Harley-Davidson mufflers on a Spridget

[twas_brillig]

I recollect reading in the past of folks using H-D mufflers on their Sprites/Midgets, but never any details as to how they were installed.

I've got a Bug-Eye, and traded some beer for two stock H-D mufflers a few years back: roughly 29 inches long by 4 inches in diameter.

I'm adding a header, which will require an increase in diameter for the pipe to the rear, and am thinking of going stainless as it will only require a couple of bends. I've got both a standard Spridget muffler (I'll replace the inlet stub pipe to match the new exhaust pipe if I use it) as well as the aforementioned H-D mufflers.

There might be enough room to clear the rear axle and transition to the H-D mufflers, but I'd sure appreciate hearing from some folks who've done this as to the size of the H-D mufflers they used and how they mounted them.

Thanks!

 

[AN5Sprite]

IIRC Very detailed directions have been posted. Too bad said posters are no longer here and they've been wiped from record to fill in the gaps... (sorry I can't help beyond that)

 

[Rut]

I've got a couple of Harley mufflers and installed one before I started my restoration. I have headers on my 1275 and decided to run a new straight pipe from the header to the muffler...IIRC the pipe was 1.75" in diameter. The muffler shop swaged the end of the muffler to fit the pipe and welded it on, all for $20! If I did it again I would add a little upturn at the rear for clearance and a more sporty look. I just googled mg midget Harley muffler and selected images and there were plenty of pictures.
Rut

 

[SaxMan]

Harley's have mufflers? Sure could have fooled me. :wink-new:

 

[Bayless]

Yes Saxman, they do, actually did have initially. That's why they are available for Spridgets. The H-D guys don't like they and take them off. :highly_amused:

 

[nomad]

Harley's have mufflers? Sure could have fooled me. :wink-new:

Its a revelation isn't it!

I think you can get all you want from the dumpster behind your local HD shop!

Kurt

 

[58Custom]

The one to look for is from the Dyna with 2-into-1 system, non-catalytic (single muffler system). Folks have reported getting them for free from Harley dealers as used pull-offs when tractor drivers get new systems. Google for more info.

 

[JPSmit]

So, what I did was, initially increase the diameter of the existing tailpipe (1 1/2" 1 3/4"?) with aluminum tape until I could clamp on the tailpipe - a McGyver solution but it worked. Then I got a header and, with the header, took the car and the muffler to a local custom muffler shop. They made me a stainless system from the header back. This included a flange at the header so that I could disconnect the pipe if necessary and, things like welding a hook on the muffler so that we could use a standard muffler hanger. It wasn't cheap (400 ish as I recall) but, will last the life of the car.

There has been much discussion on the boards about punching out the insert in the muffler (where's Billy?) to improve flow - I never bothered, partially because it was too much like work and partially because I like the sound just the way it is and didn't want to risk it getting louder. Besides I don't need to milk out that extra 1/4 horsepower to get to the ice cream shop.

Happy to answer any questions, but, that's about it.

 

[AN5Sprite]

(where's Billy?)

That IS the question isn't it?... Seems he's been banished.

 

[BlueMax]

For me the Harley muffler is way to long. I wanted something to fit in the small rectangular space beside fuel tank and stay parallel to the floor of the car. In order to do that you need an S bend to bring the pipe up to the muffler.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

If the Harley muffler you're using is too long then you're using the wrong muffler. The one from the sportster fits perfectly with the straight pipe.

 

[sqbsprite]

I installed one years ago on my MkII.
https://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/resportation/62 Sprite MKII/DSC_0435.jpg
https://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/resportation/62 Sprite MKII/DSC_0434.jpg
https://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/resportation/62 Sprite MKII/DSC_0437.jpg

I have since changed the mount to a solid bracket that bolts to the floor as the original muffler did.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

The one I put on Bugsy I only had a single input. An older Sportster Muffler for sure. So how did you block up the other input on the front of the muffler.

 

[sqbsprite]

I put a bolt and nut with two large washers that fit perfectly into the cup. I had planned to weld it later, but it has worked fine for several years.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Thanks Steve, Just in case that's the only type available when the time comes to find a muffler for Bugsy.