Cat Exhaust Leaks/Donut Gaskets 81' 3208NA

[Stephen H]

Hello everyone-

Looking for 3208NA Exhaust gaskets..
http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/40578371



John, I know you got yours at Sterling.. you know if there is a NAPA
equivalent?



There is a Napa in my town I can run by on the way home from work- No
Sterling here, would have to go to Tampa L



Thank you

Merry Christmas all!

Stephen H

81 FC-33SB Plant City, FL -- 80's today!! Runnin A/C!! Grrrr

>
> Stephen,
>
> You don't mention what model of engine you are running in
your 'Bird,
> I'm assuming that it came with the 3208NA, but it could be upgraded
> to a 3208TURBO also and this will make a difference in the loudness
> of the exhaust when the muffler is removed. The turbo will act as a
> muffling device, whereas no turbo mean a louder exhaust sound.
>
> In my opinion, adding an additional air intake to the 3208 will be
> more of a performance enhancer than removing the muffler. Check out;
>
> http://upload.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/30053636
>
> I drove my 3208NA equipped 'Bird, back from the beach on Sunday
> morning, I had to drive a section of I-95 here in South Carolina,
> where the speed limit is 70 mph, while pulling my 8000# enclosed
auto-
> carrier trailer. I had no problem maintaining a speed of 65 mph and
> short periods of 70 mph, to pass even slower moving vehicles. While
> it isn't a neck snapping speed, it is better than what it was
> originally. I also have changed to 12R22.5 tires before the
> additional air intake modification, which in effect raises the rear
> end gear ratio somewhat and my speeds are accurate, being verified
by
> my GPS system.
>
> Woody has a 3208NA in his 'Bird and he has removed the muffler, he
> seems to think that it isn't that loud, but then again, I think
that
> his hearing is impaired....have you ever heard how loud he talks,
> that is sometimes associated with a loss in hearing ability :o)
>
> I also agree on not welding the exhaust sections together, as I
think
> that it may make things too rigid and could result in broken
exhaust
> welds. be sure to check out the exhaust manifold gaskets, they are
> donut shaped and fit between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust
> pipe itself, mine were almost completely gone and when I replaced
> them it made a significant difference. Check out;
>
> http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/40578371
>
> The new gaskets still show signs of minor leaking, but I'm using a
> modified PACBRAKE exhaust brake on mine, which when in use can
create
> as much as 30# of back pressure, when the butterfly valve is
closed.
> check out;
>
> http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/68700935
>
> The PACBRAKE doesn't do the same job that a JACOBS-BRAKE engine
brake
> does on a Detroit, but they don't make a similar engine brake for a
> Caterpillar, so I get by with the exhaust brake, since the CAT only
> produces 30# of back pressure, it acts like a gas engine while in
use
> on deceleration, not much of a difference, but enough to notice.
When
> approaching a town and driving at speeds ranging between 55-60 mph
> and I go by the sign that indicates a 45 mph speed limit ahead, I
> apply the exhaust brake and it will slow my 'Bird down to the
posted
> 45 mph in that distance. I use it to slow down to town speed limit
> changes and to stop lights and signs wherever possible and not use
> the air brakes until I want to come to a complete stop. I also use
it
> to scrub off speed when approaching curves a speeds greater than I
> want to go through the curve at, rather than using the air brakes.
>
> Keep in mind that use of engine brakes are being restricted in a
lot
> of cities now because of the loud cackling sound that they emit on
> some engines, whereas exhaust brakes are not as loud, their use can
> also get you a ticket, however depending on the officer writing the
> ticket that doesn't know the difference between the two, so I
observe
> the NON USE OF ENGINE BRAKES sign just to be on the safe side.
>
>
> "REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001"
> John Finn
> '82 35FCRB
> BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE
> TO VISIT THE "FINN'S INN EXPRESS" REMODELING ADVENTURE
> GO TO;
> http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
> HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA
>
> /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
> --- In wanderlodge@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen H" <share@> wrote:
> >
> > I noticed a slight exhaust noise while underway Sunday, driving
> > beside a wall. Got to looking under the bus, noticed some of the
> > metal band clamps that join the sections of exhaust pipes
together
> > are either leaking, or the exhaust pipes themselves are maybe
> > slipping out of place from under the old bands. I was thinking of
> > taking the bird to a local automotive exhaust shop, and having
the
> > old bands removed, and everything welded up nicely. There is also
a
> > hanger or two that needs attention.
> >
> > Also while there, I have heard some talk on the forums about
people
> > removing mufflers for a little more get up and go. We do not have
> any
> > type of emissions in Florida, so that would be of no concern. The
> > noise level is reportedly not too much louder. Has anyone removed
> the
> > muffler and seen any difference?
> >
> > Any thoughts of welding the exhaust VS. New bands?
> >
> > Thanks for your help!
> > Stephen H
> > 81 FC-33 SB
> > Plant CIty, FL
> >
>