Mufflers....do they get louder with time/usage?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Mufflers....do they get louder with time/usage?
About 6 months ago, I had a set of Flowmaster 40's rust out on me (had them for about 3 years and the really like them). Went and purchased a set of SS Borlas (straight through design) for the stainless steel and the name and really like the sound of these....but I have noticed the sound is become louder/deeper. I don't have any exhaust leak...so that's rulled out. Do the "straight through" design get louder with time/usage...or is it my imagination. The Flowmasters really never changed THAT much...until they rusted out...then it got REALLY loud.....
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Your ears are correct. The straight-thru designs, or any muffler using a packing material to absorb sound, tends to get louder with time. How much louder depends on the quality of the sound absorbing material. The old glasspacks really got loud as the fiberglass inside got hard, fractured, and blew out the tailpipe. Borlas due to the much better quality will not increase much in volume.
Flowmaster have no packing, they are all metal with chambers so they don't get louder. On the other hand, flows tend to drone.
Flowmaster have no packing, they are all metal with chambers so they don't get louder. On the other hand, flows tend to drone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
As a kid I remember guys sticking a hose up their tail pipes after the car had been run for a while to try to make their new glass packs louder by shrinking and hardening the packing material. IIRC, it worked.
whats up?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls SD
When using the Flowmasters you need to drill a small hole 1/8", in the muffler to let the moisture out of the muffler. I've had my Flowmasters for 10 yrs. on my Street Rod and my Pick-up and they are still solid. 
