Seems my exhaust is getting noisy and rather than piece-meal the replacement I'd like to do the whole damn thing and be done with it. I'm aware of the frt pipe, the middle pipe w/resonator and the muffler. I know I'll need some kind of "donut" gasket up near the manifold. What else should I be replacing? Is there some kind of flex pipe up at the turbo that should be replaced at the same time or is this part seperate from the main exhaust system? I know of 4 rubber rings to support the muffler, are there others? Considering this would have to be a lie-down-on-a-blanket job, should I just go for a Midas job? Maybe an indy shop? Or is this really as easy as it looks. My understanding of diesel exhaust is that the diesel is a lot less strain on the system. Is this true? Meaning, I suppose, maybe I can just see what I can find as the cheapest replacement for the whole thng.
Thanks for any advise.

You can inspect the flexible pipe up at the turbo with a large light. If there are no holes in it leave it alone$$!

If it were mine inspect it good and just replace the sections (with new OEM parts) that have the holes. If it is the complete system that is shot that is what I would replace and I would do it myself. The diesels are easier on the exhaust system and as you can tell they last a long time.

I would not carry any of my diesels to a MIdas unless all I wanted was a straight pipe installed from the flex pipe to the back. I suspect they could fashion something along those lines. Otherwise it will be OEM.

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Jim

If you DIY, they OEM parts will be the easiest to bolt right on. How difficult the job is depends on how corroded the fasteners are. My experience with exhaust on NE cars is that you will break all the bolts so plan on that. A sawzall is also a great tool to remove the old system. If you decide to let a shop do it I highly recommend "Jim's Custom Exhaust". They are just North of the Rt138 intersection on Rt2 down past Shartners Farms near URI. They do excellent work and will go OEM, use your parts or do a complete custom system if you want it. Hope this helps. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
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03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
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I just replaced mine..Not too long ago and used parts from the PartsShop on this web site..I hate to be behind someone at a redlight and see there custom exhaust touching the ground..too many muffler shops make the pipe bends easy for them, not the way it is suppose to be..

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1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
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"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

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1984 300d Turbo Need Two Floor Jacks To Lower And Install 4 Jack
Stands, Need 4 Rubber Hangers, 1 New Flange To Header Pipe
The Pipes And Muffs Are In One Section A Rear Pipe And Muff In Another Go To Autozone They Will Loan You The Pipe Expander Free
And Dry Fit The Two Sections And Two Copper Nut For Front Flange And Lift Up With Two Floor Jacks Install New Four Rubber
Hangers Install 2 Copper Nut Front Done

Get a Timevalve stainless steel exhuast if you are doing the whole thing. They are based in CT so you can pick it up. I think a complete stainless exhaust for a W126 is like $600.

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1969 280SE
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