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...

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...

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?...

[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?...

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-dyna...ollectors.html



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.

[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...

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

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

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

[89Vette]

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

http://pitstopusa.com/i-5062802-dyna...ollectors.html



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...

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

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

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

Priceless!