Posted by Chris on March 02, 1999 at 18:20:51:
My '57 W200 had a cast iron union mounted directly under the R side manifold that accepted the L side header. There was a valve inside the cast piece that has since frozen in a semi-open position. I removed the entire assembly since it was cracked and leaking. Now I want to replace the entire exhaust and wonder if that piece is essential or can be bypassed with a welded union without the valve. Will this modification harm the engine or affect performance?
Is that cast piece still available out there?
I'd run straight pipes in a dual exhaust set-up except for the winch PTO on the L side.
I'd appreciate any ideas you might have.
Thank you.