3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
#1
3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
I'm piecing together some new exhaust bits, as the old system has been cut and welded too many times. Looks jenky....weird bends....doesn't tuck as tight as it should, etc. etc. When it's done I should have a nice clean 3" pipe all way over the axle, terminating in a nice convenient 3 bolt flange. I DO like the tone of both the Hooker Aerochamber and Spintech 6000 mufflers, but I wouldn't mind a little more volume. I don't like bullets, I don't like cut outs, but I'd like a little more volume. Would simply running a larger inlet/outlet diameter muffler essentially keep the sound the same but bump up the volume? It would take only minimal additional work to weld in a 3 to 3.5 or 4" adapter. ...since the whole system will be new anyway, it wouldn't affect hanger placement either.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
#2
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Car: '89 Firebird
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Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
Smaller mufflers are louder. Just look for smaller case size.
#3
Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
Yeah...I'm just trying to keep the tone...but up the volume. While the smaller mufflers do "muffle" the volume less, which is good, they also sound closer to raspy open pipes, which I don't like. Guess I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too, lol. Thought maybe a slightly larger muffler would sound a little better, but the larger pipe would help to boost the volume.
#4
Supreme Member
Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
My understanding is that often the difference between a 3" and 3.5" muffler is just that. The size of the fittings. The CFM capabilities of the muffler remain largely the same. So simply getting your Spintech with larger fittings might not get you what you're after.
About the only way to guarantee increased volume or CFM would be check the specs for each.
About the only way to guarantee increased volume or CFM would be check the specs for each.
#5
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Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
If you want it a little louder just use a very short (6") turndown right after the muffler. No 90° turn with another foot or two of pipe to exit out the bottom of the bumper. How much pipe and how many turns it has after the muffler also effect sound. Look into the Magnaflow round straight through style. You can get them in almost any case diameter and length to make them shorter like quick trip mentioned.
#6
Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
My understanding is that often the difference between a 3" and 3.5" muffler is just that. The size of the fittings. The CFM capabilities of the muffler remain largely the same.
If you want it a little louder just use a very short (6") turndown right after the muffler.
#7
Supreme Member
Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
Some interesting data in the attached link. CFM, Db, HP/TQ...
http://www.midatlanticperformance.ne...pic=321.0;wap2
http://www.midatlanticperformance.ne...pic=321.0;wap2
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#9
Supreme Member
Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
It's also said that 2.2 CFM/HP of exhaust flow is required before the restriction starts to limit peak output.
So 400 HP needs an entire exhaust capable of moving 800+ CFM before output is reduced. Not an easy task considering that our platform is based on a single muffler. Without taking into account the exhaust pipes before, finding an 800 CFM muffler lands you in the bullet/race muffler category. And arguably loud.
That said, if the last several percent of output isn't that critical, then the options open up somewhat.
Then there's this route. A cutout but not in the typical location. It simply reduces the muffler's impact on the back pressure induced. This when opened has proven 1/4 mile improvements over the otherwise corked up single 3" Flowmaster.
So 400 HP needs an entire exhaust capable of moving 800+ CFM before output is reduced. Not an easy task considering that our platform is based on a single muffler. Without taking into account the exhaust pipes before, finding an 800 CFM muffler lands you in the bullet/race muffler category. And arguably loud.
That said, if the last several percent of output isn't that critical, then the options open up somewhat.
Then there's this route. A cutout but not in the typical location. It simply reduces the muffler's impact on the back pressure induced. This when opened has proven 1/4 mile improvements over the otherwise corked up single 3" Flowmaster.
#10
Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
I try to base my decision off performance, but I don't race. At the end of the day, as long as it's not drastically hurting performance, I'll survive. I'm currently running a 3" system with a crossflow muffler, with a cutout right in front of the rear wheel. I can't feel a drastic difference, although I wouldn't be surprised to hear it gained a few ticks.
#11
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Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
I don't think your engine pulls high enough rpm's to be concerned much about muffler flow. Just get something you like and it will work well enough.
#12
Supreme Member
Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
True enough and with the Hooker Aerochamber and Spintech 6000 on the table it's unlikely that lack of flow will be an issue. Now if Abubaca had been considering the venerable 275 CFM Flowmaster, then this conversation might take a different turn.
#13
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Car: '89 Firebird
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Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
The only people that buy Flowmaster are old men because that's what they learned in the 1980's.
#15
Re: 3" exhaust with 3.5" muffler?
I don't think your engine pulls high enough rpm's to be concerned much about muffler flow.
....actually been looking at the Holley/Hooker Max Flow too. Seems to sound similar to the Aerochamber, but be a little louder. ....and it says MAXFLOW.....so it's gotta have MAXIMUM FLOW, right?
LOL@ Flowmasters. Ummmmm no.
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