best muffler replacement 1985 vette?????

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Aug 8, 2015 | 06:53 PM

redvette1985

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Heel & Toe

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From: Stephens City VA

best muffler replacement 1985 vette?????

I am thinking about changing my factory mufflers to something. I am only going to replace the muffler section and no the whole exhaust. I am thinking about going to straight pipes, but I don't want something to loud that I can talk while in the car. I just want something louder then what is on there. I can get straight pipes for around $200 and don't want to spend mush more then that. I guess my question is does anyone have straight pipes on a 1985 vette? how does it sound? if you have a better idea please let me know.

Aug 8, 2015 | 08:19 PM

PLRX

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Aug 9, 2015 | 03:16 AM

Joe C

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sound level is a personal thing. if you want loud, you most likely will have drone. just about anything outside stock is subject to drone. some guys can tolerate drone - some can't. I had ear piercing drone on my 85 so bad, that the wife complained -

- and you know the old saying, "happy wife, happy life" -

- so it was back to factory stock. most factory replacements have dual functioning tips, and they flow and sound a bit better. a set of those will keep you within your $200 budget.

Aug 9, 2015 | 08:09 AM

redvette1985

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Heel & Toe

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From: Stephens City VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe C

- and you know the old saying, "happy wife, happy life" -

- so it was back to factory stock. most factory replacements have dual functioning tips, and they flow and sound a bit better. a set of those will keep you within your $200 budget.

thanks for the reply. I have done quite a bit of research on this over the last 2 days. from what i have found straight pipes are hit or miss when it comes to drone. I think I am going to go with a set of KBD Targa mufflers.

Aug 9, 2015 | 06:48 PM

J W Drew

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Joined: Feb 2012

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From: Seattle Washington

Check out the Quad Power Exhaust with the ZR1 style tips. After going thru two different mufflers I bought these from Mid America. They sound like a Corvette should with no drone and they are quite while cruising. Stainless Steel $300.00.
JW

Aug 9, 2015 | 08:37 PM

John A. Marker

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From: Dublin CA

Just a note, the stock OEM mufflers on the 85 had two (2) outlet pipes, but only one was functional. The other was just for looks. Several of the Corvette Supply houses have stock looking mufflers with both tips that function. A cross over pipe at the back of the rear "Y" will help reduce the drone.

Aug 9, 2015 | 08:47 PM

Jim Rogers

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Quote:

Originally Posted by John A. Marker

A cross over pipe at the back of the rear "Y" will help reduce the drone.

Just adding a data point:

The Y-crossover did nothing to reduce the drone in my 85 that had loud, non-stock mufflers on it when I bought it.

Aug 9, 2015 | 09:16 PM

John A. Marker

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From: Dublin CA

It may have been the muffler. I installed my own crossover. Most that are installed at a muffler shop only drill a 3/4 to 1" hole in the "Y" for the cross over. I used a plasma torch and cut the hole just a hair smaller that the ID of the cross over pipe. Then welded in the pipe. Worked for me.

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Aug 9, 2015 | 09:26 PM

Jim Rogers

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Quote:

Originally Posted by John A. Marker

Yeah, I know a lot of people report that it helps-- that's why I bought it. I got the Corvette Central one that many have said helps with drone.

The mufflers that came on mine have no label at all, so I don't know what brand they are. They sound absolutely fantastic-- deep and menacing but not *too* loud.

I want to keep them so bad, but they drone like absolute hell at about 1700 rpm.

So I bought the Corvette Central crossover hoping it would kill the drone and let me keep those awesome mufflers.

No dice-- sound was the same, but the drone was too.

So bottom line is that the crossovers definitely don't work in all cases (at least not the one from CC-- don't know about yours).

Sure do wish it would have worked for me!

Aug 9, 2015 | 09:34 PM

#10

John A. Marker

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From: Dublin CA

The cross over may just have a 3/4 to 1 " hole into the "Y". My hole is about 2-1/4" OD.

You might might try taking some heavy steel wool and stuff it in one outlet to see if that cuts down on the drone. If it helps, then consider putting in a custom washer with a 1-1/4" hole that will restrict the flow a little. That might help.

Aug 9, 2015 | 09:38 PM

#11

Jim Rogers

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Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 315

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Quote:

Originally Posted by John A. Marker

Thanks for the ideas.

I'm in the process of building a new house, fixing up my old one, and moving so won't be doing anything for a few months.

After the move, I was considering trying Flowmaster 50 series Deltaflows.

They are supposed to be only a bit louder than stock but with a deeper sound (exactly what I want).

But will they drone? Have no idea.

So maybe I'll try your idea first...

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