- 1. Flowmaster 953047 Super 40 Muffler
- 2. MagnaFlow Exhaust Products Muffler
- 3. MegaBrand N1 4
- 4. Thrush 17651 Welded Muffler
- 5. Dynomax 39510 Super Turbo Muffler Dual System
- 6. DC Sports EX-5016 Stainless Steel Round Muffler
- 7. Cherry Bomb 7426 Extreme Muffler
- 8. Thrush 24205 Glass Pack Muffler
- 9. HK5 Motors Univeral 4
- 10. MagnaFlow Exhaust Products 14832 Exhaust Muffler
- 11. Onestopshops Muffler Exhaust with Removable Silencer
- 12. Flowmaster 9430452 Super 44 Muffler
- 13. Borla 40842S S-Type Muffler
- 14. Walker 17886 Economy Pro-Fit Muffler
- 15. Colt Exhaust Pair of Single Chamber Performance Race Mufflers
Mufflers are an important part of any car’s exhaust system. Designed to reduce the noise produced by the engine, they are a legal requirement for cars in most states, helping to reduce noise pollution emitted by vehicles just as their catalytic converter reduces the emission of chemical pollution.
Because of their quieting effect, driving a vehicle without a properly functioning muffler can be an unpleasant experience. There’s more to a muffler than initially meets the eye too: choosing a new muffler is one of the simplest modifications you can make to a vehicle and will dramatically alter the way it sounds. Some mufflers offer a deep, hearty growl, while others will render your car as quiet as physically possible.
For these reasons, it’s vital to choose a muffler that adequately meets your needs and properly fits your vehicle – whether you need a replacement for a faulty component, or want to give your car a simple upgrade.
In this buying guide, we list the top options on the market. We’re certain that there’s a muffler on this list to suit virtually every need, whatever type of vehicle you drive.
The Best Muffler
If you’re searching for something that will offer a deep growl without being overpowering, then look no further than this FlowMaster muffler. Featuring the manufacturer’s patented Delta Flow technology, the muffler’s two chamber design offers more efficient engine performance, while simultaneously emitting a satisfying and aggressive tone.
The muffler is designed with high horsepower vehicles in mind and performs best when working with a powerful engine. Users report that the muffler produces a sound that’s deep and smooth – a real improvement on stock mufflers – without being too loud to drive comfortably on a day-to-day basis. It’s also a long-lasting and durable option that’s manufactured with superior MIG welding.
- Suitable for vehicles with 3” exhaust pipes
- Chambered design
- Offers a pleasingly deep rumble
- Works efficiently with high horsepower vehicles
- Durable design is manufactured with superior MIG welding
- Brand Flowmaster
- Model 953047
- Weight 12.9 pounds
Perfect option if you’re looking for truck mufflers
Satisfying, deep sound that isn’t too loud
Ideal for vehicles with V8 engines
Highly durable design
Customer favorite
Not suitable for vehicles without a 3” exhaust pipe
Does not work well with less powerful engines
Many drivers may prefer a quieter sound – particularly urban drivers
This magnaflow exhaust offers ‘wide open performance’, which depends on glasspack rather than chambered technology. The component offers a nice deep tone alongside improved acceleration performance. The large diameter of the perforated stainless steel core housed inside helps to facilitate excellent airflow throughout the exhaust system.
Each part of the muffler is constructed from durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel that’s designed to last for years to come. Magnaflow’s unique acoustical fiber is also engineered to withstand high temperatures and offer the maximum possible sound absorption, so it can hold its own even in extreme weather conditions. We firmly believe that this is one of the best glasspack mufflers available.
- Suitable for vehicles with a 2.5” exhaust pipe
- Glasspack design
- Offers a deep, relatively loud tone
- Allows excellent airflow in the exhaust system
- Made in the USA
- Brand MagnaFlow Exhaust Products
- Model 10416
- Weight 10416
Compatible with a wide variety of vehicles
Offers a deep, loud sound
Improves acceleration
‘Wide Open Performance’ design does not restrict airflow
Not ideal if you want a quiet ride
Welds are not up to the quality of some other manufacturers
This sporty-looking muffler offers drivers a louder, deeper sound, at a price that’s virtually unbeatable. Customers love the impressive volume, which manages to avoid being raspy in spite of its high decibel count.
The muffler also comes with its own removable silencer, allowing you to adjust the sound output to your own preference. Despite its budget-friendly price, the muffler is made from high quality but lightweight T-304 stainless steel, which can stand up well against hot temperatures and corrosion. Although it won’t improve your car’s overall performance, the deep sound it offers is a satisfying little upgrade to many vehicles.
- Suitable for vehicles with 2.5” exhaust pipe
- Emits a deep, loud sound without being ‘raspy’
- Comes with a removable silencer
- Made from high quality stainless steel
- Brand MegaBrand
- Model MUF-B-TIP1-MB
- Weight 5.45 pounds
Budget-friendly price point
High quality design stands up against high temperatures and corrosion
Offers a deep, loud engine sound
Includes removable silencer
Sporty burned-tip appearance
Does not improve your car’s performance
Some customers find it less durable than other options on the market
Some customers find the sound too loud inside the cab
Thrush is widely considered to be a powerhouse when it comes to manufacturing automotive components – and for good reason. Their two chamber design offers users a truly deep, aggressive sound, which customers compare to the noise offered by FlowMaster’s mufflers. This configuration also improves airflow within the exhaust system, improving general performance.
As an economic option, the quality of the build on this muffler is impressive – made from sturdy stainless steel. The Thrush logo embossed on the muffler’s surface also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the overall design.
- Suitable for 2.25” exhaust pipe
- Chambered design
- Budget-friendly price point
- Brand Thrush
- Model 17651
- Weight 9.35 pounds
Produces a deep, aggressive sound
Two chamber design increases airflow, hence improves overall performance
Constructed from sturdy stainless steel
Attractive design with logo embossed on the muffler’s surface
On non-V8 vehicles, the sound produced can prove somewhat hollow
Not as durable as other options on the market
Too noisy to be suitable for a commuter car
Dynomax’s Super Turbo system features large internal flow tubes that increase airflow within the exhaust system and act to reduce back-pressure. The clever combination of fiberglass matting and flow director channels significantly reduce turbulence in the system, reducing the noise emitted by your vehicle, and replace harsh sounds with a smooth, mellow purr. Made from durable polished stainless steel (as are the included clamps), it looks great and is designed to last, too.
Users report that the dual exhaust muffler fits perfectly and offers a great sound. With appropriate priming, it’s also capable of lasting for a very long time. Finally, each DynoMax product is protected by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, exemplifying the faith it has in everything it manufactures.
- Suitable for 2.5” exhaust pipe
- Dual outlet pipe system
- Includes mounting clamps and tips
- Turbo muffler
- Brand Dynomax
- Model 39510
- Weight 28.3 pounds
Stainless steel muffler offers improved performance
Offers a smooth, low sound
Easy to install
Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Built to last
Slightly louder than a stock muffler, without being overwhelming
Some customers in the salt belt report it rusting out in a couple of years
Can prove too loud for comfort at highway speeds
Basic appearance
Constructed entirely from polished stainless steel, this muffler effectively reduces the back-pressure within your car’s exhaust system, resulting in added horsepower and torque for an enhanced overall performance.
At the same time, the attractive component helps the engine produce a deep, resonant sound. The slant-cut exhaust tip adds a sporty edge to this component’s design, and customers love the throaty, aggressive sound that it produces, which is loud and satisfying without intruding into the cabin too much. Overall, for under $40 it’s hard to go wrong with this nifty exhaust addition.
- Suitable for 2.25” exhaust pipe
- Initially designed for Honda vehicles
- Enhances horsepower and torque
- Sporty design
- Brand DC Sports
- Model EX-5016
- Weight 2.77 pounds
Made from durable stainless steel
Improves your vehicle’s horsepower and torque by reducing back-pressure in the exhaust system
Attractive, sporty design features slant cut exhaust tip
Produces a loud and satisfying sound
Noise does not intrude into the car’s cabin enough to be distracting
Great price
Can be challenging to install
Can corrode in wet, salty conditions
This cherry bomb muffler is designed with a deliberately small wing and short body, to truly maximise both the sound it produces and the air-flow it facilitates. Cherry Bomb are known for the very loud and highly aggressive sound that their muffler emit, so if you hold the opinion that louder is better, then this is almost certainly the option for you.
Producing a sound that customers describe variously as ‘brassy’ and ‘throaty’, the Extreme muffler certainly lives up to its name! As well as throwing out a hearty growl, the component’s design will improve your vehicle’s performance. Because air can move more easily, more fuel can be burnt, hence more power can be produced. For race-car noise and a boost when you hit the gas, you can trust Cherry Bomb!
- Suitable for 2.5” exhaust pipe
- Chambered design
- Short and wide design
- Very loud sound
- Improves performance
- Brand Cherry Bomb
- Model 7426CB
- Weight 5.65 pounds
Attractive, sporty design with bright red finish
Boosts performance by improving airflow
Perfect if you want a loud, deep sound
Loud sound may violate legal decibel limitations in certain areas
Red paint fades over time
‘Drone’ sound seeps into the cab, which could prove distracting to drivers
Earning themselves a second spot on our list is Thrush, with their sturdy yet affordable glasspack muffler. The heavy gauge shell offers drivers excellent durability, while the roving fiberglass filling within makes for a rich powerful sound.
The muffler is designed to allow gasses to pass straight through, reducing back-pressure and boosting the engine’s power. Customers say that the component offers a great rumble, without being too loud for comfort. Thanks to the item’s long design, the sound produced never becomes hollow or tinny. Available with either a stainless steel or painted finish, the muffler can match your vehicle whatever your style.
- Suitable for 2.25” exhaust pipe
- Glasspack design
- Long design
- Heavy gauge shell
- Brand Thrush
- Model 24205
- Weight 7.25 pounds
Heavy duty design
Offers a rich, throaty sound that isn’t oppressively loud
Reduces back-pressure in exhaust system to improve performance
Available with a painted or stainless steel finish
Excellent price
Long shape can be challenging to install
Inner diameter is fairly small, so could actually slow down larger engines
Another great option for achieving a deep and smooth exhaust sound is HK5’s burnt tip model. The removable silencer, included with every muffler, allows you to easily adjust the vehicle’s sounds to meet your personal preferences, and it’s designed to be durable as it’s constructed from T-304 steel.
The attractive burnt tip design will liven up the back of any vehicle, and customers love the slight popping, crackling effect that results during gear changes – a great option if you’re driving a stick shift. For longer journeys, the included silencer can easily be reinstalled to restore the decibel level to that of a stock muffler.
- Suitable for 2.5” exhaust pipe
- Loud without being overbearing
- Sporty burnt tip appearance
- Silencer included
- Brand HK5
- Weight 4.7 pounds
Removable silencer allows you to adjust the sound it puts out
Offers drivers a deep, smooth sound
Constructed from high quality T-304 steel
Requires professional installation since mounting gear is not included
Likely to require replacement after a year or two of use
A great mid-range muffler option is MagnaFlow’s offering. Engineered with a ‘wide open’ design, this component provides improved performance along with MagnaFlow’s signature deep tone. Installing the component is a simple but effective way to increase the horsepower your engine can produce.
Constructed from durable stainless steel, this muffler looks great when it’s installed too. Customers report that it doesn’t drone, even at cruising speeds, and instead emits a non-raspy tone with subtle depths, without being too loud for every-day comfort. These sounds are achieved without the need to add a resonator, and the fact that MagnaFlow are a trusted brand seals the deal for us, earning this muffler a coveted spot on our list.
- Suitable for 2.5” exhaust pipe
- Mid-range muffler option
- Glasspack design
- Enhances exhaust sound
- More suited to smaller vehicles
- Brand MagnaFlow Exhaust Products
- Model 14832
- Weight 12 pounds
Attractive and durable stainless steel design
Improves engine performance
Increases available horsepower
Provides a smooth deep sound, without being overpowering
Great quality
Easier to install than many other options
Heavy build could compromise on fuel efficiency
Not loud enough for some tastes
Onestopshop’s muffler is constructed from the same quality T-304 steel as pricier brands, and comes with its own removable silencer – all for under $30. Users say that the muffler is the perfect upgrade to a stock component, providing a deep, grumbly sound without the need for a resonator.
The single, large tip also gives the back of your car a sportier aesthetic, without making the car sound rattly or tinny. For drivers who prefer a subtler sound, leaving the silencer in place does the trick perfectly.
- Suitable for 2.5” exhaust pipe
- Muffler and silencer set
- Large, single tip
- Glasspack muffler
- Brand Onestopshops
- Weight 4.75 pounds
Sporty aesthetic
Provides a deep, grumbling tone
Detachable silencer included
Requires professional installation
Without the silencer, some users find it too loud
Making another appearance on our list is Flowmaster, with their dual output muffler. The component emits an aggressive growl that’s sure to get you noticed, without being too loud for comfort.
Flowmaster’s patented Delta Flow technology offers a noticeable improvement in resonance, while simultaneously reducing back-pressure in the system for improved power and performance. This technology is exactly the same as the system found in Flowmaster’s larger mufflers, making for a compact but powerful upgrade option. Finally, it’s also built to last, from 16-gauge aluminized steel using superior MIG welding.
- Suitable for 3” exhaust pipe
- Chambered muffler
- Dual output design
- Brand Flowmaster
- Model 9430452
- Weight 10 pounds
Aggressive sound
Delta Flow technology reduces back-pressure and improves performance
Built to a high standard of quality, with aluminized steel and MIG welding
Compact design
Painted finish is prone to chipping
Some drivers note a little drone at higher RPMs
At the upper end of the muffler market is Borla’s S-Type model. Carefully engineered to provide a boost to the car’s power generation, thanks to its unique multi-core technology. This nifty vehicle upgrade also offers drivers improved fuel economy, meaning it will pay for itself over time, and limit your environmental impact.
Manufactured from high quality T-304 stainless steel, it’s also designed to last. Not only is this material incredibly durable, it also stands up well to the corrosive threat of rust. Finally, as with most muffler upgrades, this Borla muffler will certainly improve the sound your car makes! Drivers describe the noise as ranging from a deep rumble to a throaty roar.
- Suitable for 2.5” exhaust pipes
- Steel-wool packed design
- Manufactured from T-304 stainless steel
- Brand Borla
- Model 40842S
- Weight 6.15 pounds
Easy installation
Improves fuel economy
Produces a deep, satisfying rumble
Deploys unique Multi-core technology
Sound is not aggressive enough for some preferences
For some vehicles, alteration will be required to ensure a good fit
Walker’s economy muffler is constructed from the same high quality aluminized steel as its pricier counterparts, but at a budget-friendly price point. The chambered interior works to improve your vehicle’s performance, reducing back-pressure in the system to allow more efficient fuel burning, and provide a boost to your horse power.
This muffler is perfect for urban driving, as it quiets the engine to an impressive degree. Customers report that the smooth, quiet sound ensures a comfortable driving experience, even during longer journeys. The component’s quality is also great for its price, designed to resist corrosion and last for years.
- Suitable for 2” exhaust pipe
- Improves engine performance
- Chambered design
- Quiets the noise produced by the engine
- Brand Walker
- Model 17886
- Weight 8 ounces
Constructed from high quality aluminized steel
Improves the power and efficiency of your vehicle
Produces a smooth, quiet sound
Budget-friendly price point
May require professional installation
Sound produced is too quiet for some people’s preferences
For all you DIY enthusiasts, Colt’s great value mufflers come as a pair, each of which utilises the manufacturer’s own chambered technology to reduce back-pressure in the exhaust system, while throwing out an aggressive deep growl that would be impossible to achieve with a stock muffler.
Constructed from corrosion-resistant and durable aluminized steel, the mufflers closely resemble the sound given out by Flowmaster components. Drivers describe the sound produced as low, deep, and throaty and are frequently impressed with the quality considering the price per component.
- Suitable for 2.5” exhaust pipe
- Chambered design
- Produces an aggressive sound
- Ideal for use on Mustang vehciles
- Brand Colt Exhaust
- Weight 12.35 pounds
Made from quality aluminized steel
Excellent value for money
Produces a deep, throaty sound
Improves engine power and fuel efficiency
Professional installation may be required
Sound produced may be too aggressive for some drivers’ preferences
Not as long-lasting as other options on the market
Best Muffler Buying Guide & FAQ
These 15 mufflers represent what we believe to be some of the best on the market right now, and we hope that the diverse selection has helped you to make an informed decision about this vital car component.
To help you choose, we’ve also put together this handy guide, discussing everything you might need to know about types of mufflers, how they work, and how to pick one that’s a perfect fit your vehicle.
Features to Look for When Buying a Muffler
The type of muffler you ultimately choose will depend on your own personal preference and requirements – below are some key questions to bear in mind as you mull over the decision:
- Glasspack, Chambered, or Turbo?
The sound and performance offered by your muffler depends on how it is designed. Generally speaking, glasspack mufflers (also known as straight-through mufflers), are the loudest, and it’s best to check the noise pollution laws in your area before you purchase one. Chambered and turbo mufflers tend to be significantly quieter. We’ll talk about these options in more detail below.
- What sort of sound do you want?
As the last question demonstrates, the noise your muffler produces very much depends on its design. If you’re craving a louder, more aggressive sound, we’d recommend glass-packed, whereas a chambered or turbo design is better for getting your vehicle to run quietly. If in doubt, it’s a good idea to check out customer reviews, which typically describe the sound produced.
- Will it fit?
We’ll go into this in more detail later on, but it definitely bears repeating here! When selecting a muffler for your vehicle, it’s vital to ensure that it will actually fit your car. When you purchase components online, most manufacturers offer a simple tool that lets you input your car’s details, so you can work out whether the part is compatible.
- How much do you want to spend?
Another factor to consider when buying a muffler is your price range. Spending more does not necessarily guarantee a better quality component, but, generally speaking, investing in this vital component pays off in the long term. We believe the mufflers on our list represent the best on the market for each price bracket.
- Stainless steel or aluminized steel?
Mufflers need to stand up to pressure, heat, and debris on the road, so it’s important that they’re made from sturdy materials. The most common construction material is steel, which could be aluminized or stainless. Aluminized steel is the cheaper of the two options, but does not tend to resist corrosion as well as its stainless steel counterpart. If you live in a rainy area, or a cold area where the roads are frequently salted, we’d recommend investing in stainless steel.
What’s The Difference Between an Exhaust Tip and a Muffler?
Exhaust tips are the finishing touch to your car’s exhaust system. They’re simply the final piece of pipe through which exhaust fumes ultimately exit the back of the vehicle. They come in a few self-explanatory varieties; straight-cut, angle-cut, rolled edge, intercooled, turndown, and dual walled.
Exhaust tips can affect the sound of your car, but otherwise have a purely aesthetic function. They’re fairly simple to install yourself, by attaching them to your car’s existing tailpipe. Although part of the same system, exhaust tips are a distinct component from mufflers.
Muffler and its Performance Impact
One of the main reasons to replace a car’s muffler is to improve its performance. A properly functioning muffler can offer the following performance benefits:
- A high quality, properly functioning muffler allows your car to get rid of waste gasses effectively
- Having a muffler installed on your vehicle’s exhaust system is a legal requirement in most US states, as they effectively reduce noise pollution
- The best performance mufflers can help you car’s engine to burn fuel more efficiently, improving overall fuel economy
- An aftermarket muffler can increase the horsepower you have available – by up to 10%
With so much on the line, it’s vital to ensure that your car’s muffler is working as it should. If you’re unsure whether your muffler needs to be replaced, check out our previous blog on the subject, which describes some key symptoms to look and listen out for.
Related Post: Best Catalytic Converter Cleaners
Muffler Style: Chambered vs Turbo vs Straight-Through
One of the first choices you’ll make when selecting a muffler is how you want it to work. Each of these designs has its own advantages and drawbacks:
- Glasspack/ Straight-Through
As the name suggests, this type of muffler is packed with a sound-absorbing material such as fiberglass or steel wool. The packing is wrapped around a perforated steel pipe. This straight pipe allows exhaust gasses to flow without being backed up, offering maximum horsepower that’s great for racing. Straight-through designs tend to make the best performance mufflers. They are compact and loud, which could be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your personal preferences. Performance exhausts can feature either design.
- Chambered
These mufflers produce a deep sound, that’s quieter than the noise put out by glasspack models. They work through a series of inner chambers, designed to bounce sound waves around so that some wavves end up cancelling each other out. Chambered mufflers offer diverse sound options, since it’s fairly simple to alter the resulting sound by adjusting the size and shape of the inner chambers. They’re great for street and muscle cars in particular.
- Turbo
This type of muffler combines the technology of the other two. It works by channeling exhaust gasses through S-shaped tubes, which have sound-deadening material packed around them. Although this means more pressure in the system than other designs, this type of muffler makes for a quiet-running engine.
Muffler Materials: Aluminized vs Stainless Steel Mufflers
As mentioned earlier, the vast majority of mufflers are made from steel of one kind or another, and king among these are stainless and aluminized steel. Below we discuss the major pros and cons of these two materials:
- Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the pricier of the two options. It tends to have a more attractive, gleaming appearance, and last for longer that its aluminized cousin. Stainless steel is resistant to rust, too, making it a great option for rainy climates, or cold areas where the roads are frequently salted, as these factors act to accelerate the rusting process.
- Aluminized Steel
Aluminized steel is the more cost-effective option, but tends not to last as long. It consists of steel with an aluminium coating, which protects the metal from the effects of corrosion. However, this protective coating can become scratched, revealing the rust-prone steel below.
Muffler Fitting: Finding the Right Size
Finding the perfect fit is essential when choosing a muffler – it can pose a real challenge, but luckily, there are a few simple questions to in mind that will ensure you make the right decision:
- Does your car have a single or dual system?
A single exhaust system will require a muffler with a single inlet, whereas a dual exhaust system will require a muffler with a dual inlet – simple, but essential!
- What diameter is the exhaust pipe on your car?
One of the most important things to check when purchasing a muffler is that its inlet pipe diameter matches the diameter of your car’s exhaust pipe. You may need to check your vehicle handbook to acquire this information.
- How much room is there for the muffler?
It’s always a good idea to check the dimensions of the muffler before making your final purchase, and ensure there’s room for it on your vehicle. This is important for smaller, and low-riding cars, so the component doesn’t end up dragging along the road.
If in doubt about whether a muffler will fit your vehicle, it’s always best to check with a trusted mechanic.
Best Muffler FAQ:
Mufflers are designed to alter the noise emitted by your vehicle, which usually means making it quieter. The way they work depends upon whether you choose a glasspacked or chambered design, but both mitigate sound waves one way or another: <ul style=”text-align: justify;”> <li><strong>Glasspacked </strong></li> </ul> Arguably the simpler design, glasspacked mufflers are packed with a sound-absorbing material, usually fiberglass but sometimes steel wool, so that sound energy is dissipated as it moves through the system. <ul style=”text-align: justify;”> <li><strong>Chambered </strong></li> </ul> These mufflers work through a phenomenon called destructive interference. As sound waves move through the component, they are bounced through strategically placed tubes and chambers, which direct them in such a way that some waves cancel each other out. This means that fewer sound waves end up being emitted from the system, and the overall sound produced is quieter. The tubes and chambers inside these mufflers can be adjusted to ‘tune’ the sound emitted, offering excellent diversity.
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to choose an exhaust pipe that is the same size the factory originally installed. If automotive math isn’t your thing, your other option is to check with the exhaust tubing manufacturer, or a trusted mechanic. For street applications, your goal is for the exhaust system to have a flow path that’s as unobstructed as possible. This will allow the engine all the oxygen it needs, so it can run effectively and provide maximum possible power. For this reason, wider pipes are generally preferable. You can use this handy table to estimate the ideal pipe diameter for your own exhaust system.
If your automotive DIY skills are on point, it is possible to install a new muffler yourself, although it’s important to bear in mind that certain types require welding so should always be installed by a professional. If you decide to install the muffler yourself, you will follow these basic steps: <ul style=”text-align: justify;”> <li><strong>Safely jack up your car</strong></li> </ul> Make sure your car is on a level surface, with the parking brake up and the wheels blocked. <ul style=”text-align: justify;”> <li><strong>Remove the old muffler</strong></li> </ul> The next thing you’ll need to do is remove your existing muffler. Depending on its condition, this could be as simple as removing the clamps and bolts holding it in place, or as complex as taking a hacksaw to the part if it’s rusted or has been welded on. <ul style=”text-align: justify;”> <li><strong>Install the new muffler</strong></li> </ul> Coat the new muffler’s inlet pipe in exhaust sealant, and Slip it into place, sliding the inlet pipe over the exhaust pipe. Use the muffler clamps to secure the part in place. <ul style=”text-align: justify;”> <li><strong>Check the fit</strong></li> </ul> Turn on the engine and listen to see if the new muffler is working correctly – it shouldn’t sound rattly. You should also check for leaks, which are generally visible in the form of steam or smoke. The procedure is much safer and easier with an extra set of hands. For more information, take a look at Auto-training’s useful guide here.
In the short term, driving without a tailpipe isn’t going to cause a lot of problems, but it’s not a good idea in the long term. This is because a tailpipe directs exhaust gasses away from your car, and without it they could build up underneath the vehicle and seep into the cab if you sit with the engine idling for a long time.
Essentially, yes. A muffler delete is common parlance for simply removing the device from your exhaust system. Since having a muffler is a legal requirement, deliberately going without one is in breach of the law, as well as being inconsiderate to those around you!
Our Top Pick
When it comes to loud mufflers, we believe that Flowmaster’s Super 40 is the best of the bunch. This mid-range option carries the respected Flowmaster brand, so you can count on the quality no matter what.
The aggressive sound it throws out is deep and satisfying without being overwhelming, thanks to its clever chambered design. The muffler also offers improved performance, especially on vehicles that pack a lot of horsepower. The component is designed to last, too, making it a sound investment that will offer better performance for many years to come.
Sources:
- How Mufflers Work – howstuffworks
- How to Replace a Muffler – YourMechanic