Exhaust-ive Experiences

["Granier, Rob" <rob.granier@domain.elided>]

My stories go like this - On my previously owned Milano Verde, a former
collegues Cousin who works at Midas in East San Jose, CA USA did the job.
Got a tailpipes and two mufflers, (standard stuff, not OEM, Stebro)
installed for $220 back in '99.  
Fast forward to weekend before last.  Driving recent acquisition '86 GTV6
with no exhaust beyond CC.  Decided to rectify problem immediately due to
headaches from noise and possible run-ins with police.  Went to two places
in nearby Dublin, CA on Saturday morning.  First shops owner was more
interested in goofing around with buddy who was riding around the owners
project Harley chopper - which had poor braking, almost not stopping in time
at parking lot exit before said buddy was T-boned in heavy traffic on Dublin
Blvd.  Owner said he could not do what I wanted before Monday.  So, I went
to Tri-Valley muffler a few blocks away, who were more than happy to put the
GTV6 on the rack and have a look...always a good thing no matter what.  So,
having done so he said he could get something done that day for me.  My only
request was having dual chrome tips off of a single exhaust.   He decided on
an SUV size/type Flowmaster, which would fit in the area at the rear of the
car, and would provide a quiet enough sound.  I decided on the next size
down Flowmaster which would be a little louder/sportier.  So, in 1.5 hrs or
so, it was completed.  He said he had to do some custom-work for the dual
pipe flow out of the cat, etc. so I paid a final cost of $300.  Did I get
"worked"?  Perhaps a little bit, but I wanted it done to get the car
registered/smogged.   Not going the Ansa/Stebro route (believe me I'd have
loved to) just wasn't practical enough for me at this time which is
unfortunate because other than a lift, I have all tools/facilities needed to
do the job myself. 
IMHO the absolute non-Stebro/Ansa way to go is to simply ask various owners
who's exhaust sound you like (the car, mind you) if they know what system is
on the car.  For the cheapest way to go, I'd order the pipes, mufflers,
hangers from Grainger (if it's a standard brand of muffler you're after)
right from the catalog - they'l help you over the phone as well with
technical questions...very likely since Alfa is the marque...then, either
install yourself if so equipped, or take it all to the least expensive shop
(get quotes of course, preferably in person with Alfa) in town!  

Rob Granieri
'91 164S Rosso 83K mi
'86 GTV6 Bianco 72K miles
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