New Exhaust Options for 81

[maxm50]

Hi all,
I just purchased a 1981 Spider with a terrible, leaky exhaust system. It all needs to be replaced - cat, center muffler, rear muffler. I've been looking at the various options on Vick Auto, Allison's Automotive, and Autoricambi and I'm a little flummoxed about what to get. I can't find a way to piece together a 2" or 2.25" system for a 1981 that has a center muffler.

Is there any benefit to stepping up to the 2" or 2.25" systems on a bone-stock 2000cc FI engine? I do not want to lose low end torque. Not sure if that happens or not with these engines and larger exhaust diameters. Even if it doesn't increase performance, a little more noise than stock would be much appreciated - this is just an around-town and backroads fun toy.

The options I've pieced together are:
CENTER MUFFLER:
Autoricambi has a stock diameter center muffler / resonator for a 1981 for $130: https://autoricambi.us/center-muffler-1 ... -injected/

I cannot find a 2" diameter "performance" center muffler for 1981 model year on Autoricambi's site. I've emailed their support to ask.

Vick Auto has a 2.25" center pipe, but no resonator/muffler.
REAR MUFFLER:
Autoricambi has a "performance" rear muffler with 2" diameter: https://autoricambi.us/performance-rear ... r-1966-85/

I love the look of the Vick Auto 2.25" stainless rear muffler. I really dig the single slash-cut exhaust exit. Has anyone mated this up to a standard-diameter center muffler?
https://www.vickauto.com/FIAT-PARTS/FIA ... KU-27-9372

Some other details:
- Car is registered in CA and thus needs to pass CA smog
- I do want a center muffler / resonator - I do not want a straight pipe at the center section.
- The engine is stock fuel injected engine and will stay that way. No power mods planned.
- I like deep-ish exhaust tones.
- I've heard bad things about ANSA exhaust fitment and longevity, so I'll probably stay away from that.

Please let me know if anyone knows of another option!

[tima01864]

Fun Imports in CT gives you another option http://www.funimported.com/new_exhaust.htm

[maxm50]

That looks like a great option, thank you! I'll give them a call to see what kind of center muffler that one requires. I love that it's stainless, affordable, with a good looking tip!

Does anyone know of other options that I should look at?

[Odoyle]

With a stock 2000cc, in my personal opinion, will likely sound like a fartbox honda with the larger diameter exhaust system. (Link me if you have this exhaust and it sounds good, i'll eat my words). It is not right to assume that the least resistance leads to the highest efficiency. By removing the muffler or enlarging exhaust diameter exhaust resistance is radically reduced but engine torque is also reduced, adversely affecting launch and vehicle acceleration so it is necessary to have just the right amount of exhaust back pressure (resistance).

End of the day, its your car, do what makes you happy, but also realize you will have to pass smog with whatever system you install.

[RRoller123]

This is an interesting one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjPeP_Nn2B4

[maxm50]

Thanks for the input, everyone! I think I will stick with the stock-diameter exhaust. Great input. I'm waiting to hear back from Fun Imports on when their system is back in stock.

RRoller123, thanks for the excellent Youtube link... I've now been making my way through all that guy's videos. He's great!