RoughTrax A2A Exhaust Systems Experience?

[Sam]

Got a hole in the 120 center box. Toyota want £500 for a new one. RoughTrax want £112 for a UK manufactured one by A2A (they say A2A are OEM for jaguar etc which doesn't do much to sell it to me).

Just checking to see if anyone has had any experience with them?

RoughTrax Main Exhaust Silencer Back Box Premium Range KDJ120

The original has lasted 21 years before finally getting a little rust hole in the box (got through MOT ok but it might be the source of fumey air we're getting while driving). I've read reviews on here of people failing MOTs with UK made ones in less than 2 years (Milners). Add on costs for the gaskets, bolts and springs that I'll probably have to cut off and drill out and it's adding up to a lot of cash. So bite the bullet or chance a RoughTrax copy? I suppose I could get 3 RoughTrax copies

 

[Juddian]

Had planned to get a stainless fitted at MIJ Walsall when the time came, but time wasn't on my side when the original holed itself.
Got the local exhaust place to fit a standard mild steel jobbie (probably similar quality to Roughtrax's), but what i did was paint the seams and welds with zinc paint, that was 2 years ago and the thing appears to still be solid.

 

[Tractionman]

+ 1 I've done the same on several vehicles inc 2 LC's, when the exhausts were far from new but not terrible rust - just wire brushed all those weak areas where original welding attracts rust, and did the same as Juddian.
I had some left over vht stove paint which I lashed on after too.

 

[Rob Cowell]

Original Toyota backbox lasted about 160K miles / 12 years. Roughtrax replacement went in about 50K miles / 4 years. Just as an idea. Going to be cheaper buying multiple copies unless you are very sure the chassis won't disintegrate in the next decade.

 

[Dave_S]

Bought an eBay special for the 80 series 4 years+ ago and still going well. I'm with Rob - I'd just give the Roughtrax one a go, personally...

 

[Grimbo]

The Toyota one for £500 won't be OEM quality.... they stopped 120's long enough ago that they now just supply an aftermarket version in all likelihood...
Go with Roughtrax and give it a good coat or two of zinc paint before you fit it

 

[Beastrider]

In 2019, I replaced the original exhaust on my 1999 Colorado with a complete A2A system from Roughtrax (pipes, seals, bolts, studs, everything..). Everything fitted together perfectly and it is still going strong now. No concerns at all.
I would echo Grimbo's suggestion, particularly on the flanges and on any welds.

 

[Sam]

Definately leaning towards the Roughtrax one now - along with a little tin of the right paint.
Maybe just a little nervous that they're made by the peope who make them for Land Rovers though

 

[Juddian]

If its a keeper and you fancy a day out in Walsall, not especially recommended, you could give MIJ, recommended, a call for a quote.

I've had two systems made and fitted by them, both on Subarus, one of which we still have, the issue with Subaru is how comparatively rare the fast versions are and how staggeringly expensive a genuine replacement is, no one makes the correct aftermarket system for a turbocharged Forester which whilst similar shape are larger bore than the NA versions with sometimes trick silencers, these aftermarket systems are advertised for turbo versions but will obviously strangle the engine...incidentally MIJ custom made and fitted a lifetime guaranteed stainless system for less than the wrong aftermarket mild steel guaranteed for one year would have cost on both cars.

 

[frank rabbets]

Just had a quote for my 80 at MIJ. £480.00p. Fitted.

 

[Juddian]

Gone up a bit then Frank, my last one was 4 or so years ago @ £300 all inc.
Also probably heavier gauge and larger bore steel and silencers needed for an LC.

I haven't looked at Roughtrax, how does that compare with a standard mild steel replacement, which of course you have to self fit if bought online.