So I finally got the trans for my dads 1983 300SD TurboDiesel rebuilt and in the car. Imagine my surprise at the huge dry spot under the car once the trans was filled . Even more surprise when the car moved, without being pushed .

Of course there are a lot of holes in the muffler, so I was wondering what folks have been using for their diesel mufflers when the factory stuff dies. We are not buying OE mufflers. I have already cutout the 200lb(ok not really 200lbs, but frak they're heavy) resonators. They had holes too. They have been replaced with a straight pipe. Doesn't sound much louder than before. Of course, I don't know how loud it was from the factory in 83.

 

Go to any muffler shop, they'll retro-fit something for you at a fraction of the cost of oem.

 

Some of the oem stuff isn't that great either, just look at the ML broken exhaust pipes.

 

O.K. what about rattling cats before 50K?
I can get a better cat system from Marvin Miller and it's less money.
I can get stainless exhaust systems from a local muffler shop, lifetime warranty and still less money than the factory stuff.

Just so you know I don't have a problem with Mercedes quality (materials used in their exhaust system anyway), I just know I can get just as good or better for less money, same or better warranty.

Yes, I know all aftermarket products are not as well designed or built as the oem stuff, just look at the first blower regulators from JUST WIRED. I can't tell you how many of those they had to replace. I personally saw the carnage done to a pollen filter.

I know your point is MBZ oem stuff is good quality.
My point is there are other options for less money, same to better warranty.

 

I may try to con the old man into going with a straight pipe for now. The exhaust isn't as loud as my 2.3T 4cylinder gas engine, and the pipe is cheap enough. Which is not what I expected after I cut out the resonators(they had holes). This old muffler must be the original, it seems to have more holes than swiss cheese.

 

I don't know very much about diesels but make sure you don't have a back pressure issue without some type of muffler in place.

 

Sounds like a typical turbo gas motor then.

 

if it can fit in, with a cheaper price.. why not... cant go all originals when the pipe are like swiss cheese holes.

as long it is following the emission standards.. then its good to be used. A 1983 mb turbo diesel... if you cant find the parts anywhere -customized it..!