Stainless Exhausts - Is it worth it ?

Hi All,

I have a 1998 300tdi auto.

I have a superchip, uprated intercooler, removed the CAT from the front pipe , K&N air filter , Groove and slotted brake discs, etc....

My MOT is due on the 16th March and whilst the car was up on the ramps yesterday I noticed the exhaust pipe had a hole in it between the middle and rear silencers. New exhaust time.

I only use my disco at weekends and for towing our caravan around.

My question is will the stainless exhaust make that much difference to justify the cost. Looking around I can get the standard middle and rear silencer for about £65 where the stainless will cost around £250 from the front pipe back.

I know it comes down to my choice at the end of the day but just looking for peoples experiences really.

Thanks

Hi,
I have a stainless exhaust but I am planning to keep my Discovery until she goes to the scrap yard in the sky, in my opinion if you are planning to keep your vehicle for a long time then yes it is worth it.

Trevor.

Hi Spetrum418 I have exactly the same mods on my 97 300tdi with 45K and have considered the Janspeed S/S system for £350 however I'm told it doesn't add much to the performance, only endurance.

I thought it more important to upgrade the suspension & handling which is now completed so the next priority is an LPG kit which I trust will improve the performance by as much again and give quiter, cleaner engine as well as improved economy.

The S/S will come but performance and safety are my top priorities.

I'm still getting around 24mpg while doing mixed local and motorway and using plenty of acceleration. Down to 22mpg when towing 1350 kg caravan and when I behave myself around 29mpg on longish motorway trips. Never been below 22mpg even when using full throttle journeys.

Id be interested in keeping tabs just to see how if we can improve things.

Donboon,
Please could you give more info and a costing for the suspension and handling upgrades you have done, I have also been thinking of the LPG conversion so any info on this would also be good.

P.S I have already done the inter cooler, air filter, exhaust and silicone hoses which have improved the performance no end but once you started playing with these things you just cant stop.

Thanks,

Trevor.

I uprated my suspension to gas shocks including the steering damper and have heavy duty standard height springs front and rear. Cost about £180 and I fitted them all myself.

I too intend to keep the car until she can run no more just a lot of money to outlay for an exhaust. I don't mind the Mods outlay as you can feel the difference.

Donboon do you have any info on the LPG you refer to?

Thanks

Mark

I just paid £150 for a complete exhaust on my 96 tdi300. I was amazed when they told me the one they took off was the original. Why bother with a stainless if the normal one lasts 10yrs?

Go for it, My v8 was fitted with a stainless system before I bought it, I have had it for 7 years now and no problem with it at all.

Revjames,
As far as I am aware the factory fitted exhaust is of a far better quality than the standard after market ones, that is why people opt for the stainless option.

Trevor.

Fox, the suspension is a standard upgrade kit from M&M4x4. You get ProComp gas shocks, standard height heavy duty springs and poly bushes. I also added ProComp Steering damper, replaced all track rod ends, anti-roll bar bushes and linkages to make certain the car was safe.

The LPG is becoming a real problem, I know of three suppliers but I'm not convinced any of them do a safe kit.
Allisport have their own design but it's still crude. I prefer the idea of the turbo boost proportionaly regulating the gas injection but I don't like the idea of carrying a gas bottle in the boot which may not be legal.

Tinley Tech LPG supply your normal aspirated kit and although they can supply all the bits they can't convince me that the system is safe or managable. It relies on pressure differential between the beginning of the turbo boost and the ventury effect near the manifold. With our system being already enhanced to improve boost flow I can't see how the system will detect a decent differential to operate the gas regulator. I want to see precise mechanical explanations as to how and why the system works so that I can calibrate and service it. Just telling me to fit it and trial and error isn't good enough.

Another supplier is WTV-UK who do their own system D-BES (Diesel Boost Emissions System). Once again I've asked the dealer to explain how it works and all I get is "it's a secret". Other than a few gadget relays to fail safe the system I reckon its nothing more than a simple flow regulator operated by either vacuum or boost pressure.

None of the kits seem to justify £450 just for a valve and a few relays etc(LPG tank and multivalves cost extra)

Tinley Tech do supply a full kit with tank but others quote that this system is not very precise and could cause damage.

Ask any of the suppliers and they'll all condem the other saying you'll lose a conrod etc but ask them to guarantee their product and they'll tell you any number of excuses as to why it can't be done.

If anyone has had a conversion and can swear by it then let them come on line and talk us through it, that's my advice.

Has anyone replaced the fuel injectors & if so does performance increase.
My 300tdi with 175k is sluggish from cold...

Mail order 4x4 have got stainless steel exhausts for £150 for the 300TDi:

Mail Order 4x4 Latest Special Offers

Steve

I fitted a stainless sports exhaust which removed the centre box for a straight through pipe from a firm called double S for £169 delivered it is not much noiser and I keep in gears longer without changing down remember that a tdi disco is more about torque than BHP so forme it is definately worth it and it looks alright as well.


Leekegs