put a Dynomax Super Turbo 17733 2 1/2" inlet on my car about a month ago. Purchased at Advance Auto Parts for $47.77.

After searching the Dynomax website and talking with techs at the store felt there was NO issue with mounting "backward"...inlet in center outlet offset as previous post stated.

Car sounds awesome, nice rumble without obnoxious noise. You can definitely here it coming without getting a negative reaction from the neighbors. I would highly recommend and I don't think it is very visible unless you duck under and take photos like I attached. I added a chrome tip to extend beyond bumper. I still get exhaust smell into the car with windows down, but have not done all the tips on new seals, checking for holes, gaps, etc...nice winter project for Wisconsin.

One comment, the first few days of running brought up what smelled like a very hot candle wax odor, probably the fiberglass matting breaking in??? :nervous::smoke:It went away after the first couple of days of running.

I posted a few pictures of the different angles. Hopefully this helps everyone.

Steve

[Darrell 240Z]

I'm going to try turning the muffler and see if that makes a difference. I may go with the Borla if I'm not happy with the results. Thanks for all your help. Darrell 240Z