So here's my question (and no this isn't a "which is better" thread): I have Hedman longtubes right now and the rest of my exhaust is getting gutted because it's from when my 305 was in, and it's patched and just in general.. junk. I want to dump the exhaust right in the middle of the car to keeps things simple, and because I am emissions exempt and don't need a full exhaust. That being said - what TYPE of muffler (or an example of it) should I look for to give me good breathing behind a ~430HP 355? The most important aspect I am looking at is least restriction, and cutting down on that cracking and popping so I don't get pulled over as long as I drive reasonably (plus it's annoying to listen to). I don't really have a specific taste, but I can't stand raspy sound, and I'd like to be able to carry a conversation in the car until I put it into WOT.

Any suggestions as well as dimension advice? My guess is 2.5' in and out? I've looked at LOTS of videos, but most of them don't have what it sounds like INSIDE the car while driving. I like listening to the radio, and it's important that I can talk to the other person when I need to (like for directions and such, or if I'm using my radio or my GPS) By no means do I want a mellow muffler, I just need something that blocks all that chatter out that can give you a headache from the droning after driving for awhile.

 

if you plan to dump it under the car its going to be semi loud inside the car regardless but id say go for a magnaflow. im running a 14in 3in in/out muffler on my 03 yukon with longtubes an ory and basicly the same on my lsx swap into my trans am and in my yukon its not bad at all and really talks when i get on it. im also running a cherry bomb vortex muffler on my k10 and its pretty mellow till i get on it too and its also a straight through muffler and i have the exhaust dumped on it just past the axle with longtubes and no cat.

also are you planing on running a x or h pipe? that will help greatly to tone things down and mellow out the sound plus help power.

 

Not really planning on adding any piping outside of dumping it. I am partial to Borla as that's what I had on my first Camaro, but I'm willing to try anything. We'll see though. I really just need to find the right mufflers first, and then I'll worry about the rest a little later I guess.

 

Borla is a qood choice but really in my opinion just about any straight through muffler is a great choice!

 

Dynomax, borla, magnaflow no real difference. But dynomax does advertise highest flow.

 

So the next question is: with my current power levels, I'm assuming 2.5" in/out would still be efficient? Or should I move up to 3"? I've been looking at all three of these companies and I think I'm just going to find a good deal on one of the three and go with it unless there's a reason to go a specific direction.

 

i believe 2 1/2 duals are good to around 500 +/- hp and these cars dont have a ton of room for true duals so id say 3in duals would be a little much. i started building a set of 3in xpiped duals on my 82 trans am when i was building a forged alumiunm headed 383 that i was shooting on running 10s in but ended up selling everything and actualy have what i built leaning up against the wall in my garage lol.

 

im a fan of the hooker aero chambers

 

That's one I actually did not look up yet. I'll see if I can dig up some good youtube videos.

 

2.25 or 2.5 duals is fine. If your planning more mods I would jus go ahead and do the 2.5's

 

Currently bidding on a set of lightly used Borla turbo's in 2.5 in/out. Hoping I can score these for $100.