[Larry Brumfield]

Originally Posted by MikeK

I replaced a standard SS Aries that had snapped at the rear pipe weld with a HP SS Aries. If it is much louder, I don't notice during the only time I can really hear my own tailpipe- when driving out of, and backing in the garage. Nobody in the parking lot at club meetings or on tours or parades ever noticed or commented on the exhaust sound being different or loud.

Engine: Stipe 340 cam, 1.75 intakes, ported block with lifted seats, 8:1 cc'd/polished Brumfield superhead (160 psi cranking), Strom downdraft. The car measured 82HP on a rear wheel dyno with the standard Aries, I haven't checked it ($200 at speed shop ) since changing to the Aries HP version. If there is an increase, it's not much or in my powerband, I don't feel it. Then again, I don't wind over 4000 RPM. The only muffler difference is in the internal holes. They are about 1/16 bigger on the HP muffler. As you can see, I run well-tuned, lean and hot. There is no black smudge buildup in the muffler- just grey ash. O2 tailpipe probe when dyno'd said I was right on 14.7:1 air:fuel ratio (running E10) at 82 Horsepower peak. Dyno guy's (Young rice-tuners!), itching for 90, wanted to re-jet for 12:1 A.F.R., swap helmet filter for velocity stack, change plugs/ignition system & timing, go straight pipe exhaust. I said no!

In retrospect, having sent two SSAries back for repair of broken welds Read it HERE on Vince's website I would not use their stainless version. Examining the fracture location and grain, and then discussing the weld and alloys with Vince via email, it is apparent Aries uses a 300 series because it polishes well (Yuk on an A!) but it suffers at weld joints. Most OEM's use 400 series SS which does not polish well but has much better weld performance. The straight steel versions should not have this problem. Henry's butt welded mild steel muffler worked with a tight clamp, not a slip-fit clamp like Aries has you use.

On another note, I haven't seen a post from Vince recently.

Nice post, Mike. I wish you would have used uppercase letters for the words "rear wheel" where it says "rear wheel dyno" or maybe said "rear wheel dyno (different as compared to brake horsepower output measured at the flywheel)" or something to that effect.

I suspect many readers may not know the difference. Thanks.