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My (much used) Flowmasters have experienced a catastophic metalurgical degradation failure - in other words, the right muffler has a rusted/loose baffle that makes a tinny buzzing sound at city speeds.
I'm thinking that instead of buying a pair of new direct-fit Flowmasters and the matching over-axle pipes (about $800 for everything) that I would look into removing the center rear storage bin and fitting the car with a pair of vertical Flowmasters like the C6 has.
No, I'm really not interested in using other brands, etc. I'm very happy with the sound and performance of the Flowmasters.
That storage bin is just a depression in the SMC tub which forms the entire rear interior past the seats (the body panels attach to it, etc). You'd have to cut it out and then fiberglass a new flat piece in place where the "bin" was before.
If you're happy with the flowmasters I'd just replace it with the same setup. Also, I know you're not looking for other options, but this is a very common problem with this brand. You'll probably eventually have the same problem.
question, are you planning on keep this car forever?
can you do the fiberglass work yourself?
If not, long term, I really don't see you "saving" that $800.
a quick google shows those C6 mufflers go for like $450-500 shipped, then the fabrication of both the mufflers and the car.
The depreciation on the car because of that "fabrication" to the interior
If the math works out for you, go for it
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Did you buy them new or used (not sure if you meant they were used to begin with or that you used them a lot)? If new, do they have any kind of warranty to where they may be covered for the problem you are having?
Otherwise, I think I would rather spend the $800 for a new set than cut out some of the rear fiberglass and have to remold it into a flatter shape. JMO so if you do what you propose, good luck.
Why would you want to re-engineer an exhaust system that works fine, destroy the structural integrity of the car and give up valuable storage space all because you have a crapped out muffler? Buy some Ti cat backs and be happy with an exhaust system that will last forever.
Sounds like it would be more trouble than it's worth. Guess it's time to order up the direct replacement mufflers.
Arn't your flowmasters, guaranteed for life like Corsa and other systems for a C5?? aren't they Stainless??? I would contact Flowmaster directly and tell you you have a loose baffle, they should replace it for free..
Just a thought.. I know people with 6 and seven year old C5 after market mufflers who had them replaced for free..
Good Luck
Bill aka ET...
BTW most customer service reps are very sensitive to their products failure and how they are perceived in the market place... If you pick your words carefully, and don't rant.. they may accommodate you..
Why would you want to re-engineer an exhaust system that works fine, destroy the structural integrity of the car and give up valuable storage space all because you have a crapped out muffler?
Especially for a set of Flowmasters that were purchased used to begin with! You can try contacting Flowmaster and see if they will replace it, but I doubt it, seeing as you aren't the original owner, and you don't have any warranty information or receipts. Just bite the bullet and replace your mufflers or get a new catback.
As I said in the first post - I bought these USED and they had a lot more rust than I thought. No thought of warranty replacement as I'm not the original purchaser.