Aries muffler question

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Installing a new muffler, regular steel not stainless today. Decent exhaust manifold from what I can tell so far. Aries recommended their clamp and some sealer which I have. But I also have the little copper gasket. They don't recommend but what experience anyone else has had here would be helpful. I generally follow the manufacturer directions but I also wouldn't mind any experience based feedback. Got the sleeve also but not planning to use that as of now.

Thanks, steve

[P.S.]

Do what Aries says. Their flange works very well all on its own.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Thanks, P.S., will do, this manifold looks to be straight not warped, a plus...

[Marshall V. Daut]

Someday I would like to receive an Aires muffler without at least one dent in it = 7 in a row in the last three years. The box is always undamaged, so I have to believe the mufflers were packed from the manufacturer with the dents already in place. Only the stainless steel muffler I ordered earlier this year was undamaged. I installed a regular Aires muffler yesterday that was ordered on Monday. One dent. SURPRISE!!!
Not to sound complaining, but we also had to place a drive shaft inside the pipe portion that mates to the exhaust manifold and bend this portion forward. The angle was wrong and wouldn't seat properly against the exhaust manifold flange, no matter what angle we titled the muffler. Bending that portion of the pipe forward brought the alignment into place. The car's frame is not sagging, the rear motor mounts are original style with good rubber, and the hand crank fits into the pulley ratchet nut. The exhaust manifold is brand new. So, everything in in alignment - except the Aires pipe.
Don't get me wrong: The Aires muffler is a good product and I'm glad they are being made to replace those worthless cheap-^ssed Midas garbage mufflers that we have been obliged to buy until the late 1990's. But I would like to see a little better quality control from the manufacturer. Perhaps occasional spot checks after packing to find out who is putting dents in the muffler portion? This many dents over the years is not co-incidental. Someone at Aires doesn't like his job so he takes it out on the mufflers. Or at least, the ones I have bought. Anyone else receiving dented Aires mufflers? Or am I being targeted?
O.K. Enough grousing. I like the muffler. I just question the quality control in the last couple years.
Marshall

[bunnyc]

I bought and installed an Aries black muffler about a month ago. Received with no dents. The angle was wrong and it didn't seat well on my new exhaust manifold; had to modify the bend. The black paint burned off in 10 minutes - from the clamp back to the muffler.
I installed per their instructions; new clamp with sealer, without copper gasket.

[Marshall V. Daut]

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"Yes, obviously "
I knew it! I just KNOW "they" are out to get me!!! Paranoid??? Me??? I'm not paranoid! Why is everyone against me? Ha, ha, ha!
Marshall

[DougVieyra]

A dent is of no great concern - but "the angle is wrong" is of great concern. And it sounds like this is not a 'one off' experience. So, ignoring 'dents', how many Aries users have experienced difficulty in properly mounting the muffler flange to the exhaust manifold ? Has anyone approached Aries with this issue?

[Rancho Deluxe]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

A dent is of no great concern - but "the angle is wrong" is of great concern. And it sounds like this is not a 'one off' experience. So, ignoring 'dents', how many Aries users have experienced difficulty in properly mounting the muffler flange to the exhaust manifold ? Has anyone approached Aries with this issue?

Notice the two above posts said a "NEW" Manifold, I have used Originals that were not out of shape with no problem in fitting..

[Rocketdog1]

Interesting... Nice to know that I'm not alone in my issues with the fit-up to the manifold.

New (black) Aries didn't fit up well to the original manifold, which was replaced about two weeks later. Didn't fit up well to the new one either, requiring an "adjustment" of the bend in the pipe. Not a big deal, really - but a little odd that this appears to be a common issue.

Whatever the case, no dents in the Aries, no sleeve/copper ring in the joint, new copper manifold gasket, and everything is nice and quiet.

All and all, I'm happy with it. Though I probably would've gone SS if the budget would've allowed.

[Tom Wesenberg]

It's been over 10 years, but I bought a stainless "scratch and dent" Aries from ebay for about half price. Before shipping it Aries called me and said two would fit in the same box, so I could save a lot of shipping, so I bought 2 scratch and dent stainless for a good price. Since then I haven't seen this offer on ebay, so I assume they dropped it. The "offer" that is, not the "muffler".

[Utopia Texas]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

Someday I would like to receive an Aires muffler without at least one dent in it = 7 in a row in the last three years. The box is always undamaged, so I have to believe the mufflers were packed from the manufacturer with the dents already in place. Only the stainless steel muffler I ordered earlier this year was undamaged. I installed a regular Aires muffler yesterday that was ordered on Monday. One dent. SURPRISE!!!
Not to sound complaining, but we also had to place a drive shaft inside the pipe portion that mates to the exhaust manifold and bend this portion forward. The angle was wrong and wouldn't seat properly against the exhaust manifold flange, no matter what angle we titled the muffler. Bending that portion of the pipe forward brought the alignment into place. The car's frame is not sagging, the rear motor mounts are original style with good rubber, and the hand crank fits into the pulley ratchet nut. The exhaust manifold is brand new. So, everything in in alignment - except the Aires pipe.
Don't get me wrong: The Aires muffler is a good product and I'm glad they are being made to replace those worthless cheap-^ssed Midas garbage mufflers that we have been obliged to buy until the late 1990's. But I would like to see a little better quality control from the manufacturer. Perhaps occasional spot checks after packing to find out who is putting dents in the muffler portion? This many dents over the years is not co-incidental. Someone at Aires doesn't like his job so he takes it out on the mufflers. Or at least, the ones I have bought. Anyone else receiving dented Aires mufflers? Or am I being targeted?
O.K. Enough grousing. I like the muffler. I just question the quality control in the last couple years.
Marshall

Years ago Marshall bought a 1924 Model T Coupe from me. If He had written this post earlier I would have crawled under the Coupe with a hammer and left a bonus dent in the muffler just to make him feel better. BYW Marshall, Was it a regular Coupe or a Dr's Coupe? I don't remember!!!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Has anyone used the new type clamp, that uses NO NUTS? Buster T. just gave me a "funny" look!
Bill W.

[Marshall V. Daut]

Michael -
Do you mean that '24 Coupe has an Aires muffler???
She still looks good, Michael. 'Haven't driven it much back here in Iowa, but that will change later this summer.
Marshall "Dent-Free" Daut
P.S. For the benefit of you non-Model T-owning Model A guys, there ain't no such animal as a Model T "Doctor's Coupe"! There have been raging discussions over the years on Model T websites, but I think reason has finally won out. Most people now call Model T coupes owned by a plumber a "Plumber's Coupe" or a teacher a "Teacher's Coupe", etc. So, unless a doctor owned a Model T coupe, "Doctor's Coupe" was not official Ford nomenclature. Funny how one sees "Doctor's Coupe" almost exclusively when someone is trying to sell his coupe. I guess the owner thinks that adds some prestige and value to his car? Lots of good-natured (?) give-and-take ribbing in the "Doctor's Coupe" discussions. This subject for some reason doesn't pop up on Model A websites as much as it does on Model T websites.

[Charlie Stephens]

I am sure most of you know this but it is important to remember there is a top and bottom side to the muffler clamp (different angle). I usually hold my muffler in place with a slight pressure from a floor jack while I tighten the clamp.

Charlie Stephens

[Marshall V. Daut]

What Charlie said...
M.

[P.S.]

Purchased and installed 2 Aries black steel Model A mufflers, one for each of my Model As. The muffler aligned perfectly on the car with the original (slightly sagging) exhaust manifold. Had to modify the bend (just insert a pipe and pull a little) for the car with the repro exhaust manifold. This procedure is detailed in the instructions.

Yes, the black paint will burn off quickly. However, that isn't the worst of your worries... Getting those dang stickers off is the biggest headache! They leave paper/sticky residue behind, no matter how carefully you remove them. So, you end up having to strip the mufflers down and repaint with your favorite heat-resistant paint anyway.

Both of mine were purchased from Sacramento Vintage Ford in Sacramento and picked up in person. No dents.

The Aries mufflers are very quiet! Never any exhaust leaks.

[Utopia Texas]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

Michael -
Do you mean that '24 Coupe has an Aires muffler???
She still looks good, Michael. 'Haven't driven it much back here in Iowa, but that will change later this summer.
Marshall "Dent-Free" Daut
P.S. For the benefit of you non-Model T-owning Model A guys, there ain't no such animal as a Model T "Doctor's Coupe"! There have been raging discussions over the years on Model T websites, but I think reason has finally won out. Most people now call Model T coupes owned by a plumber a "Plumber's Coupe" or a teacher a "Teacher's Coupe", etc. So, unless a doctor owned a Model T coupe, "Doctor's Coupe" was not official Ford nomenclature. Funny how one sees "Doctor's Coupe" almost exclusively when someone is trying to sell his coupe. I guess the owner thinks that adds some prestige and value to his car? Lots of good-natured (?) give-and-take ribbing in the "Doctor's Coupe" discussions. This subject for some reason doesn't pop up on Model A websites as much as it does on Model T websites.

Yes, I remember writing Aires on the muffler with a Marks-a-lot and you did pay me a extra $10 surcharge for the '24 being a Dr's Coupe.
Sorry.....no refunds at this time.
PS-Replacd the Coupe with another two seater but in a different color and 400hp.
https://fordbarn.com/forum/attachment...1&d=1466881515

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Vermin was a Surgeons' Coupe, he's been sectioned, with a weld obstructing the assembley plant letters!
I don't know if the cowl or the ass end uf the car wuz replaced???
MYSTERIES ABOUND.
bILL cONFUSED

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

Funny how one sees "Doctor's Coupe" almost exclusively when someone is trying to sell his coupe. I guess the owner thinks that adds some prestige and value to his car?

Since we're off topic for a minute, It's kinda the same with Ford's first OHV V-8, the Y-Block. Seems every Y-Block is a 312ci Thunderbird Engine even tho most are 272/292ci and came in a truck.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Thanks all. Didn't have time to test drive today due to yardwork and dinner plans, but it seemed to go back together nicely. Used sealer only. Didn't like the Aries tail pipe hanger, almost seems too small based on what they say on heat expansion. Most likely going to use the old one there, as I cleaned it up and painted it this afternoon. ..

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Utopia, nice SL. We have an 89 560, the "shiny car" in the stable. :-)

[Utopia Texas]

Originally Posted by Steve_Mack_CT

Utopia, nice SL. We have an 89 560, the "shiny car" in the stable. :-)

Mine is a '2008 SL550 slightly chipped for a bit more hp.
Last of the naturally aspirated engines in the series.
My Granddaughter's first comment the first time she rode in it was,
"Where's the rear view camera?"
I keep forgetting that teenagers today have no concept of just how old and historic Model T's and A's are. To them a old car is something from the 1990's!

[Mike V. Florida]

Muffler comparisons,

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Road test complete, all good. Couple of closing comments. Our A has an aftermarket otwell accessory heater thst I believe is a one piece casting with the exhaust manifold. Not warped, construction of that may have helped over the years. Also, the junky repro tail pipe hanger not an Aries, wanted to set record straight on that.

Ha, utopia, I get your drift, nice ride

[Ulysses6]

use WD-40 on the stickers. it will soften the paper and release the adhesive.

Originally Posted by P.S.

Purchased and installed 2 Aries black steel Model A mufflers, one for each of my Model As. The muffler aligned perfectly on the car with the original (slightly sagging) exhaust manifold. Had to modify the bend (just insert a pipe and pull a little) for the car with the repro exhaust manifold. This procedure is detailed in the instructions.

Yes, the black paint will burn off quickly. However, that isn't the worst of your worries... Getting those dang stickers off is the biggest headache! They leave paper/sticky residue behind, no matter how carefully you remove them. So, you end up having to strip the mufflers down and repaint with your favorite heat-resistant paint anyway.

Both of mine were purchased from Sacramento Vintage Ford in Sacramento and picked up in person. No dents.

The Aries mufflers are very quiet! Never any exhaust leaks.

[Marshall V. Daut]

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"Goof Off" also works well. Spray, allow to soak in, and then peel off.
Marshall

[Utopia Texas]

Hey Marshall, When my wife says, "the goof off is in the garage" most folks just assume she is referring to me!

[Marshall V. Daut]

Michael -
Your wife and my wife must be sisters! They obviously think alike.
But at least around here I'm "MISTER Goof Off".
Marshall

[glenn in camino]

I use the sleeve. No gasket, but some muffler sealant on the flange. Works fine.

[Mike V. Florida]

For a proper fit, the flange and the manifold must be at the proper angle, clean and straight.

Here is a tool you can make to clean the pitted manifold from a few parts,

[jfreddie]

Back to the question about the copper gasket...I've not had any luck using them. They seem to accelerate loosening of the joint. When that happens, you can't effectively retighten. In all cases I've had to loosen the joint, take out the gasket and reseal. Big pain.

[Ray in La Mesa]

The original muffler clamp was not designed to allow the use of the thickness of the copper gasket.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

Someday I would like to receive an Aires muffler without at least one dent in it = 7 in a row in the last three years. The box is always undamaged, so I have to believe the mufflers were packed from the manufacturer with the dents already in place. Only the stainless steel muffler I ordered earlier this year was undamaged. I installed a regular Aires muffler yesterday that was ordered on Monday. One dent. SURPRISE!!!
Not to sound complaining, but we also had to place a drive shaft inside the pipe portion that mates to the exhaust manifold and bend this portion forward. The angle was wrong and wouldn't seat properly against the exhaust manifold flange, no matter what angle we titled the muffler. Bending that portion of the pipe forward brought the alignment into place. The car's frame is not sagging, the rear motor mounts are original style with good rubber, and the hand crank fits into the pulley ratchet nut. The exhaust manifold is brand new. So, everything in in alignment - except the Aires pipe.
Don't get me wrong: The Aires muffler is a good product and I'm glad they are being made to replace those worthless cheap-^ssed Midas garbage mufflers that we have been obliged to buy until the late 1990's. But I would like to see a little better quality control from the manufacturer. Perhaps occasional spot checks after packing to find out who is putting dents in the muffler portion? This many dents over the years is not co-incidental. Someone at Aires doesn't like his job so he takes it out on the mufflers. Or at least, the ones I have bought. Anyone else receiving dented Aires mufflers? Or am I being targeted?
O.K. Enough grousing. I like the muffler. I just question the quality control in the last couple years.
Marshall

To suggest someone at the factory does not like his job and intentionally puts dents in mufflers is utter nonsense and borders on defamation ! Wayne

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Neat tool, Mike V. I used a wirebrush and sandpaper as the manifold was on the car.

Never had luck with the copper gasket either, from attempts to stop the leak in our prior Model A. I have a sleeve on hand but did not use it, assuming it is unnecessary and even a minor hindrance to air flow if I did not need it. I have had luck with those on existing exhaust systems.

Quite a difference between the Aries muffler and the import that was on it in terms of size. Idle sounds nice now. My only concern, if there is one is how close it comes to the brake linkage. Some space there, but not a lot. Anyone else notice this?

[Barber31]

I received my stainless Aries a few weeks ago and didn't have any issues with fitment or dents. There were a couple of spot welds that stand out on the polished muffler that I assume is for the baffles but no biggie. I also used goof off to remove the stickers and the rear tail pipe clamp was definitely small. I made it work but the bolt was now too short to fit a cotter pin in.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Barber31

I received my stainless Aries a few weeks ago and didn't have any issues with fitment or dents. There were a couple of spot welds that stand out on the polished muffler that I assume is for the baffles but no biggie. I also used goof off to remove the stickers and the rear tail pipe clamp was definitely small. I made it work but the bolt was now too short to fit a cotter pin in.

Careful, the clamp HAS to be a loose fit especially when using the stainless muffler!!

[JBill]

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

I use the sleeve. No gasket, but some muffler sealant on the flange. Works fine.

I also use the sleeve. It makes it much easier to line things up correctly.

I had a Beaver stainless muffler several years ago that came with a dent. Maybe when Beaver stopped making mufflers this workman went to work for Aries!!

[Art Newland]

I knew I should've asked about this... I installed an Aries exhaust a while ago and it didn't line up well with my old exhaust manifold very well. Manifold was warped and I knew it, was waiting for a new one from Brattons so I blamed it on the manifold. It didn't line up with the new manifold either. And I wasn't impressed with the "quiet" everyone was talking about from these mufflers. So I guess I need to take it off and bend the pipe so it goes straight into the manifold? Seems ridiculous to me that so many are let out from the manufacturer in this condition.

[Willie Krash]

I had no problems, just lucky I guess. Joe is a couple of miles from my shop. Nice guy.
If you really feel its a problem on his side I would contact him.

[Bruce]

I'm thankful for Aries, too. But I am not a fan of their oversized tailpipe clamp with the fuzzy lining. I bought two of those rattling "aftermarket" bad ideas. Both shed their insulation in short order. (I know, fool me twice, shame on me).

[goodoldvic]

More muffler hot air, installed new Aires painted black steel muffler today. Arrived packed well in a big box in perfect condition. Installed without issue, sounds great. FYI

[Dennis Pereira]

I bought my Aries muffler from Sacramento Vintage Ford it came in a nicely packaged box with no dents and fit great . Don't know about leaks not running .