davem1111 2,030 #1 Posted July 15, 2022 (edited) As some of you know, a few months ago I acquired a GT-1848 that had been re-powered with a Honda GX610 18hp twin engine. Whoever installed the engine cut the hood so the stock (?) muffler would fit without mods. It works, but it bothers me. I'd like to restore this hood at least close to its original condition. Of course, there are options. I picked up another used twin muffler for free, that has holes in the muffler but the headers are good, and I'm guessing and hoping that the flanges are the same size. So, if I can safely remove the existing muffler, I'll have a "backout plan" and can experiment. This is not an "urgent" project and will most likely turn out to be a winter project, but I'd like to do some planning and start sourcing some materials. Here's what it looks like now: (No commentary needed about the PTO belt being on the wrong pulley - I've already corrected that... ) Both exhaust flanges face toward this side. So I'm thinking about either fabbing a 2-into-1 header with the headers off the salvaged muffler and putting one stack on it, or putting dual stacks on it. Either way I'll have to do some welding - the headers don't come out and curve up exactly as they should for either idea. What would you do, and how would you do it? Oh, and on a slightly different but related topic, the 416-8 that I'm prepping for sale doesn't have a heat shield on the stock muffler. My first choice would be to use the same shield my 312-A has, which I am guessing was a stock item, but I haven't been able to find any of these (example, not mine): Does anyone know where to get one of these, or to source some similar material that can be adapted to look like this? If I can get material like this, I may want to use the same thing on any stack(s) I make or use on the GT. Thanks! Edit to add: I found one 520-H Chrome shield on Flea-Bay, and it's $55 + $15 shipping. That's a bit rich for my budget. I've found some bulk heat shielding material on several auto mod websites, but I think it's more of a flexible padded sheet type material with a shiny surface, not rigid metal. Which I suppose could work if I make some brackets, and would look better than the old rusty muffler. Oh, I'm also curious about anyone's experiences with high-temp muffler paint. Is it worthwhile? Edited July 15, 2022 by davem1111 add note 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse520H 708 #2 Posted July 15, 2022 (edited) @davem1111 I can't help with most of your questions but for the muffler paint I recommend avoiding VHT Flameproof High Temp Exhaust Paint, as it flaked off when I was curing it. I contacted the company and they reimbursed me for it, so I tried again thinking it was just a bad batch, and it happened again. I've heard good things about the Rust-Oleum paint that you can find. As time went on the flaking only got worse. Photos below... Edited July 15, 2022 by WheelHorse520H 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,233 #3 Posted July 15, 2022 I do like your idea of making the Honda exhaust look better. Stack(s) might be a way, if you like that look, to go back to an un-butchered hood. You might also rework the hood to have a ventilated "hood" outward to partially cover the muffler. As for muffler shields, check out the metal mesh/screen sold at places like Lowes and HD and elsewhere. I haven't seen chrome but I have seen paintable stuff. This is an example I've been using the Rustoleum Hi-Temp engine paint and am satisfied. It does outgas and stink the first couple of times the exhaust gets fully heated but it does maintain a pretty good flat black color. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,082 #4 Posted July 15, 2022 2 hours ago, davem1111 said: Oh, I'm also curious about anyone's experiences with high-temp muffler paint. Is it worthwhile? I've always found lighter high temp colors (silver or white) tend to rust like crazy. Gloss black stove paint lasts much longer. The heat shield that is in your pic is actually stainless steel. I doubt chrome would stand up to the heat of these mufflers. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,634 #5 Posted July 15, 2022 @kpinnc never had an issue with the satin black gas grille paint on my mufflers , no peeling or paint breaks , maybe a touch up but no peeling , pete 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davem1111 2,030 #6 Posted July 15, 2022 1 hour ago, WheelHorse520H said: @davem1111 I can't help with most of your questions but for the muffler paint I recommend avoiding VHT Flameproof High Temp Exhaust Paint, as it flaked off when I was curing it. I contacted the company and they reimbursed me for it, so I tried again thinking it was just a bad batch, and it happened again. I've heard good things about the Rust-Oleum paint that you can find. As time went on the flaking only got worse. Photos below... Yeah, I want to avoid that... I like the chrome look, but maybe black is a better approach. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #7 Posted July 15, 2022 This is what you need, Dave... for exhaust paint... https://www.autozone.com/paint-and-body/high-heat-paint/p/design-engineering-hi-temp-silicone-coating-aerosol-spray-12oz/720885_0_0?cmpid=LIA%3AUS%3AEN%3AAD%3ANL%3A1000000%3AGEN%3A396252405&msclkid=9240114fe2d71e7e0d65739e79d772fb&gclsrc=ds As far as: 2 hours ago, davem1111 said: What would you do, and how would you do it? Me personally... I would screw the salvage muffler idea... and custom make everything.... but that's just nutty me. I would go buy some flanges, and some 1 inch header pipe... run the headers together... buy a reducer like this: Then buy the automotive style muffler of your choice. That's just 1 idea of many... Don 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #8 Posted July 15, 2022 3 minutes ago, Snoopy11 said: I would go buy some flanges What the hell am I saying... "buy" flanges...??? I would make my own... of course.... I totally neglected to mention that... I have some stainless panels that I have made flanges out of... a couple for tractors' exhaust and air intakes... and 1 for the header-back on the Ranger... Don 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,307 #9 Posted July 15, 2022 I have used this Rust-Oleum High Heat paint for years with good success. Note that it is for temperatures of up to 1200 degrees, they make one for even higher temperatures if you need it. The Rust-Oleum engine paint is only good for 500 or 600 degrees depending on the type. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,663 #10 Posted July 15, 2022 3 hours ago, kpinnc said: I've always found lighter high temp colors (silver or white) tend to rust like crazy. Gloss black stove paint lasts much longer. The heat shield that is in your pic is actually stainless steel. I doubt chrome would stand up to the heat of these mufflers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,663 #11 Posted July 15, 2022 Computer won't let me edit anything. Rust-Oleum high heat semi-gloss black. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,290 #12 Posted July 16, 2022 Get a pair of Harley Davidson mufflers and put one on each cylinder, the sound mellow and look great. I used one on the 953 now knowen as Hot Wheels. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,905 #13 Posted July 16, 2022 I like using automotive headers for pieces to build exhaust. If you could find a beat up old 4-2-1 header you’d have everything you need to put together a custom header stack exhaust as you see fit. Ideas in this thread: https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/85917-steve-the-c-81/?page=2&tab=comments#comment-860759 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
