Zimmerman Mufflers

[cbergen]

We've had a few days with the Zimmermann Muffler, mounted on an Observer EB.

2 reasons for putting it on an Observer EB, we wanted to ensure that it cleared the camera mount, and makes a good test for tuning considerations as seen from the camera!

I have not gotten a Db reading yet, been raining and way too nasty outside for much of that, but the noise reduction is very good compared to the stock muffler.....

We have it mounted with nothing more than red RTV as a gasket, and studs, washers, and nuts that we will supply with the muffler if purchased from US. So far no issues of loosening, but we are keeping an eye on it to see if a rear clamp may be required.

The nuts are easily accessed on this muffler for installation purposes, and the entire construction of this muffler is steel, so it should not have issues as seen with aluminum mufflers. The fact that it is steel does not necessarily make it heavy, I was actually surprised by the lightweight feeling of the muffler.

What chromed steel DOES do however is turn a very nice gold color when heat is applied, as seen in the photos....

Price on this muffler looks to be appx $150.00, plus shipping. I plan on placing an order soon, so if you want one of these as a replacement, let me know ASAP!!

[rccardude04]

Wow. Looks nice. If I didn't have to replace my main blades and everything on my first tail explosing I'd probably get one. I done spent my heli budget for the year though.

How is it for power?

-Eric

[cbergen]

I did not notice much, if any, power difference, but we did have to lean the needles a touch to eliminate some 4 stroking.

I attribute that to a little more back pressure than the stock muffler, and not necessarily a bad thing...

[phoneman]

How much will I need to trim off the canopy cheek to get clearance ? I've been looking for something quieter than the stock box and didn't want to go the Century route as it seems as the quality of their mufflers ( V3's ) is not very good. A rear mount muffler on an EB would just add more tail weight-which I don't need for sport flying. Put me down for one when you make your order. Chris-is it cold up there ? Now you know who I am.

[JBajkor]

Put me down for one.
Joe Bajkor

[cbergen]

I do not think any trimming of the canopy will be necessary, however, I will verify that tommorrow.

In the meantime, I received the rear mount muffler today from Zimmermann, VERY nice!!

Looks like a slight mod on the header will be necessary, no big deal. As we were not sure of the required dimensions, they sent me a "stock" header to measure against.

Can't wait to try it for noise testing, if it sounds as good as the one we use to use from MA, I'll LOVE it!!

[phoneman]

Dang Chris-- that rear mount looks sweet. Now how much nose am I going to have to add ?

[ErichF]

Nice, Chris. We tried the Century muffler on one of our EBs, and of course we had to make a header adapter to tilt the muffler to clear the flying squirrel tab. It works, but it looks like it's falling off any second

[JBajkor]

For myself, I'm interested in the one-piece, but how's this for an idea: Modify the rear mount to go forward. The header would go down and forward and the muffler would sit where the fuel tank is. Move the fuel tank to the rear (you could see the fuel level).
Might be cool if you could make it work.
Joe

[copterstudios]

I have flown with the rear mount on an airstar and that sound is very quiet.... Looking forward to the mod to go onto my bergen so that it will have a dependable and quiet muffler. Let us know how the testing goes.

[PaulH]

Chris, does this mean that you are eliminating the "unobtainium" muffler and going third-party?

I still love that name...

[cbergen]

Paul, I'm afraid so. If I can find something cheaper, better, for us AND our customer's, I'll go for it.

It fits in the canopy, May want to trim a little from the edge of the cheeked canopy, the no cheek canopy will go right around the front....

[PaulH]

That sounds totally reasonable. What's the price on these two? I like the way the torpedo looks, but the wrap-around may be more practical if it doesn't mess up the balance too much.

[cbergen]

Price will be $150.00 for the side mounted muffler (including mounting hardware), and $175 for the rear exhausts (including mounting hardware).

BTW, we did get a Db reading today, 92 Db at appx 10 ft, 88 Db at 21 ft.

[copterstudios]

Chris,
When can we order these new mufflers and is there a problem with the rear mount muffler and how it might point exhaust downward. Just a little concerned if I have an underlsung camera mount on and getting the mount or camera covered in oil.

[cbergen]

I hope to have the mufflers on the website today or tommorrow and will post the link here.

If the downward exhaust of the rear mounted muffler is a concern, then use the side mounted muffler with the exhaust pointing outward. You may occasionally get a drip of oil, probably after running the engine vs while it's running, although there is SOME oil mixed with the exhaust (nothing like a Nitro). If it's pointing right at your camera equipment, you can expect to wipe it off occasionally...!

[cbergen]

Mufflers are up on the website!

http://69.65.123.251/SearchResults.php?SearchQuery=6503

http://69.65.123.251/SearchResults.php?SearchQuery=6504

[cbergen]

Got the new header for the rear mounted muffler today. I want to fly the steel connector for a few flights to make sure it doesn't leak, but it looks GOOD!!

[rbort]

What did you do, cut and reweld the header so it doesn't go up so high?

Looks good, I can see you in the muffler! If you're going to have zimmerman make those for you, I'd recommend you get them in black. The "mirror" effect you get from the shiny muffler is a PITA in the sun when it reflects back into your eyes during 3D flight.

-=>Raja.

[cbergen]

Nope, sent the requirements to Zimmermann, they made a new one and sent it.

I like the shiny, if it's in your eyes, your staying in one spot too long!!