Mufflers...again

[Kenny]

Just my $0.02, I'm on my fourth exhaust arrangement (counting stock):
You can typically tame an after market flowmaster, magnaflow, etc.. with glass packs, but our short body can make it a challenge to fit those inserts in - especially if you go duals. It was a squeeze to get mine in.

I find that the short body and the openess of the rear cab makes for a loud ride if you go anything above stock noise levels. It'll be a challenge to try to find a balance between stock and something with bark that you'll like off the hop. The bark is cool, but probably like you I find it can wear off and be annoying or bothersome. I sometimes enjoy getting into other cars and feel the silence.

If your concerned with noise - go beefy and talk with a reputable muffler shop - I ler-ned alot from doze guys, more than from google...
Also, on a 4,000 lb car - the stock muffler mass (~1% ?) is nothing when you factor in a full tank of gas, or bigger rims or roof basket, etc... Maybe the stock muffler helps lower our center of gravity on the trails...;P

Again, just my $0.02 - good luck. Let us know how you make out.

cheers.

[cyronman]

I find that the short body and the openess of the rear cab makes for a loud ride if you go anything above stock noise levels. It'll be a challenge to try to find a balance between stock and something with bark that you'll like off the hop. The bark is cool, but probably like you I find it can wear off and be annoying or bothersome. I sometimes enjoy getting into other cars and feel the silence.

Agreed.
I loved the sound of the Morgan Tec muffler on my Ironman--for a few months. Then, some days it would absolutely HURT to drive! Completely personal issues--it always sounded great!
When I went back to stock recently, I was very pleased with the stock subtleness--until now. Now I miss the growl again!

[JoFotoz]

Just tracked down a new Flowmaster 44 off road black diamond plate muffler...

3.0 center in...dual 2.5 outs...part# 9430452.

Will it fit...we will see...gonna give it a REAL good try!..reducer for the "in"
Would rather have..'off center' 2.5 in, but I do love the black diamond plate!

If this doesnt work...super 40...still dual out.

Problem is...Dual outs...tight...need a few springs/elastics...to get hoses out'o the way.


Its a toss up....but I want a GROWL !


JO


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[Joe Isuzu]

I think I'm ok with something louder than OEM, I mean shoot, the VX is never going to be Lexus-quiet, but I also want something quieter than what I ended up with. I'm toying with the idea of going borla. We will see. As far as lasting a long time I'm under the impression if you get a nice muffler the company usually stands behing you anyway.
I also agree that in the big scheme of things, saving 20-30 pounds off a 4400 lb vehicle isn't much to get excited about, but usually if I go AM, I want something "better" than OEM, even if it's only in terms of saving a little bit of weight. My muffler wasn't in great shape, but it worked and it's gone now, so I need to ride this to fruition and end up better off than how I started. My logic speaking here, I will tell everyone how this all ends up.

[Ldub]

I think I'm ok with something louder than OEM, I mean shoot, the VX is never going to be Lexus-quiet, but I also want something quieter than what I ended up with. I'm toying with the idea of going borla. We will see. As far as lasting a long time I'm under the impression if you get a nice muffler the company usually stands behing you anyway.
I also agree that in the big scheme of things, saving 20-30 pounds off a 4400 lb vehicle isn't much to get excited about, but usually if I go AM, I want something "better" than OEM, even if it's only in terms of saving a little bit of weight. My muffler wasn't in great shape, but it worked and it's gone now, so I need to ride this to fruition and end up better off than how I started. My logic speaking here, I will tell everyone how this all ends up.

FYI, I have a Borla...MUCH lighter than stock, but without the resonator cone I installed in the tip, it was IMO, too loud.
It reminded me of the grain truck (straight six) I learned to drive in on the farm.
Though it has mellowed a bit over the last year or two.
If I had it to do over again, I'd go duals with the Morgan Tec that Kenny traded me for a root beer.
Or a flowmaster 40. 1 in, dual out.
Don't get me wrong, I like my Borla...I'm just sayin'.

Just my two centz.

[Joe Isuzu]

going by memory, I think I have a flowmaster ( I drove the Audi to work today), how do you think your Borla matches up with the flowmaster, noise-wise?

[Ldub]

going by memory, I think I have a flowmaster ( I drove the Audi to work today), how do you think your Borla matches up with the flowmaster, noise-wise?

Well, I'm going from memory too...
But as I remember it, the Flowmeister had a deeper, more rumblier (is that even a word?) sound than the Borla.
While the Borla has kind of a rough/raspy (not ricey) sound under hard acceleration, it has a fairly quiet demeanor at cruising speeds, meanng, I hardly notice the exhaust note at highway & cruising around town speeds.
Hope this is helping, & not making the waters more muddy...