Exhaust systems (Pancakes and HW's)

[GAHorn]

I've been contacted by an exhaust re-anufacturer for some info on the old pancake muffs. He stated an interest in mfr'g new units if there were sufficient demand. (He also is interested in mfr'g HW replacements, ...the smaller ones correct for a 170, not the oversized ones intended for 172's that don't fit under our cowls.) I told him I'd ask the forum members for interest feedback.
Please advise by vote in this poll whether you are a candidate for new exhaust pancake muffs including all the assort'd other parts. (Price is always an issue, and the price would be in the $500 range for each of the muffs. Same thing for the HW replacements.)

[zero.one.victor]

George,the poll feature isn't working too well for this multi-faceted question. I tried to vote yes for the first two options,you can only submit a vote for one at a time. When you try to vote your second choice,it tells you that you already voted.
So I'll tell you here,yes I'd be interested in new pancakes and yes,$500 isn't too bad a price for them. Cheaper would be better though,of course.

Eric

[mit]

200 for the shroud seems a bit high.

[GAHorn]

The shroud used to sell for $179 from WagAero, who no longer makes them. In fact, no one makes them.
It's perhaps important to note, that if one were to completely replace an entire exhaust system, with totally new parts, the invoice will run about $2k for both sides. One side: (prices from old WagAero cat.)
Muffler-$500
Riser, Front-$90
Riser, mid/rear-$100 ($50 ea.)
3 stack clamps-$85
3 gaskets-$20
Tailpipe-$165
Tailpipe clamp-$25
Tailpipe brace clamp-$24
Shroud-$200

Makes the exhaust inspection during a pre-buy pretty important, heh?

[Bill Venohr]

I can vouch for the importance of inspecting the exhaust in pre-buy. About 1 1/2 years after purchase I ended up replacing the entire exhaust system. I put on the smaller diameter Hanlon Wilson. No problems since at all. Off the top of my head I think the exhaust system cost around $1800 plus the labor to remove and install. I'm glad I put this issue to rest since I kept getting nickel and dimed to death trying to keep the old system operating safely.

[N170CT]

Ladies and gentlemen: for what it's worth, I replaced both of my Hanlon-wilson mufflers (Not shrouds) last year with some really fine units from Dawley. The cost was about $360 each exchange for some really crummy old mufflers. Even better, the folks at Dawley were very well informed and helpful. Just my one cent worth. Chuck

[GAHorn]

Chuck, that's certainly an economical way to get an airworthy exhaust again...exchanging worn out parts for repaired parts. This is usually the case when shopping for replacements...most folks are being quoted/delivered units that have been worn out and repaired. The problem with some repairs (certainly not all) is that as an exhaust wears, one of the things that happens is the pipes, etc. get thinner and thinner due to erosion. As long as it looks like it'll do more service, a repair shop will leave used those peices to make up the repaired part. Of course, they never last as long as new units.
The prices in this poll are for new units.