PART XXIII:
MORE ABOUT SILENCER MUFFLER CHROME TIPS
Do you really love your car?
You may say, yes!
But I can say by looking at the car’s exhaust pipe tip, the truth.
The one, whether cheap or expensive I have seen, it is the most ignored part in many of our cars.
If you don’t have one, no issue. If you have one or intent to buy one, then we have to share some interesting information about it.
When I wanted to buy one from Honda, I was shocked to note the price ie. Rs.3250/- , which is add on for ANHC except for VMT higher end version.
Before the delivery, the dealer promised me as free gift. But at the time delivery, they gave me something different and not the original one. Of course it was looking ok for some time, but soon started rusting, especially the inner ring. My efforts to chrome plating it was not also long lasting - Which you can see below in my ANHC 2013 as well as my colleague’s ANHC 2011.
I went for aftermarket, I paid Rs. 100/- which was a cheap local make with visible welding scars on the pipe line. Still it is not bad. It is replica of one good Indian brand COX (Classique-Kumar Auto Sales). The length is double so only suits to ANHC 2013 model.
But nothing can replace the original one, double wall type, which looked to my eyes gorgeous and I got it later for a special price @50% cost.
Please note the following before buying:
The chrome tip is a cosmetic add-on, they are just for show & they cannot possibly enhance performance in any way; but wrong selection may block emission, reverse it and can affect performance.
Asian ones are normally costing between Rs.150 to Rs.1500, depending upon the Quality... Branded American/European tips are in the Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 range. T-304 stainless steel is a precision manufacturing material using aircraft-quality & have long life.
SHAPE : There are so many shapes and types to choose from: Dual, Oval, Round and Square.
SIZE : Inlet diameter and length is important. For Honda Inner diameter: 53-60mm, short length pipe is best. (Commonly available diameters 2.5(63.5mm) & 3.2 (81.2mm) inches.)
DESIGN : Free flow or with mesh / grill
HOLDERS : Clamp-on tips or Weld-on tips: Welding type is not common now a days.
MATERIAL :
Chromed Steel – Inexpensive, Lighter, made from ferrous steel, prone to rust.
Stainless Steel- Polished, resistant to corrosion, expensive. 304 Stainless Steel is best. But low quality Stainless steel are not heat resistant, discolor soon.
Therefore, I would say out of my analysis:
1. Buy only good stainless steel material as easy to maintain, after knowing the correct diameter required.
2. Buy free flow type & avoid tips with fancy grill / mesh as they block gas and get reacted, rusted immediately within few days.
3. Avoid lengthier one as it will protrude out & risky, look cheap.
4. Good stainless steel tips are available in double wall designs, which address the heat issues. Such Stainless steel tips with a chrome plate finish are the best.
5. Don’t forget it to clean often with WD40 or Amway SG for their long lasting shine.
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