This section covers the complete exhaust system from the manifold flange rearward, front pipe, silencer, tail pipe, and all supporting hardware. A complete system is usually the most practical approach to exhaust replacement, since corrosion typically affects the entire system rather than just one section, replacing a single component into a corroded system often results in the next weakest point failing shortly afterwards.
OE Exhaust Systems
The original-equipment mild steel system replicates the factory specification in material, bore size, and construction. In its original form, the TD system has three bolts at the front-pipe-to-silencer joint, while the TF uses a push-fit connection secured by a clamp, with an enlarged tail pipe. Both models are rubber-mounted at the rear to absorb vibration. Mild steel is the correct choice for concours restorations where originality matters, and for owners who accept the regular replacement cycle typical of mild steel in the British climate.
System life varies considerably with use, a car driven regularly to full operating temperature will extend its exhaust life, while a car used for short journeys will see its mild steel system corrode rapidly from the inside as combustion moisture condenses within the pipes and never fully evaporates.
Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems
The stainless steel system manufactured by Double S Exhausts is produced in Britain from 309 and 401 grade stainless steel with a mirror-finish silencer. Manufactured to accurate tolerances for straightforward DIY fitment, the stainless system is a direct replacement for the original mild steel specification and is supplied with a lifetime guarantee. It eliminates the internal condensation corrosion that limits the life of mild steel systems, and the mirror-finish silencer gives a smarter appearance than a mild steel equivalent. The stainless system uses clamp connections at both the front-pipe-to-silencer and silencer-to-tail-pipe joints, regardless of whether it is fitted to a TD or a TF.
System Mounting and Clamps
The front of the system is supported by a bracket and clamp arrangement that bolts to the gearbox casing, the bracket, clamp, bolt, spacer, nut, and spring washer form the forward suspension. Two rear mounting kits provide the rear hanging points, each comprising a rubber mounting, pinch bolt, plain and spring washers, and a nut, with bolts securing the mounting to the chassis rail. The clamps that join the pipe sections, front pipe to silencer, silencer to tail pipe, are included in a complete system but are also available individually for repair. Mounting hardware and clamps are common between TD and TF models.
Ordering Considerations
When replacing the exhaust, the choice between mild steel and stainless is usually the primary decision. Mild steel matches the original specification for concours purposes but will need replacement on a regular cycle; stainless is a longer-term investment that eliminates corrosion and typically outlasts the car in regular use. For either material, ordering a complete system avoids the risk of pairing a new component with adjacent corroded sections that will soon fail. Mounting kits, clamps, and the manifold-to-downpipe gasket should be included in any complete system order, as these sealing and suspension components should always be renewed alongside the pipes themselves.