Help with Muffler Selection
#1
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Car: 1987 Camaro Iroc-z
Engine: 383
Transmission: T-5
Help with Muffler Selection
Good evening,
I have a 1987 Iroc-z with 383 motor, t-5 transmission, crane cam, hooker headers with 3" y pipe to a summit muffler (3' in, 2.5" out). muffler is same configuration as stock placement.
I'm looking for a muffler that is more noticeable at both idle and WOT...that infamous "muscle car" sound.
Thanks!!!
I have a 1987 Iroc-z with 383 motor, t-5 transmission, crane cam, hooker headers with 3" y pipe to a summit muffler (3' in, 2.5" out). muffler is same configuration as stock placement.
I'm looking for a muffler that is more noticeable at both idle and WOT...that infamous "muscle car" sound.
Thanks!!!
Last edited by matt smash; 11-08-2017 at 06:46 PM. Reason: Typo
#2
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
There's no right answer. Most performance mufflers will work. As to which one sounds best, it's all preference. Youtube is your friend, but keep in mind an aggressive engine is gonna sound better, regardless of what muffler you have.
My choice...since you asked...Hooker Aerochamber.
My choice...since you asked...Hooker Aerochamber.
#4
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
Not flowmaster, not cherry bombs and not straight pipes or any of that standard ******* its LOUD! stuff. Magnaflow, Borla or hooker are good choices.
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Car: 1987 Camaro Iroc-z
Engine: 383
Transmission: T-5
Re: Help with Muffler Selection
Thanks for all the input guys. And yes everyone is going to have their own opinion I get that. This topic will always be a ‘loaded’ question because of that. If I had it in my budget I would probably try going with the whole borla system. Don’t hear of it as often. I know a couple of you said no to cherry bomb but i got a pretty good deal on their vortex. For that it’s atleast worth a try. Thanks again guys! Much appreciated.
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Car: 1982 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: GM crate motor Goodwrench 5.7 350
Transmission: 700R4
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
I ran a knockoff Flowmaster for years, then had a dump installed right after the manifold. The dump was fun for a long time, but after more than an hour on the road the loud drone can be really annoying, plus neighbors hated me leaving for work in the early morning. Been using a Hooker Aerochamber for around 6 months and could not be happier with them!
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#10
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
I’m a huge fan of the Magnaflow with no cat.. it has a nice rumble with no drone and isn’t too loud at idle but it growls hard and loud when you open it up.. really nice sound.. not quite as loud as the Flowmaster, but also more impressive tones IMO
#11
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
Flowmaster sounds good to me too, but it is louder.. it’s preference..
#12
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Car: 89 Firebird
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Re: Help with Mufflelr Selection
I love my 3' Flowmaster cat-delete system I'm running now but had a Borla on my last 3rd gen and by far it was the best sounding I've had or heard on these cars to date.
#13
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
The Magnaflow offering is quiet compared to a lot of the others. I like it for my car (since I want to drive without drone, but hear some noise when I'm hooning,) but others may find it too quiet.
#15
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
I have a 91 305 TPI 5 speed with Hooker 2055's Jet hot coated, Flormasater 3" cat back with the 1 in 1 out muffler.
My neighbor has a 89 305 TPI auto with non coated headers, not sure what size exhaust, and a 1 in 1 out Magnaflow muffler...
Mine sounds good, but I think his sounds better. My Flowmaster sounds "tinny" to me... His is a low deep rumble that travels... I'm headed the Magnaflow route next time...
My neighbor has a 89 305 TPI auto with non coated headers, not sure what size exhaust, and a 1 in 1 out Magnaflow muffler...
Mine sounds good, but I think his sounds better. My Flowmaster sounds "tinny" to me... His is a low deep rumble that travels... I'm headed the Magnaflow route next time...
#18
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
383 motor, crane cam, hooker headers with 3" y pipe......Wanting more idle and WOT sound.
This changes the dynamic considerably compared to most of us who simply want a louder than stock catback on a stock 305/350. I would recommend the Hooker Aerochamber because it has a milder idle sound, that really opens up when you get on it. The Hooker will keep you from annoying yourself with too loud idle volume. It's almost a sleeper exhaust that surprises people when you get on the gas. Whoa, where did that come from?
I don't know if you're running a cat or not.
Borla sound good on a stock engine/exhaust setup, but start to sound raspy when you get too much engine and no cat in there.
Magnaflow is a nice option for you as it has that muscle car idle sound and just the right amount of noise when you get on it. This would probably be my #2 choice after the Hooker Aerochamber.
Flowmaster, no. Too damn loud with this setup. And the drone will annoy you. Especially if you have no cat.
I'm running a GMMG (aka Madhammer) exhaust myself. I think it's the best sounding catback for these cars hands down. Sounds deeper than anything else on the market. However, with a cammed 383 and headers, it's going to sound too loud. Justin had the same exhaust on his Formula here on TGO. But after doing headers and cam, switched to a Magnaflow to tame the sound down. This exhaust does have a wonderful sound when switching gears in a manual that others don't.
My GMMG exhaust is louder with a cat than my old Flowmaster exhaust was without the cat. But I get no drone and more variety of sounds. The Flowmaster was a 1 trick pony.
This changes the dynamic considerably compared to most of us who simply want a louder than stock catback on a stock 305/350. I would recommend the Hooker Aerochamber because it has a milder idle sound, that really opens up when you get on it. The Hooker will keep you from annoying yourself with too loud idle volume. It's almost a sleeper exhaust that surprises people when you get on the gas. Whoa, where did that come from?
I don't know if you're running a cat or not.
Borla sound good on a stock engine/exhaust setup, but start to sound raspy when you get too much engine and no cat in there.
Magnaflow is a nice option for you as it has that muscle car idle sound and just the right amount of noise when you get on it. This would probably be my #2 choice after the Hooker Aerochamber.
Flowmaster, no. Too damn loud with this setup. And the drone will annoy you. Especially if you have no cat.
I'm running a GMMG (aka Madhammer) exhaust myself. I think it's the best sounding catback for these cars hands down. Sounds deeper than anything else on the market. However, with a cammed 383 and headers, it's going to sound too loud. Justin had the same exhaust on his Formula here on TGO. But after doing headers and cam, switched to a Magnaflow to tame the sound down. This exhaust does have a wonderful sound when switching gears in a manual that others don't.
My GMMG exhaust is louder with a cat than my old Flowmaster exhaust was without the cat. But I get no drone and more variety of sounds. The Flowmaster was a 1 trick pony.
#21
Supreme Member
Re: Help with Muffler Selection
To me flowmaster just sounded like someone screaming in your ear non stop. Reminds me of some of the harley guys I ride with that run open pipes. Yes it is loud but not good like someone with a megaphone yelling BlahhHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! in your ear non stop.
I am referring to their American thunder catback or anything like their 40, 80 or 10 series. The regular 50 series sound ok but you hear the trademark tin sneaking in. Never heard a flowmaster I really liked.
I also make a lot of custom exhausts for people and I have removed more flowmaster mufflers than any other type after the owners got sick of them
I am referring to their American thunder catback or anything like their 40, 80 or 10 series. The regular 50 series sound ok but you hear the trademark tin sneaking in. Never heard a flowmaster I really liked.
I also make a lot of custom exhausts for people and I have removed more flowmaster mufflers than any other type after the owners got sick of them
Last edited by midias; 11-13-2017 at 09:23 AM.
#23
Supreme Member
Re: Help with Muffler Selection
Usually Magnaflow but part of that is the stainless body and price. Borla seem second most popular I believe that is because they are expensive but I think sound the best. Hooker Aero chambers are probably 3rd. I have also swapped out a couple OBX and dynomax
#25
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
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Re: Help with Muffler Selection
If I ever switch from my Flowmaster 80 Muffler it will be to a " Hooker Aero Chamber".
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 11-26-2017 at 05:06 PM.
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