Some vehicles come with a quiet performance muffler when purchased, others are aftermarket add-ons. But what’s the best, and what makes it better than others? Doesn’t it just muffle engine noise?
A quiet muffler is not an oxymoron. It is designed to improve a vehicle’s performance, reduce noise and emissions, and control the way an automobile sounds. Quiet is about controlling the sound from the engine. Performance is about airflow. Sticking on a pretty little clamp-on chrome tailpipe extender doesn’t do either; it often makes performance worse and noise louder.
This guide will look at what makes a quiet performance exhaust system. It’ll explore muffler design, sound absorption, and resonators. Explain how an exhaust system works and its effect on vehicle performance. I’ll then look at the top brands and move on to discuss what features you need to look for before buying one, as well as what you should be wary of and avoid. By the end of this guide, you will be able to make an informed decision on which is the right one for you.
Top Pics for Best Quiet Performance Muffler
- MBRP M2220A 31
- Vibrant 1141 2.5
- Walker 21357 Quiet-Flow Stainless Steel Muffler
- Vibrant 1142 3
- MBRP M1004A Universal Quiet Tone Muffler
- Walker 17886 Economy Pro-Fit Universal Muffler
- EVIL ENERGY Burnt Exhaust Tip Stainless Steel Muffler
- Walker 18890 SoundFX
- Trush Exhaust Muffler
- Dynomax 17731 Super Turbo Muffler
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Muffler Design and Sound Absorption
A muffler is designed to slow the airflow and absorb or dissipate sound energy. It does that through a series of baffles, channels, and different packing materials. However, the more restricted the airflow, the more restrictive the backpressure.
Backpressure is what hinders engine performance. Mufflers are engineered to perform differently. A variety of fabrication strategies reduce exhaust volume and minimize engine performance lose.
An automotive exhaust system begins at the exhaust manifold. It then runs through a catalytic converter that converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. In most jurisdictions, the law prohibits tampering with the catalytic converter. But, modifications from the converter to tailpipe can be made.
They’re known as Cat-back (Catalytic converter back) changes. The layout of the system produces a growl, whine, purr, or super quiet exhaust based on its design, and the frequencies it controls.
What is Performance Muffler
A performance muffler is fabricated to maximize sound suppression while minimizing airflow restriction. It’s a fine-tuned balance with a lot of science involved. Improving the airflow into the muffler and reducing back pressure from the engine is what a performance muffler does. The better it does at both, the greater the expense to you.
Exhaust Noise
Exhaust noise originates in the combustion chamber of the engine. It is the explosion of the gasses from the fuel-oxygen mixture. The gasses blast out the exhaust ports between 80 and 100 psi pressure and fire into the manifold at speeds of 2800 fps. This eardrum rupturing cacophony occurs thousands of times a minute. It produces the exhaust sound.
Performance muffler or not, if you just want a quieter exhaust system, check out our article How to Quiet a Loud Exhaust.
How Does Car Muffler Work?
The pressurized gas speeding down the exhaust pipes carries the noise with them. A vehicle’s exhaust system is usually between 8 and 16 feet long. The longer the pipes, the more residence time the exhaust has to bounce through the tube.
The diameter and length of the pipe help dissipate energy and sound. The location of the muffler between the catalytic converter and tailpipe is also crucial in the control of energy and noise.
Not all mufflers are the same, but they all use similar principles to slow the airflow and reduce sound. Many mufflers operate on the destructive interference and absorption principle. The exhaust enters the muffler and goes through one or more perforated tubes, plus a baffle or two.
In reverse flow, also known as turbo style, the exhaust changes direction several times before continuing to the tailpipe. Within the muffler, soundwaves are reflected. They cancel or absorb each other, decreasing noise and achieving a quiet exhaust.
Many stock and performance mufflers have a double steel or aluminum wall. The double-wall also helps cancel some soundwave vibrations. The following designs are found in both performance and stock muffler:
Chamber
Exhaust entering a chambered muffler travels through different compartments or chambers. Baffles or noise stopping plates deflect the sound pressure. The flow-through is less restricted than in most stock exhausts.
The improved flow increases torque and horsepower and decreases fuel consumption. The muffler has a metallically growl or rumble.
Glasspack
A glasspack or straight-through muffler is a simple design with a perforated core tube. The tube is wrapped in noise damping fiberglass, stone wool, or steel wool, and encased in a metal shell. This is a low restriction, high flow design.
It improves horsepower but doesn’t decrease the exhaust’s deep roar much. The longer the perforated core from intake to outlet though, the quieter the ride.
Turbo
A turbo muffler isn’t about turbocharging; it’s more about the sound it makes. The muffler has 3 or less (instead of 5) perforated tubes inside. The exhaust flows through much faster than most stock units and has improved horsepower.
It also makes it quieter than most chamber or straight-through models. Some turbo mufflers have fiberglass wrapped around the tubes for an even quieter exhaust.
Types of Performance Mufflers: Which is the Quietest?
Internal design characteristics identify mufflers. A Reactive muffler is a chamber design. An Absorptive is a glasspack or turbo derivative. Some mufflers are a combination of Reactive and Absorptive.
Quieter mufflers are a trade-off with performance. Less noise often means a more restrictive airflow, creating greater backpressure. The result is less noise but decreased performance and engine efficiency. Quiet mufflers are a balance between noise control and backpressure.
Reactive
Reactive or reflective mufflers use destructive interference to control sound. The inlet and outlet are offset, and internal tubes are perforated. It has expansion and resonating chambers. The chambers decrease the sound pressure of different frequencies.
It uses reflected amplitude pressure waves that are 180° out of phase. When the waves collide, they cancel each other out, making for an ultra-quiet exhaust. Unfortunately, it also creates greater backpressures, which affect efficiency and performance.
Absorptive
An absorptive muffler, also known as dissipative, uses insulation to absorb sound pulse pressure. The inlet and outlet align with a straight, perforated tube inside the metal housing. The sound absorptive material is fiberglass, rock wool, or steel wool.
It wraps the perforated pipe or fills the space around it in the muffler casing. The straight-through design means more noise but less backpressure. An absorptive muffler is more efficient and higher performing.
Combination of the Two
Some mufflers blend reactive design characteristics with absorptive material. The turbo design is such a blend. Fewer chambers or baffles coupled with sound-absorbing materials result in a quieter high flow muffler. The result is less backpressure and better performance. It also produces different deeper bass sounds, instead of tinny or drone.
What Makes a Muffler Quiet?
There are many factors taken into account when designing a muffler. There are no one-size-fits-all mufflers. Engine size, horsepower, total exhaust length, and pipe diameter are design factors.
Acceptable cabin noise levels and exterior sound and volume are other considerations. Dissipating sound pressure and reflecting frequency waves to cancel each other out makes for a quiet muffler. Doing that without disrupting exhaust flow is what makes quiet performance exhausts.
Difference Between Mufflers and Resonators
By design, a muffler reduces engine and exhaust volume across the full RPM range. It is a critical part of a quiet exhaust system. They use perforated tubes, baffles, directional changes, or insulation to modulate exhaust noise.
It determines how loud and what tone a car will make – a deep roar or high pitched scream. However, the sound inside the cab may be an irritating drone at highway speeds, while outside, it emits the sound of power.
The resonator removes noise or resonance, also called exhaust drone, at a specific RPM range. They don’t normally reduce volume. They eliminate the pingy, raspy hum, or drone by controlling specific frequency soundwaves.
A resonator enhances sound by canceling out certain sound wave frequencies at a defined RPM. It provides a more comfortable sound.
The muffler and resonator work together as part of a vehicle’s exhaust system. The exhaust controls volume and sets the sound. The resonator modulates and tunes the sound, so it is more comfortable. It also produces the desired sound and note.
The effect of the resonator depends on where it is in relation to the muffler. The size and type of each, the engine size, and the RPM impact range also are considerations. The muffler and resonator should complement each other to produce the desired exhaust volume and sound.
Best Quiet Muffler Brands
Vibrant Performance
In 1986, Vibrant Power Inc. introduced a reliable, flexible universal coupling. It’s used in transverse-mounted front wheel drive engine exhausts. In 1997, Vibrant Power began as a division of Vibrant Power Inc.
Today, it is a global leader in aftermarket components, including performance mufflers. Vibrant designs and manufactures mufflers and resonators for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They produce bolt-on and custom components for aftermarket and OEM use.
MBRP
MBRP produced its B&B Eliminator more than 20 years ago for snowmobiles. It’s still the best selling sled muffler. Their mufflers are in marine craft, snow sleds, plus performance cars and trucks. Their line of flow through muffles generates a deep, mellow sound.
Pipes, resonators, and mufflers are aluminized or stainless steel. The full bolt-on system has easy to understand instructions. MBRP makes mufflers and resonators for many domestic, European, and Japanese brands. Their performance parts are on muscle and sports compact cars and trucks.
Walker
Walker introduced its first ventilated tube muffler in 1931. Since then, it has been manufacturing and making innovations to the muffler. They introduced a stainless steel muffler in the mid-40s and an aluminized steel one in 1953.
Walker is a subsidiary of Tenneco, Inc. It is the leading world manufacturer of original equipment and aftermarket exhaust systems. Walker manufactures catalytic converters, mufflers, resonators, pipes, and all other parts. Their products are found in many automotive brands worldwide.
They manufacture DynoMax, Advantage, Thrush, Quiet-Flow, Sound FX, and Starla brand mufflers and exhaust products.
Considerations Before Buying a Quiet Performance Muffler
There are many things to consider before purchasing a quiet car muffler. Mufflers may have one or more chambers and produce a quiet ride, but lower engine performance. They can also be straight through glasspack with better performance but more noise.
Mufflers are a trade-off between noise and performance. They determine the type of sound your vehicle produces. If you want that deep rumble, growl, or roar of a powerhouse or the scream of a racing machine, then choose wisely.
Noise Level
Chamber, straight-through, and turbo are the three main designs of muffles. The internal configuration controls the noise level and sound. Baffles, chambers, perforated tubes, and sound insulation control soundwave pulses, producing different sounds.
Chambered mufflers are reactive. They produce the throaty rumble of muscle or power machines. Glasspack or straight-through are absorptive and maximize horsepower. They produce the scream of the street racer.
Turbo mufflers typically have an S-configuration of perforated tubes. The Turbo controls more volume with less horsepower loss. It produces a quieter bass rumble.
Material
Mufflers are manufactured from stainless steel, aluminized steel, or titanium.
Aluminized Steel
Aluminized steel has high thermal conductivity, so it handles heat better than stainless. It is usually a slightly thicker material in mufflers when compared to stainless. It is easier to weld or customize than stainless.
Aluminized can last 10 years in a dry climate with little ice or snow. But, if the aluminum wears, scratches, or cracks, it could rust out in a year.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is more susceptible to shape-changing thermal expansion than aluminized. It comes in dull silver to high polished silver, can be polished, but will discolor over time.
Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and withstands road and airborne salt better. It often has a better warranty. Stainless is 4% denser than aluminized steel. The weight difference though is offset by using a thinner material in mufflers.
There are two grades of stainless steel used in mufflers. Stainless 409 is the most commonly used in the industry. It contains less chromium, so it is less expensive and will last about 8 years. Stainless 304 is marine grade and is very resistant to salts and can last 20 or more years.
Titanium
Titanium weighs 40% less than stainless steel. It is much stronger and also more expensive too. The metal dissipates heat better than stainless, is shinier, plus it doesn’t rust, corrode, or stain. The lighter material produces a raspy metallic sound. It has a better power to weight ratio, and so improves acceleration and handling,
Fitting
Selecting the right muffler for a vehicle depends on several factors. Those factors include engine displacement, horsepower, single or dual exhausts, and existing piping. Racing or street horsepower can also affect pipe size. Smaller engine displacement and horsepower normally mean smaller diameter inlet-outlet connections.
Diameters usually range from 1-3/4 to 5-inches. Plus, there are adaptor couplings available to increase or decrease the pipe size. Selecting the incorrect size can result in increased backpressure. It can decrease engine performance, fuel efficiencies, and torque, and cause engine overheating.
Price
The type of muffler – chamber, straight-through or turbo – and manufacturing material affect cost. Aluminized steel muffler prices, unit to unit, are less expensive than stainless steel. Stainless steel 409 is cheaper than stainless 304, and titanium is the most expensive. The price of the muffler does not include the rest of the exhaust system either.
Best Quiet Performance Muffler Reviews
Whether you want to upgrade your muffler or replace a faulty one, the 10 reviewed here are the best quiet performance mufflers. Check them out and select the one that will give you the performance and sound you want for your ride.
Warranty
Muffler warranties are usually limited to private vehicle use and not commercial or racing machines. They must be installed properly on an automobile suited to their design specifications. Alterations, misuse, and damage from accidents will void most warranties.
Some brands offer lifetime warranties, some 2 or 3 years, and others limit to 90 days. Most products are covered against material and workmanship defects, and blowouts. It is always best to read the fine print.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act additionally protects the vehicle owner. It legally prohibits an automobile manufacturer from voiding the vehicle warranty unless an aftermarket part proves to have contributed to the vehicle’s failure.
1. MBRP M2220A 31″ Aluminized Quiet Tone Muffler
The MBRP M2220A high flow, straight through muffler, improves horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. The greater exhaust flow helps keep the engine and exhaust temperatures lower too.The punch-in perforations in the interior tube are visible from the inlet end. Making it easier to identify which end is which when looking inside. The open ends of the perforations catch and dampen the sound waves.
This is a 31” long, 8” diameter aluminized cylinder with 5” diameter in-out connections centered on the ends. The connections fit over existing 5” outside diameter pipes. The muffler has a true 5” core for unrestricted flow.
Over-all length is 35”, and it weighs approximately 24-pounds. The muffler has a 1-year warranty if purchased from an authorized dealer and registered within 30 days of purchase. Warranty isn’t transferable, and sound isn’t warrantied either.
It decreases idle and acceleration noise while still producing a powerful deep rumble. The Quiet Tone tunes down the volume to a more bearable level, but louder than factory OME. The increased airflow also improves the power sound.
The muffler removes highway drone, plus drone while towing or under load. The Quiet Tone is one of the quietest high performance mufflers, reducing decibel volume by up to 10%.
2. Vibrant 1141 2.5″ Ultra Quiet Resonator
The 2.5” Vibrant Ultra Quiet works with the muffler to fine-tune the exhaust noise. It doesn’t restrict flow since the perforated core has a 2.5” inside diameter. It is manufactured from stainless 304 steel to withstand hot exhaust temperatures. The straight-through core and in-out connections are centered in and on the muffler.The resonator is suitable for mounting between the catalytic converter and muffler, or after the muffler. The housing is 9.75” long, and the overall length is 13.75”. The body is oval in shape, being 4.75”x6.5” wide. The resonator adds about 5.95-pounds to the exhaust system.
It has a 5-year limited warranty for private vehicles only. The warranty covers material and workmanship defects. It only repairs or replaces defective parts. It does not cover labor or vehicle damage. Warranty claims require the original receipt and a Return Goods Authorization.
The 2.5” inside diameter perforated core fine-tunes sound frequency. The Vibrant 1141 modulates the resonance and produces a deep tone. It removes rasp, drone, and high pitched trilling or rifling noise from most 6 and 8 cylinder engines. The resonator dampens some noise, but there is minimal exhaust volume reduction.
3. Walker 21357 Quiet-Flow Muffler
Walker combines original equipment (OE) design, fit, and style in its aftermarket products. Walker Quiet-Flow muffler fits most domestic and foreign automobiles. It provides a better precision fit, OE sound, and OE exhaust flow.Use the year, make, and model of the automobile for a perfect fit when selecting the 21357. The muffler is made from stainless 409 steel inside and out. It will last 3-times longer than aluminized products in the same environment.
The 2.25” inside diameter off-set outlet and centered inlet connections align for an easy fit. The locking heads help prevent backfire rupture and are domed to reduce noise. Internal partitions are spot welded for stability.
The louvered, internal tubes are mechanically fastened to the partitions preventing breakage. The fastening also permits temperature expansion and contraction. Internal drainage improves corrosion resistance by removing condensation and acid collection.
The oval-shaped cylinder is 27.5” long, 10.5” wide, and 5” high, and weighs about 11.5-pounds. Volume is louder than the original equipment and has a deeper rumble.
Walker offers the Safe and Sound 90-day guarantee for the muffler if it doesn’t perform as expected. They will refund the original purchase price, minus rebates, and discounts. They also include up to $50 per axle for labor.
There is also a limited lifetime warranty for non-commercial vehicles provided it is the original purchaser. Walker will replace defective or worn-out mufflers, not cover installation and removal costs.
4. Vibrant 1142 3″ Quiet Stainless Steel Muffler
The Vibrant resonator has a 3” diameter perforated core. It dampens exhaust sound without negatively affecting horsepower or efficiencies. It works with the other exhaust components to produce the desired sound and volume.Made from stainless 309 steel, it will tolerate high temperatures. The 3” inside diameter inlet and outlet are centered on the muffler ends for easy connection. The straight-though design minimizes flow disruption, and impact on horsepower or efficiencies.
The resonator has an overall length of 14”, and weighs 5.9-pounds. The body is 9.75” long, 6.5” wide and 4.75” high. It can be mounted ahead or behind the muffler.
The 5-year limited warranty applies only to non-commercial vehicles. Vibrant will repair or replace products with defects in material and workmanship. They don’t cover labor or vehicle damage. A Return Goods Authorization number and original receipt are both required for warranty coverage.
This super quiet muffler decreases drone, rifling, and rasp. It produces a deeper growl under load or quick acceleration. The 1142-3” quiets idle and light-footed driving noise in the low to mid-range RPMs. It reduces the volume by about 10%.
5. MBRP M1004A Universal Quiet Tone Muffler
The MBRP M1004A is a straight-through aluminized steel muffler. It has a full 4” bore for unrestricted exhaust flow. The improved flow helps cool the engine and produces less backpressure. It improves torque, horsepower, and engine efficiencies. It uses dual-core science to optimize sound suppression and flow.The M1004A is a universal fit for most vehicles. The 4” diameter inlet and outlet connections are in the middle of each end, making it easy to connect with existing pipes. It is 30”s long overall, has a 24” long, 6” diameter body, and weighs 18-pounds.
MBRP offers a 1-year limited, non-transferable warranty. It is only valid if registered within 30 days of purchasing from an authorized dealer.
The Universal Quiet Tone muffler has a spiral louvered, high-flow core. Coupled with sound-absorbing packing, it cancels up to 10% of the decibel sound.
The muffler reduces sound when towing or under load. It also removes the drone between 1500 and 2500 RPM, and most of the whistle. The M1004A produces a quiet idle and a deep, powerful rumble at highway speeds.
6. Walker 17886 Economy Pro-Fit Universal Muffler
The Walker 17886 universal muffler is fabricated from corrosion-resistant aluminized steel. It is equivalent to an OE direct-fit for some brands and models based on hanger location, shape, and size. The universal fit means it can be adapted for most vehicles but may require some adapters and extra clamps.The Pro-Fit is inexpensive and easy to install. It minimizes noise for a quiet ride with some performance growl.
The 17886 is a reactive design muffler. It has two perforated 2” tubes, and two partitions spot welded for support and stability. It has expandable bushings and locking heads to decrease blowout.
To help prevent breakage or distortion the interior joints are mechanical, not welded. This relatively cheap quiet muffler has an offset 2” inside diameter inlet and center outlet. The muffler isn’t reversible. It is an 18” oval cylinder, 8.813” wide and 4.25” high. The overall length is 25”, and it weighs 10.5-pounds.
Walker offers a Safe and Sound 90-day guarantee for mufflers. It means it can be returned if you’re not satisfied with its performance. They only refund the price you paid after any discounts or rebates.
The company will replace worn-out or defective mufflers. It doesn’t cover the costs of installation or removal. The guarantee and warranty apply only to products used on private automobiles by the original owner. They don’t cover modified mufflers or those improperly installed.
7. EVIL ENERGY Burnt Exhaust Tip Muffler
Evil Energy 2.5” muffler has a straight-through design. It provides less disruptive interference to the exhaust flow. Made from stainless 304 steel with a polished chrome finish, it has a polished mirror finish. The heavier steel construction will also outlast lighter steel or aluminized products.The muffler improves horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. It helps keep the engine running cooler. It is a universal fit for 2.5” exhaust pipes. The double steel wall muffler body also helps to decrease vibration.
The exhaust tip muffler mounts at the end of the system. The location provides the exhaust greater residence time for more sound control. It’s easy to install with a seal, U-bolt, butt, or lap joint clamps, or it can be welded it on.
The 12.1” body has a 1.9” long 2.5” outside diameter inlet connection, and a 4.3” long 4” OD outlet with a burnt blue tip. With an overall length of 18.6”, the 4.9” diameter cylinder adds about 4.19-pounds to your ride. The muffler has a 90-day replacement warranty.
The Evil 2.5” exhaust tip muffler has 2.5” diameter inside perforated flow-through core pipe. The space between the core and the housing is packed with fiberglass to absorb sound wave pulses.
The muffler improves the exhaust tone and volume. It produces a quiet idle and cruising noise, and an impressive, deep rumble or growl under load or acceleration.
8. Walker 18890 SoundFX
The Walker 18890 SoundFX is available as a direct OEM or universal fit muffler. The muffler isn’t reversible, so check that it will fit your make, model, and year. The 100% aluminized steel construction improves its durability and corrosion resistance.The mounting hangers are welded in place for easier attachment, but two clamps are required. The SoundFX is a stock fit muffler and produces a super quiet exhaust note.
The SoundFX muffler is 37.5” long overall. The body is a 30” long oval cylinder. It’s 9” wide and 7” high, and weighs 32-pounds. The connections are a 2.5” inside diameter offset inlet and a centered outlet.
The spun-locked rupture resistant heads reduce blowout. The 18890 is a reactive design. It has two partitions and two louvered perforated tubes. The disruptive interference improves sound control and level.
The inside connections and joints are mechanical for better durability. Plus, the expandable bushings are spot welded for improved support and stability.
Walker offers a 1-year limited warranty against defects and excessive wear. It only applies to original owners for private automobiles. They replace the muffler if worn-out or defective.
The warranty doesn’t cover modified or improperly installed mufflers, or the cost of installation and removal.
9. Lawson Industries 72772 Rush Performance Diesel Muffler
Trush muffler is fully welded stainless 409 steel construction inside and out for strength and durability. The seams are also welded lap-joints for a more air-tight and durable seal. It has a straight-through mandrel-bent perforated inside core, which decreased backpressure.The maximized flow improves torque, horsepower, and fuel efficiency. It fits over 4” OD pipes and improves acceleration and power.
The performance diesel muffler is 30” long overall. The inlet and outlet are centered on the ends and have a 4” inside diameter. The muffler itself is a 24” long 8” diameter cylinder and weighs about 21.7-pounds. It can easily be welded onto 4” exhaust pipes.
Lawson Industries offers a 2-year limited replacement warranty.
The Rush muffler’s perforated core disrupts the sound wave pulse. Acoustic fiber is packed between the core and housing absorbs and tunes the exhaust noise. Stainless steel mesh protects the acoustic material from excessive exhaust heat.
The muffler produces a throaty performance sound with less volume. It also reduces drone and mutes exhaust rap and whine between 2000 and 2500 RPM.
10. DynoMax 17731 Super Turbo Muffler
DynoMax Super Turbo muffler has three large bore tubes inside. They decrease back pressure and producing an improved flow of 700 SCFM. The patented flow directors eliminate turbulence, helping to control exhaust flow.It improves torque and power, plus acceleration. The well-made mufflers are 100% aluminized steel fabrication with arc-welded seams for durability. This is a reversible universal fit muffler.
The Super Turbo has an overall length of 18.5” and weighs 10.1-pounds. The muffler body is an oval cylinder 14” long, 9.75” wide, and 4.25” high. The offset inlet/outlet and centered outlet/inlet have a 2.5” outside diameter.
Fiberglass wrap absorbs noise, resonance, and decreases noise volume. The muffler eliminates drone and produces low idle noise. The DynoMax is one of the quietest performance mufflers. It produces a performance tone with a low rumble or growl under load or during acceleration.
Tenneco offers a limited lifetime warranty on the DynoMax Super Turbo. It covers excessive wear and defects on mufflers used on private vehicles. A 90-Day Performance and Sound guarantee is also available. It refunds the purchase price if the muffler doesn’t meet or exceed your expectations.
Does A Quiet Exhaust System Affect Car Performance?
A quiet exhaust system can improve the performance of non-racing automobiles. The exhaust system of a vehicle includes everything from the exhaust manifold to the tip of the tailpipe.
A vehicle with a catalytic converter (Cat) already has restricted flow. The Cat is a legal requirement for most cars. So, engineering for the majority of backpressure has already been addressed.
Pipes with smooth or mandrel bends improve airflow. Pipes with crimped or crush bends disrupt the flow. Minimizing flow restrictions and improving the exhaust velocity will improve performance.
It is important to check your exhaust system for damage or rust to ensure it is in good condition. Damaged or weakened pipes can reduce performance. The length of the exhaust system also affects performance, as does the pipe diameter.
Too small or too big impact the pressure waves. They can interfere with engine performance, and also damage the engine. Engine performance suffers when the exhaust movement is restricted.
The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful gasses while restricting flow. Adding more restrictions may not be beneficial. A resonator cancels specific sound wave frequencies to moderate noise.
The muffler helps protect ears from the engine noise. It can also reduce noise to a desirable level. A muffler and resonator coupled to pipes of the correct diameter will improve performance.
Conclusion
A quiet performance muffler can improve engine performance, fuel efficiency, torque, and horsepower. It can also moderate noise level and tone. Selecting a muffler to produce the desired sound without restricting flow may take some time.
I hope the information in this guide helps with understanding the exhaust system, and what to look for in a quiet muffler for car, and aids in your selection. If you found this guide beneficial, share it. If you have comments or suggestions, please post them.
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Hi Eugene, You provided a great article with some insightful ideas and things to think about. In reading your information In thinking about a Chevy truck I have that has a turbo diesel in it, I’m going to put a 3″ muffler on it, but I’m wondering it the size matters too. After we put a flat bed on my truck we realized the prior muffler needed to be rerouted so now we are looking around for something that has good CFM but can be quiet while ensuring there is plenty of power. I too prefer my vehicles to be quiet enough that I don’t have to talk over the noise even when I am inside the cab. I found a website with some guys discussing the whole matter which I thought you might enjoy reading: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/forums/1st-gen-ram-all-topics-93/big-honkin-muffler-aka-bhm-91041/page2/
I found it useful as well. If you have any thoughts on my situation I’d like to hear from you on them. Thank you- Terry