Universal Mufflers..

[JKirk]

I'm planning on buying a universal muffler for my car and just wondering if you guys had experiences or suggestions for getting one. WisconMark helped me out ALOT (Thanks, dude) but I'm always open for opinions. I don't want it to be too loud but I want it to sound better than what it does now. I especially don't want my muffler to look like a soup can hanging down so I'm looking to go for the smaller type. Sound clips for either one are greatly appreciated.

I'm looking at this one:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... &N=700+115 (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=BOR%2D40060&view=1&N=700+115)

and this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... Track=true (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130013392181&fromMakeTrack=true)

TIA!

[Plays_with_Toys]

The first one looks wickedly over priced. And it says its a straight through baffled muffler, so I believe thats glass packed? Or low amounts of noise reduction.

I'm looking at getting a hooker aero chamber muffler on my redone exhaust (also available on summit). You'd need a tip, but they flow more CFM than even alot of glass pack mufflers, and you get 3 chambers. I've heard sound clips of them on muscle cars and it sounds awesome (googled it and found some forums). Here's what they look like:

http://www.holley.com/data/types/pictures/mediumAeroChamber.jpg

[JKirk]

The first one looks wickedly over priced. And it says its a straight through baffled muffler, so I believe thats glass packed? Or low amounts of noise reduction.

I'm looking at getting a hooker aero chamber muffler on my redone exhaust (also available on summit). You'd need a tip, but they flow more CFM than even alot of glass pack mufflers, and you get 3 chambers. I've heard sound clips of them on muscle cars and it sounds awesome (googled it and found some forums). Here's what they look like:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Doesn't look too bad, can't seem to find it on Summit with a picture. You think the first one is overpriced? I was told Borla was the best but I've heard many times they are overpriced. What about that Magnaflow?

[Huffer]

I don't want it to be too loud but I want it to sound better than what it does now. I especially don't want my muffler to look like a soup can hanging down

Have you considered approaching any 05 WRX or STi owners? Their mufflers bolt up (rotate flange) and they look stock.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I advised against that, Huffer, because they're all heavily baffled...

[Huffer]

So? Cut it open and gut it!

He wanted something that sounded better but not too loud. Heard a stock STi/05 WRX (same can)? Sound good, not too loud.

[badbasser98]

I advised against that, Huffer, because they're all heavily baffled...
They must flow more air than a stock NA muffler. I was actually looking to go with a stock WRX dual-tip on my car.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Oh certainly, I was just thinking about performance. The biggest gains people get are from Turbo-back exhaust. I know it isn't just the muffler that's inefficient, but baffles really slow down the airflow and cause backpressure.

[JKirk]

Yeah, but I don't think I'm going to find a STi or WRX muffler for a decent price am I?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Yeah, but I don't think I'm going to find a STi or WRX muffler for a decent price am I?

Post in the WTB forums on Nasioc. So many STi/WRX owners are going to Cobb TBEs, that they just have their muffler sitting around. I'd imagine you could get a rather good "lightly used" price.

[JKirk]

Yeah, but I don't think I'm going to find a STi or WRX muffler for a decent price am I?

Post in the WTB forums on Nasioc. So many STi/WRX owners are going to Cobb TBEs, that they just have their muffler sitting around. I'd imagine you could get a rather good "lightly used" price.

What about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STi-Spec ... 6586QQrdZ1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STi-Spec-C-Muffler-Stock-in-very-good-conditions_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33636QQihZ014QQitemZ330020996586QQrdZ1)

[badbasser98]

just me, or does that piping look small???

[JKirk]

just me, or does that piping look small???

No clue, I asked the seller if it would fit my Legacy and he has zero feedback so I'm not going to buy unless he sends first or something because I'm sure he's not PayPal verified if he has 0 feedback... Any advice for the item though?

[Wiscon_Mark]

That's an awful lot for an STi muffler. The piping does look small, but the muffler under there is HUGE. I believe STi piping is around 2.25" though.

BTW-I had an offer for an STi muffler for 125 shipped. I'll see if I can't find that guy for you.

[JKirk]

BTW-I had an offer for an STi muffler for 125 shipped. I'll see if I can't find that guy for you.

THANKS! :grin: <3 Mark.

[JKirk]

Eh, I don't know if the STi muffler is exactly what I'm looking for. I found two guys asking around the same price and it just seems like it isn't what I want my car to sound like. I want my car to sound good and loud when idle and revving but not like SUPER loud.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I didn't find that the STi muffler was super loud when I rode in a car w/ one...it had a very nice tone though.

[Huffer]

Yeah, but I don't think I'm going to find a STi or WRX muffler for a decent price am I?

I got an offer for a used one, 8000miles, $80. I probably could go $60, as the STi owner will never go back to stock.

[JKirk]

Hmm, I can't decide. I really like Plays_With_Toys' exhaust here:

http://media.putfile.com/Legacy-Exhaust-Clip-not-WRX

But, I listened to Legacy4Ever's WRX muffler and it sounded really good:

http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.asp ... 579C28F306 (http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=194B4202-79E2-4521-A791-16579C28F306)
http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.asp ... 99C8163CB4 (http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=5B8191F9-33CD-467E-8F43-0199C8163CB4)
http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.asp ... AC38D85D8B (http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=D9895FE0-DEB7-4A43-BA40-9AAC38D85D8B)

[badbasser98]

But, I listened to Legacy4Ever's WRX muffler and it sounded really good
Yup, that's what changed my mind :grin:

[JKirk]

I've got some decent prices for STi mufflers but it seems like it will involve a lot of work and I'd have to get the mechanic to do it who will overcharge me most likely. Anybody have any suggestions for a good universal muffler? I'm leaning towards the Borla that I posted in the first post, but what about OBX?

[Wiscon_Mark]

A mechanic won't do the work, a muffler shop will. And if you get a universal, you're going to have to go to the shop anyways, to get piping for the muffler (and a tip welded up).

[02LGT]

Will they (muffler shop) be able to weld a 2.25 inlet piping muffler to axleback or stock midpipe?? i just dont want my car to be super loud...from my past experience...obx muffler with 2.25 mandarel bend from catback on a gsr was super loud...i couldnt talk on the phone and couldnt hear the music until i upgraded my sound system hahaha...anyways any opinions welcomed. i would like nice boxer engine rumble but bearable. almost close to stock when cruising but when i punch or accelerate i hear some difference in exhaust note for my listening pleasure and for rev matching.

Thanks in advance PMs are always welcome as well.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I wouldn't advise them welding on your stock piping. Old (or rusty) steel makes for bad welding. Might as well go for 2.25" piping from the axle (or cat) back to the muffler. If you want to go a little smaller, 2" would also be an upgrade. You could get a baffled muffler, but those aren't nearly as good for performance.

[rougeben83]

STi muffler is 2.5" piping (ask me how I kno :grin: ).


You can try one of Summit Racing's brand Turbo mufflers. They're like $20 a piece (shipped). Not SS, but they sound great; lost of Ford SHO guys have tried them and switched from the rusty Dynomax's.

Expect a deep mellow tone at idle, a little louder when you gas it, but nothing like a honda with a fartcan.

[rougeben83]

Forgot to add, that unless you are aiming for maximum flow, I don't think having a straight-through muffler will be worth it given the increased noise. Even the STi muffler has one baffle.

You'll loose more flow through a louvered resonator than having one baffle (or two ) at your muffler.

[JKirk]

Perdue suggested this muffler:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... toview=sku (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=BOR%2D40981&N=700+115&autoview=sku)

Now what about all the technical crap? Anything wrong with it?

[rougeben83]

It's a turbo muffler, it's Borla. They're great mufflers, but you're paying more for the name than anything else IMO.

Anyway, you never explained your budget, if you're comfortable paying $130 for a muffler, then go for it - they'll last.

I was thinking more like this http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... toview=sku (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D630125&N=700+115&autoview=sku)

:lol: :lol:

[02LGT]

Is there a noticable difference between those? i mean...one is 130$ and the other is 15$...Im sure its not all about just paying for the name...

[Wiscon_Mark]

Is there a noticable difference between those? i mean...one is 130$ and the other is 15$...Im sure its not all about just paying for the name...

Oh, I'm sure. It's all about build quality-that one will probably rust within a matter of a year, and start sounding like crap, because it's "leaking"

[Plays_with_Toys]

what exactly is the internal construction of a turbo muffler? What makes it a turbo muffler?

[02LGT]

oh true that...how much do you think is a decent ones which will hold up for more than about 3 yrs go for?

[Wiscon_Mark]

No idea, I haven't tried all the cheap-o ones, and I'm sure it depends on the make as well.

[02LGT]

Mark, I think i read on one of the thread you were looking at the magnaflow ones...what is your current setup and how do you like it?

[Wiscon_Mark]

I'm stock (except for a hi-flow cat, which I put in because the OEM cat pipe rusted).

I hate it. It rattles, it's restrictive, and it doesn't sound very strong at all.

:lol:

[02LGT]

oh...icic...

[rougeben83]

Mufflers will last depending on your climate and how often to drive; no exception. Of course the SS and beefier construction will last longer than a cheap one under the given conditions, but salt is salt and heat is heat.

Anyway, in New York City, the Summits have lasted 2 years and still look decent, sound hasn't changed at all. This was a cheap fix for my family's Ford Taurus back when the muffler literally rusted at the weld.

I've heard similar reports from SHO and other Taurus owners (who were the ones that started talking about it on their forums a while back). It may last 3 years and then some, but if you see heavy winters with road salt, I don't think it'll last longer than a year IMO (NYC sees moderate winters, salt is usually thrown out). I'd probably guess a couple of years at least is what they're intended for.

As for sound, they were deeper than stock (duh), a little louder. Made the big v6 sound a little burbly at idle like a V8 actually. Closest I could think of the sound is in between a dynomax (which lasts about a couple of years before rusting, but costs 4 times as much) and the 40series Flowmasters.

For $15, you can buy 1 and have a couple on reserve and still come out on the cheaper end of $50 lolol.

Again, I'm not saying these are better than Borlas, but it's all about staying within your budget on mufflers; afterall they're just noise makers/deadeners. These aren't so important that it will make a significant, if even noticeable performance difference on whatever car you put them on.

Just makes it seem like you're going faster :twisted:

[02LGT]

thanks for your inputs lemme check them out.

[Huffer]

FWIW, my OEM stock muffler has been on the car 190k, the only parts that rusted out were the bolts themselves. Car was built in Indiana (like most) and then lived it's entire life between Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana.

[Wiscon_Mark]

FWIW, my OEM stock muffler has been on the car 190k, the only parts that rusted out were the bolts themselves. Car was built in Indiana (like most) and then lived it's entire life between Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana.

same here, except 184k. Wisconsin salt FTL.

[Huffer]

My cats and midpipe were another story however... they seemed to trap salt a lot more. Heatshields FTL!

[Plays_with_Toys]

I just found a seller selling his entire exhaust after the cats from an 02 WRX for $50. I've contacted him about purchasing it. I'm sick of how loud my car is, and the rattling that goes with it. Hopefully I can have it installed and on running for under $75. That'd be alot cheaper than the exhaust I was going to make using the hooker muffler. *fingers crossed* that its roughly the right length and shape to fit under my car, and that he still has it.