BJ7/BJ8 Exhaust Systems

[Bob_Spidell]

FWIW, my dad bought a Falcon SS muffler for our BN2. When first installed, I thought it sounded tinny compared to the mild steel one on other Healeys, but after a few hundred miles--maybe running a leeetle rich--the sound has mellowed-out and now sounds like a proper Britcar should. The BJ8's muffler--Frankenmuffler--is now comprised of Ansa pipes, minus the little resonators on the tips, and Heartthrob mufflers from JC Whitney. It has a noticeable non-Britcar bark, and people sometimes think I have a V8 under the bonnet. When new, I thought the Ansa made the car sound more like a 6-cyl Ferrari--pitch was higher--than a Britcar.

 

[HealeyRick]

In my quick search for original Healey exhaust photos, I came across this.
Anyone looking for a slightly modified Healey? Owner seems to like the cove's of the Corvett vs Healey. Check out the center console too. More mods, I dare you to click on the link.

1967 Austin Healey 3000
Running driving car, 289 ford motor (runs good but is tired)C4 automatic trans, top chopped 3",seats lowered through the floor 3", custom tuck and roll interior, front wheels widen 1" and rear wheels widen 2", have original grill and some chrome pieces that will come with the car. Some minor paint chipping, headers need to be painted. Small exhaust leak from 1/8 inch hole in pipe. The taillights have a break in the line but work with rerouted line. Solid car, owned for 30 yearsby owner who did all the work.
View attachment 61274View attachment 61275
https://mfpclassiccars.com/austin-healey/53010-1967-austin-healey-mk3-modified.html

I've actually seen this car in the flesh about 20 years ago at a local car show. It is "unusual". At another show a couple of years ago I met a couple who knew the man trying to sell it. They told me he used to pull a small trailer behind it from Massachusetts to Florida and back when he wintered there. I asked about the through-the-fenders pipes and was told that was the only way the builder could get the exhausts to work. He was asking around $30k for it, IIRC, which may explain why it is still on the market.

 

[wedgeV8]

I have an old original exhaust with my car.
Should I paint IT black or silver after Sand blasting?

 

[BoyRacer]

I prefer silver. I always thought that they were originally painted silver.

 

[Editor_Reid]

I have an old original exhaust with my car.
Should I paint IT black or silver after Sand blasting?

Yes, you should paint it after sandblasting.

If you're interested in what the Concours Guidelines say:

The down pipes, muffler, and tailpipe system should be painted semi-gloss black (a high-temperature stove or barbeque paint is generally used) on all models. 44

44 Recently, some original BJ8s with suspected original exhaust systems have been reported with evidence of having been painted silver, rather than black, from new. We suspect that these were replacement exhausts, and until further confirmation of non-black on original cars as- delivered is made, only semi-gloss black will be accepted as correct.