Stock mufflers vs flowmasters
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 677
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From: WInnipeg Mb
Stock mufflers vs flowmasters
I'm getting headers installed and getting rid of the y pipe and catalitic converter and was wondering if i could keep my old mufflers... they are fairly new, but i'm wondering what kind of performance increase the flowmasters would have over the stock mufflers?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,281
Likes: 5
From: Boston
Re: Stock mufflers vs (Justin79-L-82)
flowmasters? not much, I used to have'em and didn't see much.
BTW they'll make a lot of interior resonance and vibration when your driving around your max tq rpms.
Paul
BTW they'll make a lot of interior resonance and vibration when your driving around your max tq rpms.
Paul
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 1
From: Deep in the Heart of Dixie Alabama
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Justin79-L-82)
I am a believer in flowmasters. Love that sound. They are not for everyone, probally only us hardcore.
I have them on this Big Block and have had them on several Vettes.
Check em out at http://www.flowmastermufflers.com
I have them on this Big Block and have had them on several Vettes.
Check em out at http://www.flowmastermufflers.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,281
Likes: 5
From: Boston
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (bamavettes)
They are not for everyone, probally only us hardcore.
PS:They are not for everyone, probally only us hardcore. Sidepipes rule!
Paul
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
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From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (inferno-vette)
That was kind of insulting to Bamavettes. To be honest, straight through systems flow better than side pipes. No 180 degree bends to make.
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Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 446
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From: Huntsville, AL
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Justin79-L-82)
I just installed a set of Flowmasters on my 71'. I replaced a set of Pace Setters. I'm very happy with the new Flowmasters, plus new Headman Headers. Yes there is a bit more resonance..... OK, a lot more. But there is something to be said for a "tough" sound. I went from..."Oh honey I didn't here you pull in." to....,"your shaking my china cabinet." SCORE one for horsepower and NOISE. But this is just one mans opinion...like all. :flag
Advanced
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: IL
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Justin79-L-82)
I have the 40 series delta flow flowmaster and I completely love them. I have yet to here an exhaust that sounds better than mine and I have never had so many compliments or questions like Wow whats under the hood. They are truly great sounding mufflers. As for performance increase I don't think you get a noticeable amount from just mufflers no matter what the brand.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Justin79-L-82)
I have Flowmaster 50-series on my '75. The engine and the exhaust are new, so I can't compare performance to anything.
It is a nice sound, if your standing outside listening to it. Inside, it is REALLY FREAKIN' LOUD. I notice everything that isn't bolted down tightly as the exhaust resonance changes and vibrates the hell out of it. I like music and right now the car has no stereo but before I put one in, the mufflers have got to go. They are the only part of the package that I feel was a bad choice.
If you don't mind REALLY LOUD, these (or 40-series, if the 50s aren't loud enough for you) might be the way to go. I get positive comments on the exhaust on the street, but I'm the one that has to sit surrounded by it everytime I drive the car.
It is a nice sound, if your standing outside listening to it. Inside, it is REALLY FREAKIN' LOUD. I notice everything that isn't bolted down tightly as the exhaust resonance changes and vibrates the hell out of it. I like music and right now the car has no stereo but before I put one in, the mufflers have got to go. They are the only part of the package that I feel was a bad choice.
If you don't mind REALLY LOUD, these (or 40-series, if the 50s aren't loud enough for you) might be the way to go. I get positive comments on the exhaust on the street, but I'm the one that has to sit surrounded by it everytime I drive the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Justin79-L-82)
RESULTS WILL VARY.
In written text, it's practically impossible to describe the sound of one exhaust system vs. the next. The only way to be sure is to listen to and ride in other Vettes w/various exhaust systems. Even then, you could be deceived. Variations in the pipe diameter, engine, and gear combinations, etc. will change the exhaust note at various rpm levels. Everyone's personal likes and dislikes with regards to what constitutes a quality sound will also vary a lot.
Some claim that the Flowmaster mufflers are too loud, cause too much resonance, and or have a "tin can" sound. Others love the Flowmaster sound. Nobody is wrong, everybody is right. They either like the way THEIR car sounds or they don't. No chance of being wrong about THAT!
I like the sound of my Flowmaster 40's. Mellow while cruising and mean sounding at WOT.
inferno-vette, your comment to bamavettes was foolish. Sort of like PeeWee Herman spouting off crap to Mike Tyson. His knowledge of Vettes puts yours in the dirt. :boxing
[Modified by MIKER, 10:56 AM 6/9/2002]
In written text, it's practically impossible to describe the sound of one exhaust system vs. the next. The only way to be sure is to listen to and ride in other Vettes w/various exhaust systems. Even then, you could be deceived. Variations in the pipe diameter, engine, and gear combinations, etc. will change the exhaust note at various rpm levels. Everyone's personal likes and dislikes with regards to what constitutes a quality sound will also vary a lot.
Some claim that the Flowmaster mufflers are too loud, cause too much resonance, and or have a "tin can" sound. Others love the Flowmaster sound. Nobody is wrong, everybody is right. They either like the way THEIR car sounds or they don't. No chance of being wrong about THAT!
I like the sound of my Flowmaster 40's. Mellow while cruising and mean sounding at WOT.
inferno-vette, your comment to bamavettes was foolish. Sort of like PeeWee Herman spouting off crap to Mike Tyson. His knowledge of Vettes puts yours in the dirt. :boxing
[Modified by MIKER, 10:56 AM 6/9/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Justin79-L-82)
If you want flowmasters without the serious resonance, then go with Delta 50's, I love mine most of the time, they could actually be a little louder around town but on the highway they are perfect, conversation is not a problem, and they aren't tingy like a 40 series. My buddies 80 with full dauls and headers sounds very good with these, he loves them. He got his after hearing mine.
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Justin79-L-82)
Just tryin' to help here. In the past year and a half I have put just about everything on my car possible. :eek: Enough $$$ spent to take a month in Maui for two, all expenses paid. Pretty dumb really, but I wanted a tough sound without the resonance. Here's what I've had on; 40 series FloMasters, Ultraflos, Midas muffs, stockers, factory side pipes, open side pipes, Dynomax superturbos...all 2.5". The absolute best for me was the Dynomax SuperTurbos, hands down. Very cool throaty rumble at idle, nice rap when shifting thru the gears and easy to hear the radio above the rumble when driving on the freeway. I do have the open side pipes on (capped) just in case I wanna set off alarms, but I can only take it for VERY short periods. When I was younger sure, but not now. Hope this helps........ :cheers: If you have stock muffs they are probably 3 turns inside and are restrictive, turbo muffs have 2 bends, flos have a diamond shape inside or something like that. Either way the 2 bends flow a little better than the 3 benders. :cool:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (MasterDave)
After a whole bunch of research that includes talking to people, listening to their cars, reading ads, getting info from the various companies, comparing conflicting flow and sound data, etc....I decided that the Dynomax or Ravins were the best bet for sound and flow.
Anyway, I have the Dynomax on the 72 and I'm happy. Low grumble at idle, no resonance to speak of, can hear the radio (when it's on:)), and I can say there is a tad of performance improvement over stock mufflers.
Anyway, I have the Dynomax on the 72 and I'm happy. Low grumble at idle, no resonance to speak of, can hear the radio (when it's on:)), and I can say there is a tad of performance improvement over stock mufflers.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 29,077
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From: Deep East Texas
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Justin79-L-82)
To answer your questions directly, I'd keep the old mufflers when the headers are installed. They're new and it won't cost any extra to re-use them. Live with them a while and if you decide you don't like them, then change them out for Flowmasters or some other performance brand.
As far as performance increase, there is some increase, but I'm not sure you'd really be able to notice it with any type of muffler swap.
That's MHO. I've got Flowmasters and I like them. I don't know if I'd replace a new set of stock mufflers with them, though. There's other places to spend your performance dollar.
As far as performance increase, there is some increase, but I'm not sure you'd really be able to notice it with any type of muffler swap.
That's MHO. I've got Flowmasters and I like them. I don't know if I'd replace a new set of stock mufflers with them, though. There's other places to spend your performance dollar.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 5
From: Nashville TN
Re: Stock mufflers vs flowmasters (Alwyn678)
My car wear older 3 chamber units, which I think are the equivilent to the delta series 50 units. One thing I found really toned down the reasonance was the addition of a balance tube. I have 2.5" exhaust and added a 2" balance tube just to the rear of the transmission tailshaft. Yes these are louder than factory exhaust but it sounds sooooo nice. When my car comes on cam the sound profile changes 100%, I love it !
Here is a clip of the car taking off.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/derek....20Hi%20Res.WMV
Here is a clip of the car taking off.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/derek....20Hi%20Res.WMV