Anybody think it would be worth it to replace the factory Briggs exhaust on a Vanguard 18 on the new Copperhead with something else? Would anything be gained from it?

No replies, but I think the answer is no, not unless there are other mods that increase flow.

I dont think there are many choices for exhaust with the 18hp vanguard.... have you found any aftermarket?

Put duels on it, I'm sure the 18 and 23 are the same. Gunna gave to build a bracket to hold em

The 18 and 23 are not the same when it comes to exhaust, it will not fit. But many other parts are interchangeable.

I ran mine without the muffler then de baffled it. Finally custom exhuast from NR racing.

It gained about 2 mph top end.

you wont gain anything with just a performance exhaust. you will need to add a performance intake filter and up yur carb jet to match the airflow if you tryin to get any difference in performance.

Thanks for all the info.

I would be curious as to how well the modified stock intake and modified stock airbox some have done compare to replacing the intake and going to the performance filter. I have read at least once of problems with airflow on the performance filters during rain and was wondering if that was a common problem.

I am also still trying to find out if a stock stainless exhaust exists (that could be gutted) for the 18 and 23 Vanguard engines. I have not been able to find any although they do exist for the 29+ engines. I am not sure it would be worth the trouble on the regular steel ones.

I will have to check out NR Racing. I have never heard of them. Thanks again!

This is what I did on my 23 VG

1. Gutted the factory exhaust.
2. Sent the carb to EC carb for work on the idle jets
3. Milled carb and opened up air box intake
4. Valve job
5. Installed new gaskets for more compression

Must have gained about 4 hp ?? Sound and runs great. Does not shut off from full throttle to idle.

That is great info Rudy! Thanks!

I was thinking EC Carb only drilled out the plugs for the adjustment screws on the carb. I take it they rejetted yours also? Did you mill the intake or did they? If you did it, did you mount the carb on a lathe or use a die grinder or ???

EC carb did the idle jets and minor airflow improvements (Cost $80 ??)

I did the rest of the grinding manually. Woke up the little 23VG.

Also took my time playing with the idle adjustment. Motor is running great.

Tagging for any updates. Thanks!