300TE exhaust

[Michael]

I just wanted to let the Forum know that I replaced both the muffler & resonator on my wagon with parts from TimeValve in Plainfield, CT. Parts were about $100 more than OE (total cost, not per can), and they're made from t304 non-magnetic stainless steel. Will NOT rust, ever, anywhere, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

For about $15, they even polished the exhaust tip...looks like chrome, only shinier!

If you need any exhaust parts, call these guys. Replacing mufflers every 2-3 years in New England is now a thing of the past for me..not gonna miss THAT maintenance item.

BTW, car sounds exactly the same, if not just a tad quieter.



------------------
All the best, Michael
500E
300TE

[kidMoBile]

Michael:
Just wondering (if you're still out there) if you could give an update on the Timevalve exhaust for the wagon? I live in the same salt band as you, just lost the muffler yesterday. Is it true that the replacements (Eberspaecher, Ansa) only last 4 or 5 years at best in snow country? Anyone else? Thanks in advance.
Brian

[haasman]

Having lived in the "salt belt" I found a rather amazing cause for a lot of damage to cars- Car Washes.

It seems several decades ago, car washes were required to manage their water output due to environmental requirements. I used to frequent a place in CT that proudly posted "We recycle our wash water".

Everyone was pleased and proud .... but as it turned out the water was as briny as the ocean! Cars were rusting through in several years etc etc. The wash had to finally close down due to the public protesting.

I suggest that if you do take your car to one of these car washes to carefully check the wash water. Someone on this forum posted how they use their garden hose and heavily flush all over and underneath their car at least once a month. This person also said that parking a wet car in a warm garage accelerates rust opportunities. Interesting.

FYI, most DIY car washes do not recycle their water.

Haasman

[Michael]

The Time Valve piece has held up well to everything but rear end colisions-got crushed 2 months ago in a bad collision. Car held up as advertised (but took more than $8k to repair), and is as-new once again...looks great for a 15 year old car with 199k miles.

I replaced the Time Valve piece with an identical one...I really like the product. Had them paint it black, and it's assuredly gonna hold up as well as the first one. But their prices went way up! Something like $600 for the replacement, but it will be covered by their insurance.