'73 450SL exhaust

[rowdie]

I am having trouble finding the header pipes for my '73, chassis # 12-008980. Everything I see listed shows a flared end that attaches to the manifold. I have included pics of what mine looks like.

[meltedpanda]

i could be wrong but i think the two parts, manifold onto exhaust are "put together" via a flanged metal connection

[rowdie]

Thanks.

I finally found a diagram and it indicates that the flared connection started around November of '77. Prior to that it was described as a Trapazoid connection that seals with a metal ring. Just have not been able to locate the trapazoid header pipes. May have to cut the old ones off, use them, and have the local shop make the rest of it.

I'll keep looking till I get the engine back in it.

[mespe]

We just got in a 73 450SL with the exhaust removed. It was sitting under the car in the storage area. Let me know if I can help in any way.

[rowdie]

Thanks all.

Found a place called Timevalve on one of the other forums that has the correct parts in stainless.

Waiting for a quote from them.............

[GaryF]

I hit the same problem with my '73 from the other end. The original manifold is no longer available and to fit a later one means I have to change the header pipe as well as the connection was changed as you've discovered.

[rowdie]

Got a quote from Timevalve. $740.00 for complete system, including hangers gaskets and clamps, deleting the front muffler/resonator and replacing it with pipe. All stainless and from what I have read about them they have a great product and stand behind it. Thinking of ordering next week. W/resonator, $940.00.

[RC4U12]

How do you think the sound will change without the resonator? i was thinking of removing mine on '74 SLC..Do these ever get plugged? Jeff

Edit..i just read a couple more pages and found a couple threads..sorry