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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Muffler on 63 Ford Falcon

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Expert: - 5/10/2010


Question
I am replacing the gas tank, the new one is a little larger than the original, the new one makes contact with the muffler, I am thinking of replacing the muffler with one of smaller diameter, any problem with this idea? or can I just shorten the exhaust pipe and move the muffler back where it clears the new gas tank?  The engine is a 6 in line 170ci. Thanks for the advise.

Answer
There is no law that says that you cannot reposition the muffler to make room. I would rather see that than using a smaller muffler that may or may  not change the exhaust flow pattern that the engineer designed into your system. However if you want to make it sound like a tiger with a nice mellow exhaust growl then a glass pack or similar muffler would work but it will raise the cabin noise as well.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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