Can't decide on a muffler

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Jul 14, 2018 | 10:31 AM
  #1  
Hey guys, I just put a 383 stroker in my car that I had built locally. I'm getting close to firing it for the first time so I'm working on the last couple things. I put Dyno Dons headers on and have the Dyno Dons y pipe and 3 inch intermediate pipe ordered.

My biggest dilemma right now is choosing if I want to still do the 1 in 2 out muffler with the dual pipes or just go with a 1 in 1 out high flow muffler like this new muffler from Black Widow Exhaust

http://www.blackwidowexhaust.com/muf...egory=28866766

I just think the car will look odd with one exhaust pipe on the left side versus the dual exhaust pipes that it came with. I want the car to sound mean, I'm not worried about interior drone or being pulled over for a loud exhaust since this car is ideally not going to see too much city driving.

What muffler are you guys running? anyone using a single exit muffler? I'd love to hear some sound clips as well
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Jul 14, 2018 | 01:03 PM
  #2  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Seems like you want the car to be very loud. I’m very interested in the Gibson MWA muffler. It’d be pretty cool to hear it on these cars. I would do dual tail pipes for sure. No matter what muffler you choose, dual pipes could be fabbed up. Single outlet muffler just add a Y at the end and fab up the second pipe.
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Jul 14, 2018 | 01:08 PM
  #3  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
That’s also what I was thinking but with how the muffler points to the driver side wheel area, adding the second pipe off the Y would require a pipe that does a 180 degree turn back to the passenger side which would be hard to get with 3” pipe

I work with metal and can tig weld so I’m not concerned with making stuff work, I just don’t have any good way to bend pipe at home
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Jul 14, 2018 | 01:32 PM
  #4  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: or just go with a 1 in 1 out high flow muffler like this new muffler from Black Widow Exhaust

http://www.blackwidowexhaust.com/muf...egory=28866766
Big no to that muffler you linked to.
I've ran a cheapo muffler that looked exactly like that on a 355 and I blew it out in a few weeks. Sounded great when it wasn't blown out, extremely deep tone. My advice is to go with Magnaflow. They have a whole host of straight thru mufflers in varying lengths and widths. You can hide the tail pipe so most people wont even see the exhaust tip.
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Jul 14, 2018 | 01:34 PM
  #5  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote:
That’s also what I was thinking but with how the muffler points to the driver side wheel area, adding the second pipe off the Y would require a pipe that does a 180 degree turn back to the passenger side which would be hard to get with 3” pipe

I work with metal and can tig weld so I’m not concerned with making stuff work, I just don’t have any good way to bend pipe at home
Look up pie cut exhaust on YouTube by the fabrication series guy. I've used this method on headers and exhaust and they turn out pretty good.
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Jul 14, 2018 | 01:39 PM
  #6  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
thanks for the advice Tibo, I figured black widow was a quality brand due to their popularity booming lately.

I'll look into magnaflows options, I kinda wrote them off since everyone either has a Magnaflow or a Flowmaster. Kinda wanted to try something different but honestly if it sounds and flows good then I have no reason to complain.
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Jul 14, 2018 | 01:42 PM
  #7  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: Look up pie cut exhaust on YouTube by the fabrication series guy. I've used this method on headers and exhaust and they turn out pretty good.
I watch that guy all the time lol. I am familiar with pie cut exhausts, haven't tried it myself though. definitely would give it a shot if I end up in a tight spot
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Jul 14, 2018 | 02:38 PM
  #8  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
I’m running Borlas...sound amazing. But as far as decibels, they’re on the quieter end of the muffler spectrum. I was running a Spintech muffler before....very aggressive sound but I don’t think they flow very well.
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Jul 15, 2018 | 01:25 PM
  #9  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
SLP loudmouth is what im interested in.
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Jul 15, 2018 | 03:50 PM
  #10  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Thinking about putting a smaller sized muffler around where the cat was and then running over the rear axle and splitting it into two tail pipes. Seems to be the most efficient way of retaining the dual pipe look with a bullet muffler
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Jul 15, 2018 | 04:20 PM
  #11  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
I have a hooker aero chamber single in dual out on a 350, mild cam, Dyno Dons, no cat and stock otherwise. If it is a restriction I can't tell and its fairly loud with no cat(s). Sounds healthy, I can imagine with something serious in front of it would enhance all of those qualities apart from the restriction category. I have a Magnaflow 3" single in dual out, 383 LT1, Kooks long tubes (nothing stock about it) on my 97 and its comparable in the loudness category. You can't play around in the neighborhood with either system without the entire neighborhood knowing about it. The Hooker seems like it may have more mid-low frequency and the Magnaflow may be more of a mid-high frequency but that could be the difference in the engines.
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Jul 15, 2018 | 07:03 PM
  #12  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote:
Thinking about putting a smaller sized muffler around where the cat was and then running over the rear axle and splitting it into two tail pipes. Seems to be the most efficient way of retaining the dual pipe look with a bullet muffler

Just buy this and mod it to fit
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sle-31042a
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Jul 15, 2018 | 09:33 PM
  #13  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: Just buy this and mod it to fit
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sle-31042a
That is the system I am leaning towards, video clips sounds awesome. I'd love to hear one in person behind a healthy small block.
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Jul 16, 2018 | 02:04 AM
  #14  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
I have a home built system on my LT383. Dyno Don shorties into a 3.5 inch mandrel bent single exhaust running two dynomax 3.5 18 inch race bullets. It sounds beyond awesome
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Jul 16, 2018 | 09:08 AM
  #15  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
From the posts I've read, the 1 in / 1 out flows and performs better than 1 in / 2 out...
The 1 in / 1 out Flowmaster system I have has a short pipe, so it's "hidden" and doesn't stick out the back... I actually used engine primer / paint and painted it all black...

So are you after performance or look? That is your true question...
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Jul 16, 2018 | 10:42 AM
  #16  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Why not just run true dual exhaust instead of the y-pipe?
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Jul 16, 2018 | 11:38 AM
  #17  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Currently running a crossflow (1 into 2) traditional style hooker aerochamber and it sounds awesome. Getting ready to swap to a Mufflex/spintech 1 in 1 out.

....if ya want that dual look, you can call mufflex and he'll make you a system that goes over the axle, splits...and has 2 magnaflow race mufflers pointing straight back, in the traditional tailpipe locations. I was gonna do it, but the race mufflers are a little louder than i want and other mufflers won't fit in that configuration. I asked, lol.
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Jul 16, 2018 | 03:18 PM
  #18  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: Why not just run true dual exhaust instead of the y-pipe?
thats a further down the road plan
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Jul 16, 2018 | 03:19 PM
  #19  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: Currently running a crossflow (1 into 2) traditional style hooker aerochamber and it sounds awesome. Getting ready to swap to a Mufflex/spintech 1 in 1 out.

....if ya want that dual look, you can call mufflex and he'll make you a system that goes over the axle, splits...and has 2 magnaflow race mufflers pointing straight back, in the traditional tailpipe locations. I was gonna do it, but the race mufflers are a little louder than i want and other mufflers won't fit in that configuration. I asked, lol.
This sounds pretty cool, only problem is I already ordered Dyno Don's 3"intermediate. I might try to make something like this myself.
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Jul 16, 2018 | 03:20 PM
  #20  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: From the posts I've read, the 1 in / 1 out flows and performs better than 1 in / 2 out...
The 1 in / 1 out Flowmaster system I have has a short pipe, so it's "hidden" and doesn't stick out the back... I actually used engine primer / paint and painted it all black...

So are you after performance or look? That is your true question...
performance over looks but Ideally I'd like to get the best of both worlds.
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Jul 16, 2018 | 03:21 PM
  #21  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: I have a home built system on my LT383. Dyno Don shorties into a 3.5 inch mandrel bent single exhaust running two dynomax 3.5 18 inch race bullets. It sounds beyond awesome
have any pics?
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Jul 16, 2018 | 03:34 PM
  #22  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: thanks for the advice Tibo, I figured black widow was a quality brand due to their popularity booming lately.

I'll look into magnaflows options, I kinda wrote them off since everyone either has a Magnaflow or a Flowmaster. Kinda wanted to try something different but honestly if it sounds and flows good then I have no reason to complain.
Magnaflow (as well as most mufflers) sound different depending on the setup.. Ive complimented many people on their exhaust and it’s usually Magnaflow or Borla. I’m always surprised at the differences in sound with/without headers, cats, engine build, etc..

I love my Magnaflow and get compliments all the time, but I’m usually not expecting people to say “Magnaflow” when I compliment them.. makes me want headers sometimes..
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Jul 17, 2018 | 12:19 AM
  #23  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: have any pics?
I can take some tomorrow
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Jul 22, 2018 | 09:47 PM
  #24  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
I'm using a pypes m-80 race pro muffler 3"in and out. Its deep and loud. I def cant sneak up with it lol. Exhaust tip is up and hidden at the rear
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Jul 23, 2018 | 10:00 AM
  #25  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
I'll get some of the rear muffler today

Can't decide on a muffler-fb_img_1503432768213.jpg   Can't decide on a muffler-fb_img_1503432775975.jpg   Can't decide on a muffler-fb_img_1503432801582.jpg  

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Jul 25, 2018 | 05:53 AM
  #26  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
I've been messing with these cars since the early 90's and I've tried all sorts of things to try to get duals to look right under the back of these cars, when it comes down to it everything just sort of looks a little out of place.

I finally settled on tucking the exhaust up and putting a turndown so you can't see it from behind, kind of like the stock tailpipes, I even paint it back (it's on the driver's side if you're looking):



As far as single vs dual, as a rule, single in single out mufflers will flow better than a crossflow muffler (single in, dual out from each side). I've pretty much standardized on whatever is the highest flow single in/out Dynomax ultraflow welded that fits my application (Dynomax is the only company that I've seen that actually publishes flow numbers for their mufflers). They flow as well or better than everything I've found that is comparable.

The only real problem that I've run into with this is that they tend to be quiet. My car sounded a lot like stock, and a friend's Camaro with a flowmaster on it would drown it out idling 20feet away. My solution- I put a cutout in the intermediate pipe. That way when I want something quiet I close it, and when I want loud, I mean full race car loud (I have a biggish cam, headers, no cats... before my cutout). Not a great example (the background noise is some dirt bikes/ATV's with just as loud exhaust so they sound quite loud also making it sound much tamer than it is):


Quote:
Thinking about putting a smaller sized muffler around where the cat was and then running over the rear axle and splitting it into two tail pipes. Seems to be the most efficient way of retaining the dual pipe look with a bullet muffler
The further up in the exhaust the restriction (muffler) is the more it affects power... The only real advantage to doing this is that in a quick visual inspection it could be mistaken for a cat.
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Jul 25, 2018 | 05:12 PM
  #27  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
The facial expression in that video when you turn around Mark is priceless lol...

- Rob
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Jul 25, 2018 | 06:17 PM
  #28  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: The facial expression in that video when you turn around Mark is priceless lol...

- Rob
LOL, I always feel like I just look like a big goof...

I wish I had the facial expressions of the owner of the teal camaro behind me and his girlfriend afterward. She was trying to shoot video from the passenger side, they didn't realize I was going to do that big a burnout and she started running when she started getting pelted with rubber. When I came back he looked at the front of his car and noticed it was plastered in rubber and he just put that hood on it and repainted the frront end...
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Jul 26, 2018 | 01:19 AM
  #29  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: I’m running Borlas...sound amazing. But as far as decibels, they’re on the quieter end of the muffler spectrum. I was running a Spintech muffler before....very aggressive sound but I don’t think they flow very well.
My Borla catback is also on the quieter side, but still has a very nice sound. There is an adapter plate that lets you adjust how much exhaust doesn't go thru the muffler. The adapter plate are just 3 different sized circles that bolt right on, very simple to adjust as long as the exhaust isn't melting you skin. I currently have the quietest setting on (o all of the exhaust route through the muffler). The high quality piping, adjustable volume, and throaty sound almost justify the $900 price tag IMHO.
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Jul 26, 2018 | 08:05 AM
  #30  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: LOL, I always feel like I just look like a big goof...

I wish I had the facial expressions of the owner of the teal camaro behind me and his girlfriend afterward. She was trying to shoot video from the passenger side, they didn't realize I was going to do that big a burnout and she started running when she started getting pelted with rubber. When I came back he looked at the front of his car and noticed it was plastered in rubber and he just put that hood on it and repainted the frront end...
It sounds real good though. Need to meet up at a track one weekend if possible...

- Rob
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Jul 26, 2018 | 08:08 AM
  #31  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: What muffler are you guys running? anyone using a single exit muffler? I'd love to hear some sound clips as well...
Right now I am running LTH with a Flowmaster. Can get you a sound clip Tyler if you'd like...

- Rob
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Jul 26, 2018 | 12:17 PM
  #32  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: Right now I am running LTH with a Flowmaster.

Can get you a sound clip Tyler if you'd like...
Here you go bro...

- Rob

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Jul 26, 2018 | 01:22 PM
  #33  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: Here you go bro...

- Rob

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi9Q9VR-VOQ
That sounds great.. nice!
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Jul 28, 2018 | 12:44 AM
  #34  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quote: That sounds great.. nice!
Thanks man! Thinking about installing a resonator if I keep them on because they are very loud.

- Rob
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Jul 28, 2018 | 06:01 AM
  #35  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
I have a single system, homemade 3" y pipe to a flowmaster scavenger series y collector, 4 " single after the y to a Magna flow race muffler. Biggest pita was making the y pipe to fit around the UMI trans crossmemeber

Quote:
What muffler are you guys running? anyone using a single exit muffler? I'd love to hear some sound clips as well
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Jul 28, 2018 | 06:04 AM
  #36  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Quick clip of my car warming up out in the street, I'm about 100ft away in my garage

://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNUnFwL9G6Q
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Jul 28, 2018 | 10:11 AM
  #37  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Rob and 84 z28, those both sound great, really appreciate the sound clips.

Honestly thinking about just using an 80 series flowmaster to make this easy but I know they're like universally hated lol
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Jun 21, 2024 | 12:26 PM
  #38  
Re: Can't decide on a muffler
Build the exhaust used on the GM Motorsports / Player's Series cars. You can be as loud and obnoxious as you want and then cap it off when you don't.
And it's a true dual exhaust.
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