Looking for a muffler that won't rust out too quickly

[PittVXr]

My VehiCROSS failed PA state inspection yesterday because my Dynomax SuperTurbo muffler had multiple holes rusted through it. I have had the muffler for 3 and a half years and honestly thought it would last a little longer than that. Anybody running anything else that seems to hold up longer? I'm sure that road salt is the culprit.

[89Vette]

Fiberglass packing may be the bigger issue. Also, how long to run the car on average can make a HUGE difference.

People driving short trips typically rust out mufflers on a much faster basis -- because they aren't driving their cars long enough to heat up, and dry out the muffer. Even though they're rust resistant...they still rust.

It may be that a muffler without fiberglass packing (as SuperTurbo's have) would last longer for you. OTOH, anything of that config will be a big louder...unless you add some resonators at the tail pipe. The later can be done...at a reasonable price. Just go to your nearest muffler shop, have them install a "life-time" muffler and resonators. You'll probably be just as well off vs any recommendation. (BTW..those cheapy muffler shop brands never have fiberglass packing...since that accelerates deterioration. It's also why they're a bit louder.)

Unless you want to spring for a stainless muffler? IIRC, Dynomax makes those too.

I've had some luck with a company called SpinTech. Their muffler cases are HEAVY duty and seem to last well. I've not had one long enough to wear one out though (2 yrs). But, I just pulled it from my Corvette and it show's little sign of rust (including internally) after those 2years. Only thing is...it's as heavy as a tank.

On YouTube, google "SpinTech muffler V6". You'll find a 6-cylinder Mustang that sounds JUST LIKE A VEHICROSS SHOULD! LOL

I'll be putting one on my VX soon. It's actually ordered and shipped, but major surgery will delay installation for a month/two.

[Ldub]

Totally agree.

Borla is another one to look at in the stainless steel market. They have a "million mile warranty" for whatever THAT's worth...:_confused

I had one on Suzy, & found it to be too loud & raspy, enough that I didn't bother with the possibility of a warranty claim when a baffle on the inside let loose & started a harmonic rattle @ certain rpm's...:upsetgray

I like my Super Turbo for sound, not too quiet, not too loud...just right, for ME.

Like the ferocious roar/ nice idle rumble of the spin tec's, but just too loud for me.

[89Vette]

Like the ferocious roar/ nice idle rumble of the spin tec's, but just too loud for me.

Have you run SpinTech on anything? VX?

FWIW, I pulled my current SpinTech to soften the sound of my vette. I actually stuck a center cat back in...instead of the SpinTech. The difference was subtle...but also big in the problem (drone) rpm. (I wonder if the 3000XLP would have done the same thing.)

Ironically, the best, most VX-sounding YouTube clip has the loudest SpinTech race muffer on it. Sounds the deepest. In the vids, the deep tones seem to disappear with quieter version of the SpinTech line-up...but my 3000XL muffler had way more deep rumble than high-end bark. (Not exactly what I wanted for the vette...but sounds like a great option for the VX!)

For the VX, I ordered the quieter 3000XLP model. Plus, I'll be installing resonators (glass packs, resonated tips, or both) after the axle. I'm also trying the single-in/dual-out model to give the VX dual exhaust.

I'm hoping the extra attenuation will make for a quiet enough ride.

[Ldub]

Have you run SpinTech on anything? VX?


I was basing my opinion on the vid links you posted, why?...:confused:

[Maddawg]

I had the Flowmaster 50 series on the VX. It had a nice tone at idle, beyond that it was obnoxious as hell. Lived with it for about 6 months and dumped it on eBay. Back to the stock muffler. I never noticed any difference in performance or fuel economy as they advertised.

[Leon R]

Similar to Borla, but cheaper, Ultraflow and Megaflow both make excellent stainless, "straight through" mufflers for around $100 and they flow better than a straight pipe of the same diameter (they are a bit bigger on the inside than inlet/outlet pipes). Megaflow tends to be a bit quieter than Ultraflow.

"Turbo" mufflers are cheapest "performance" mufflers you can get, they flow slightly better than OEM and they are cheap, unless you are a 17 year old on a tight budget, you should stay away from them...

Flowmaster are basically higher quality turbo muffler with a sound that is popular in certain V8 communities. They flow slightly better than regular turbo mufflers (and usually advertise that fact), but... that doesn't mean much... Being better than a $30 turbo muffler is nothing to brag about, IMO! Notice how they never claim to flow better than the "straight through" mufflers like: Borla, Ulatraflow or Megaflow...

[89Vette]

I was basing my opinion on the vid links you posted, why?...:confused:

Just curious. Any guidance (from first hand VX users) on additional resonators (ie a good combo) would have been appreciated.

Thanks anyway!

[tom4bren]

Borla is another one to look at in the stainless steel market.

I offered to bring my VX into the Borla facility in Tennessee for them to take measurements to offer a cat back system for us. They said "Thank you but no thank you".

You can get the piece parts from them to build up a custom system though.

[Ldub]

Any guidance on additional resonators (ie a good combo) would have been appreciated.


I used one of these to knock the Borla raspiness down a few db...

http://pitstopusa.com/i-5062802-dynatech-vortex-cone-insert-muffler-slips-into-3-collectors.html

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/002rescone.JPG

Also, look for Kenny's posts on mufflers/resonators.

[Cobrajet]

I used one of these to knock the Borla raspiness down a few db...

That looks a lot like the "wheezinator" that came on the original PV1 catback system. I spent HOURS pulling that thing out to make my muffler sound right. :_confused

[Maddawg]

Hahahahah, "wheezinator"!! Thats a classic. Must introduce into the muffler slang Hall of Fame. Good one!!

[Ldub]

Hahahahah, "wheezinator"!! Thats a classic. Must introduce into the muffler slang Hall of Fame. Good one!!

Iff'n y'gonna be anybody, or anything...ya NEEDS tha whistle tips...WOOOOOO...WOOOOOOO...:yesgray:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CEQQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D0x_ PyLw_xp8&ei=0THiUIO-CsGzqgHxsoG4Bw&usg=AFQjCNGJzDw-2f0hyPeabQST7iktUOrD-g&sig2=lPfjV0NNvNzCdYAvdUasXg&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM

Ya GOTS ta get'cha some...or even ONE...:thumbup:

Guaran-dam-teed, not ta rust before ya runs outta da KOOLs...:yesgray:

[89Vette]

I used one of these to knock the Borla raspiness down a few db...

http://pitstopusa.com/i-5062802-dynatech-vortex-cone-insert-muffler-slips-into-3-collectors.html

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/002rescone.JPG

Also, look for Kenny's posts on mufflers/resonators.

For $75 a pop, I really hope you're kidding. Resonators/glasspacks are only $20 ea. Even some nice chrome/stainless resonated tips can cost less.

[89Vette]

Iff'n y'gonna be anybody, or anything...ya NEEDS tha whistle tips...WOOOOOO...WOOOOOOO...:yesgray:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CEQQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D0x_ PyLw_xp8&ei=0THiUIO-CsGzqgHxsoG4Bw&usg=AFQjCNGJzDw-2f0hyPeabQST7iktUOrD-g&sig2=lPfjV0NNvNzCdYAvdUasXg&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM

Ya GOTS ta get'cha some...or even ONE...:thumbup:

Guaran-dam-teed, not ta rust before ya runs outta da KOOLs...:yesgray:


Priceless!

[Ldub]

For $75 a pop, I really hope you're kidding. Resonators/glasspacks are only $20 ea. Even some nice chrome/stainless resonated tips can cost less.

OK...convo over...nice talkin' witcha...:yes:

[Dmitrikr]

just got one installed on my friend 99 VX. She does not like rummble of perfomance mufflers, so had to search for other options. Decided to go with bosal muffler for 01 trooper
http://f4.foto.rambler.ru/preview/r/400x300/50e64139-8a82-adb6-9d87-60cc171f671f/DSCF5165.jpg (http://foto.rambler.ru/photos/50e64139-8a82-adb6-9d87-60cc171f671f/) see the difference in the size of bosal muffler and cheap economy line muffler.
http://f2.foto.rambler.ru/preview/r/400x300/50e64128-5256-16e8-9d87-5d04cfcbdc41/DSCF5161.jpg (http://foto.rambler.ru/photos/50e64128-5256-16e8-9d87-5d04cfcbdc41/)

then make some cuts
http://f4.foto.rambler.ru/preview/r/400x300/50e64148-9a6d-260a-9d87-f2ca07f0eca3/DSCF5166.jpg (http://foto.rambler.ru/photos/50e64148-9a6d-260a-9d87-f2ca07f0eca3/)

.... and welds.. (too bad don't have good pipe bender to make a nice transition).... and fitments..and bad language... and final....
http://f1.foto.rambler.ru/preview/r/400x300/50e64168-5757-7c8d-9d87-dc6acacab624/DSCF5170.jpg (http://foto.rambler.ru/photos/50e64168-5757-7c8d-9d87-dc6acacab624/)
http://f3.foto.rambler.ru/preview/r/400x300/50e64179-5d65-c9bb-9d87-99f7c0f80312/DSCF5171.jpg (http://foto.rambler.ru/photos/50e64179-5d65-c9bb-9d87-99f7c0f80312/)
http://f4.foto.rambler.ru/preview/r/400x300/50e64157-ff7f-7a42-9d87-c03662e2b0eb/DSCF5168.jpg (http://foto.rambler.ru/photos/50e64157-ff7f-7a42-9d87-c03662e2b0eb/)
sound is good. My guess: good muffler shop can do the same with easy.

[Maddawg]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...55534169,d.aWM



Lol, only in California. But coming your way.

[blacksambo]

We like the OEM mufflers (albeit expensive: $500), they last 13 years in upstate NY salted highway use.

[blacksambo]

Oh. One alternative is to buy a used OEM; they work out pretty well. KAT knows of plenty of VX Wrecks, and junk yard guys are only too happy to pull them off and sell them ( approx. $100). Try to keep the pipe flanges intact, but if not weld your oid pieces right on the replacement.

[89Vette]

I'd be concerned about that internal valve being rusted/frozen. It's why I've decided to redo mine...sort of an odd sound in the exhaust (seems restricted) and it did sit in storage for 2yrs before I bought it.

Sitting is not good for automobiles.

[blacksambo]

Never had a frozen valve in several take off installs we've tried. For what ever that's worth.

[89Vette]

Never had a frozen valve in several take off installs we've tried. For what ever that's worth.

Interesting that you'd cut open each muffler to check that....and that you didn't confirm the valve's existence when I posted about it last summer.

[blacksambo]

Well, you can hear it moving when you rock the unattached muffler. that's all the proof we have until we cut one up, but the key is we've never had the moving piece lock up on us. How's that?

[89Vette]

"Noise" in an old, rusty "take-off" muffler isn't proof of anything related to my comment that the valve could seize after sitting for a time....on a salvage unit that is. I would be surprised if old mufflers didn't make noise when shaken. Plus, in your case, I assume they hadn't sat for months.

[evillecutter]

Well, you can hear it moving when you rock the unattached muffler. that's all the proof we have until we cut one up, but the key is we've never had the moving piece lock up on us. How's that?

i cut mine up for s & g - i have pics in my gallery - that valve does not seem like something that would easily stick

[Daly]

Not sure if you have any American Muffler shops near you but after my OEM and then replacement muffler rotted out I went to them. $125 muffler and tail pipe installed, muffler guaranteed for life. Also quieter then the OEM was.

[89Vette]

i cut mine up for s & g - i have pics in my gallery - that valve does not seem like something that would easily stick

One would hope their design accounted for rust potential. I hope for most owners, that this valve doesn't add another think to replace/worry about.


Not sure if you have any American Muffler shops near you but after my OEM and then replacement muffler rotted out I went to them. $125 muffler and tail pipe installed, muffler guaranteed for life. Also quieter then the OEM was.

Typically, your $125 muffler shop muffler would not be a quiet as a stock muffler....largely because they don't include the [higher-cost] internal packing. (My shop said they could never get it as quiet as stock with their off-the-shelf lifetime mufflers. Actually, that packing also tends to accumulate moisture...raising the odds of rust-out.)

[PittVXr]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I spoke to Dynomax and they do offer a limited lifetime warranty on the Super Turbo mufflers. I'll keep you posted if they honor it.

[Maddawg]

i cut mine up for s & g - i have pics in my gallery - that valve does not seem like something that would easily stick

Nice pics and lots of them, but without some verbage with each pic, this newb doesn't see the valve thats being referred to. :confused:

[blacksambo]

[QUOTE=89Vette;273019]One would hope their design accounted for rust potential. I hope for most owners, that this valve doesn't add another think to replace/worry about.



Like I said, even on older take offs no problems with valves freezing, ever!

[PittVXr]

Spoke to Dynomax yesterday. New muffler arrived this morning! I had originally ordered it from Summit Racing online. They shipped me a new one and want me to sent the old one back to them. They are even paying shipping both ways. Here's hoping the new one lasts a little longer.

[Leon R]

Why would you assume that? You get what you pay for with tubo mufflers: (very) slight performance increase, low cost, relatively loud sound and short life expectancy. They are great economy mufflers, as long you do not anything more from them.

[Ldub]

Why would you assume that? You get what you pay for with tubo mufflers: (very) slight performance increase, low cost, relatively loud sound and short life expectancy. They are great economy mufflers, as long you do not anything more from them.

Ummmmm...I'll have to disagree on the sound...my Dynomax Super Turbo is FAR quieter than the Borla I had previously.
It is actually fairly quiet at normal, non lead foot, around town/highway driving.

The only time it lets itself be known, is under spirited acceleration...:yesgray:

When this one goes south, I'm buy'n another...:yes:

[blacksambo]

Sounds good.

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

Magnaflow

[89Vette]

I'll be putting one on my VX soon. It's actually ordered and shipped, but major surgery will delay installation for a month/two.

Looks like I'll get the opportunity to mount/vid the SpinTech sitting in my garage, because....

My surgery was a complete success! 100% of the pituitary tumor removed w/o collateral incident/damage. Should be going home (from the hospital) tomorrow.

Feeling pretty good for what just happened this week! I'm pumped!!!!

:jump:

[Mile High VX]

Looks like I'll get the opportunity to mount/vid the SpinTech sitting in my garage, because....

My surgery was a complete success! 100% of the pituitary tumor removed w/o collateral incident/damage. Should be going home (from the hospital) tomorrow.

Feeling pretty good for what just happened this week! I'm pumped!!!!

:jump:

Woo Hoo! Great news from you!

:LineWave::LineWave::LineWave::LineWave:

[Maddawg]

Looks like I'll get the opportunity to mount/vid the SpinTech sitting in my garage, because....

My surgery was a complete success! 100% of the pituitary tumor removed w/o collateral incident/damage. Should be going home (from the hospital) tomorrow.

Feeling pretty good for what just happened this week! I'm pumped!!!!

:jump:

Hey, good for you! Congrats!!! :) :) :)

[Ldub]

My surgery was a complete success! 100% of the pituitary tumor removed w/o collateral incident/damage. Should be going home (from the hospital) tomorrow.


:thumbup:..:thumbup:

[blacksambo]

Your health is your wealth!

[evillecutter]

great news!

[89Vette]

The SpinTech -- with resonators/tips are mounted now. Looks great. Sound is close to perfect...depending on what a person likes.

I think the sound is mellower than a SuperTurbo...I'll have to figure out how to post a vid.

OTOH. I was getting pretty used to having a vehicle that was (nearly) factory quiet. Can't decide if/how much I like the sound yet...especially being a guy with a V8 as my other car. It's just not the same.

Kinda sounds like a rear-engine Porshe or something. Hmmmm...

On a related note, I can hear that valve flopping as I tilt/shake the old muffler. I am surprised! I kept it on the off-chance someone might want it. (Let me know if you guys think I should throw it away...though functional with [presumeablely] 90k miles on it.)

Oh yeah....like the one guy who posted inordinate improvement in response after installation of a new muffler, that didn't happen to me. Still the same performance/response level. Another reason to assume proper operation of the former muffler/system.

[Ldub]

I kept it on the off-chance someone might want it. (Let me know if you guys think I should throw it away...though functional with [presumeablely] 90k miles on it.)


I'd keep it, it seems like every 6-8 months, there is someone looking for one.

[newthings]

Your installer may do this automatically, but if a tiny hole gets punched in the muffler rear end plate at the low point, you will get another year out of the muffler. A little water will sometimes accumulate and it works it's rust bad magic over time.
Roy

[blacksambo]

Your installer may do this automatically, but if a tiny hole gets punched in the muffler rear end plate at the low point, you will get another year out of the muffler. A little water will sometimes accumulate and it works it's rust bad magic over time.
Roy

Good point!

[89Vette]

The SpinTech -- with resonators/tips are mounted now. Looks great. Sound is close to perfect...depending on what a person likes.

I think the sound is mellower than a SuperTurbo...I'll have to figure out how to post a vid.

OTOH. I was getting pretty used to having a vehicle that was (nearly) factory quiet. Can't decide if/how much I like the sound yet...especially being a guy with a V8 as my other car. It's just not the same.

Kinda sounds like a rear-engine Porshe or something. Hmmmm...

On a related note, I can hear that valve flopping as I tilt/shake the old muffler. I am surprised! I kept it on the off-chance someone might want it. (Let me know if you guys think I should throw it away...though functional with [presumeablely] 90k miles on it.)

Oh yeah....like the one guy who posted inordinate improvement in response after installation of a new muffler, that didn't happen to me. Still the same performance/response level. Another reason to assume proper operation of the former muffler/system.

Man, i wish it would warm-up...so I can take pics and try increasing my AFPR.

Another interesting observation....I was getting an occasional Fuel EVAP code before the muffler install. Just often enough to keep the Engine light lit most of the time. I even got one EGR code.

Since my muffler install, no codes. None. Zero. Weird, huh.