A muffler remains an integral part of any car’s exhaust system. It works by dampening the noise coming from the engine through the inlet pipe before releasing the resulting sound through an outlet pipe.
By doing this, mufflers reduce noise pollution by suppressing the sound coming from your car to make it more tolerable. Apart from noise dampening, mufflers play an essential role in regulating the backpressure of the engine to optimize its performance and efficiency.
That said, how do they actually work their magic? Are they anything more than chambers and tubes enclosed in a steel body? What model exactly should you buy for your vehicle?
Well, our coverage provides answers to these questions. It also suggests some of the 11 best mufflers we have out there. Let’s set the ball rolling to see the perfect purchase for your car!
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Top 11 Muffler Reviews
#1 Flowmaster 953047 Super 40 Muffler
No products found.If there is one brand of mufflers that doesn’t need an introduction when it comes to quality, then it has to be Flowmaster. The Flowmaster 953047 Supper 40 Muffler comes in as their flagship product. This unit compares to the 40 series and super 44 in that it adopts a 2-chamber design that optimizes engine performance.
Actually, Flowmaster 953047 Super 40 is an upgraded version of the 40 series. Hence, it carries the performance capabilities of its predecessor, including the low interior resonance since it also utilizes the Delta Flow Technology.
Nevertheless, the enhanced version has a larger and thicker case. It is constructed of 16-gauge aluminized steel with Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding for maximum durability. The strong construction is also corrosion-resistant.
The more robust and thicker case means that it has a deeper and richer tone than that of the original 40 series. For this reason, it is a nice deal for any vehicle owner looking for a piece that can handle high horsepower applications. The inlet and outlet pipes are all 3 inches wide.
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#2 Thrush 17711 Turbo Muffler
No products found.The muffler you use in your exhaust system will determine the noise level both inside and outside the car. Therefore, it’s important to get one that will kill the noise from the engine to let you enjoy your conversation with your passenger and get the best from your car audio system.
And yes, among the few models you can count for that is the Thrush 17711 Turbo Muffler. It adopts a turbo design that works effectively to dampen noise. The Tri-flow design delivers that thrush classic sound that every car owner wants to hear from their car.
The muffler inlet pipe has a diameter of 2 inches while the outlet vent also embraces the same size. It is a reversible piece. This indicates that it offers flexibility in installation. I mean, with this model, you can install it at either side- In fact, that is why the inlet and outlet pipe are of the same size.
The shell of this muffler is also 100% aluminized. Thus, it is very sturdy for durability and will not catch rust over time. Therefore, expect it to maintain its appearance throughout its entire life.
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#3 MagnaFlow 10416 Exhaust Muffler
No products found.Don’t disturb or wake your neighbors the next time you pull in late or leave early. The unit applies a wide-open performance design and not a chambered structure as with the majority of the options we have out there. Therefore, Magnaflow 10416 depends on the glasspack for noise dampening.
Of course, the straight-through design makes it look like a simple tool. And as straightforward as it appears, this muffler carries a surprising amount of engineering to effectively cancel out the sound coming from the engine. This improves the vehicle’s engine performance when giving your neighbors peace of mind.
The exhaust is of heavy-gauge steel construction. Thus, it’s one of the vehicle mufflers you can count to offer long-lasting performance. Additionally, it has an overall length of 20 inches and while inlet and outlet pipes measure 2.5 inches in diameter.
To put it in other words, our hand-picked model is compatible with vehicles that have a 2.5-inch exhaust pipe. Nevertheless, with other sizes available, chances are that you won’t miss the perfect size for your car.
This product will require professional installation, however. It’s simply because it at times needs cutting, welding or fabrication that require one to have some professional knowledge on mufflers. We see this as the major downside since it introduces a new expense.
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#4 BLACKHORSE Race Muffler
No products found.As the name suggests, this package includes a pair of race mufflers. Each piece has an overall length of 12 inches with the body taking 7 inches. The inlet and outlet pipes have diameters of 2.5 inches.
But in case your car has a wider exhaust pipe, let’s say 3 inches, this unit is also available in a 3-inch diameter version. The pair utilizes tube-and-partition design, commonly known as chambered design to effectively dampen noise when giving your car a deep throaty sound.
Each of the units is also designed to offer optimal airflow and maximum power gains to give you the best engine performance. Therefore, in case you are looking for a sound suppressor that will bring out the best from your car, the Blackhorse racing pair is among the models you can count on to deliver just that.
Each piece is has aluminized steel construction, just like the majority of our previous options. For this reason, this pair is among the models that won’t disappoint on grounds of durability. The material offers corrosion protection when also having the ability to offer resistance to high temperatures.
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#5 Thrush 17661 Welded Muffler
No products found.If you are not well-versed in mufflers, you may find choosing the right model for your car a little challenging. Now, if you don’t know where exactly you should invest your money, this option will give you the best bang for your buck- if it fits your car, of course.
The piece adopts a 2-chamber design like some models already on our list. Therefore, it is very effective in doing what it is made to do. Most car enthusiasts like that it does its job when giving a deep aggressive tone.
The high-quality unit comes with fully aluminized construction. Thus, it’s one of the mufflers that are constructed to stand the test of time. The thrush logo on the body gives the unit a more stylish look.
The unit has an overall length of 19 inches. The body is 13 inches long and takes with a width of 9.5 inches. Also, it comes with a 3-inch inlet and 2 outlets at the opposite end.
The exit vents are 2.5 inches. And because of the dual outlets, Thrush 17661 is non-reversible. The 2 way-out vents make it easy to know the end that connects to the exhaust pipe of your vehicle.
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#6 Flowmaster 71236 Exhaust Muffler
No products found.Even before we examine its features and design, the fact that this noise suppressor is from Flowmaster grants us some confidence that it is of good quality and that it will not disappoint easily.
Unlike the earlier brother on the list who utilizes a 2-chambered structure in noise suppression, the Flowmaster 71236 uses a straight-through design. Thus, we recommend it to vehicle owners that want a unit that is quite loud.
Its internal straight-through core is of industrial-grade stainless steel for long-lasting performance. Temperature-resistant sound absorption materials surrounding the perforated core ensure that you get that deep old-school mellow tone.
The outer housing also adopts premium-grade 409 stainless steel construction. This material stands up to the toughest conditions for years. A few customers like that it comes with the manufacturer’s logo on either side for a more aesthetic appeal.
Flowmaster 71236 is a reversible unit so you can connect either end to your car’s exhaust. It has a single inlet and a sole outlet vent with the same diameter of 2.5 inches.
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#7 BORLA 40359 Muffler
No products found.This car muffler is also among the models designed for straightforward installation even by novices. In other words, it adopts a reversible design that allows you to link either of its ends to your car’s exhaust without having to figure out where each end should go.
The option utilizes T-304 austenitic stainless steel. Hence, we are good to conclude that this unit will impress in terms of longevity. The solid construction also possesses improved corrosion-resistance properties to ensure that it sustains its ‘day one’ beauty for years to come.
BORLA 40359 employs a free-flow design. Hence, it is one of the silencers that will work well in reducing the backpressure of the engine. By doing this, this suppressor increases the efficiency of the engine to allow the owner to get the best out of it.
The continuous filament fiber is of high-temperature materials for effective sound elimination at all times. The inlet and outlet pipes have a diameter of 3 inches. And of course for those that the country of origin matters, BORLA 40359 is made in the United States.
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#8 Flowmaster 817633 Outlaw Muffler Kit
No products found.In some states, having a muffler on your vehicle is no longer a matter of choice but a legal requirement. Avoid noise pollution and landing yourself in trouble by installing a decent muffler that gets the job done.
Among the models that will help in noise reduction is the Flowmaster 817633. It is one of the top models not- only on our list but also in the industry. It comes from the United States just like the other siblings.
The unit adopts a beautiful oval shape. All the components of the part are made of materials of the best-in-class quality. Hence, we expect the muffler to not only last for long but also perform its work effectively.
The unit features a total of 3 exterior vents- an inlet vent and two way-out pipes. The mandrel-bent inlet has a diameter of 3 inches while the dual exit ducts measure 2.5 inches each. The piece comes with a uniform black finish that looks great wherever you install it.
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#9 MegaBrand N1 Burnt Tip Muffler
No products found.Our next suggestion on the list is another durably-constructed piece. It is of T-304 stainless steel construction. The tough material endures the toughest elements that Mother Nature may throw at it. Additionally, this material is rust-resistant so it should maintain its pristine appearance for many years.
Although it has a very tough construction, this noise suppressor from Megabrand still lies in the featherweight category at approximately 4 lbs. of weight. This weight makes installation less energy-demanding.
The piece comes with a 2.5-inch inlet. Therefore, it is one of the car mufflers that boast great compatibility. And unlike most models on the list that have a larger inlet than the outlet, the exit duct of this piece is wider than the inlet pipes.
The overall length of 18 inches means that it’s so far the longest noise-reduction unit we have on the list. The unit works best for vehicle owners who want a silencer that will give a deep rich tone.
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#10 Dynomax 17748 Super Turbo Muffler
No products found.This muffler comes as one of the top-rated options we have out there. For this reason, we are safe to claim that it’s among the models that are designed to meet and possibly surpass customer requirements.
Dynomax 17748 uses high-quality materials in its construction. In other words, our hand-picked option utilizes stainless steel construction. Nicely-done welds compliment this structure to ensure that you get a high-quality unit that will deliver lifelong durability.
The turbo muffler comes with large internal flow tubes. This design promotes enhanced exhaust flow and minimizes backpressure. By doing this, Dynomax 17748 ensures that your engine performs to its very best.
This silencer adopts fiberglass matting technology to absorb resonance when giving a mellow performance tone that most people want to get from a muffler. The inlet and outlet have a diameter of 2.5 inches. It also permits reverse installation.
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#11 Walker 17911 Economy Pro-Fit Universal Muffler
No products found.The Walker 17911 concludes our list of top mufflers we have in the industry. However, this doesn’t mean that it is inferior by any means. Therefore, we can compare its performance to those of all preceding models.
This piece employs aluminized steel in its construction. Hence, expect it to last the longest among the several components you have in your car. The high-quality construction will also resist rust for lifelong beauty.
This noise reducer uses a tube-and-partition design like most of the models we have on the list. The chambered design means that it’s more effective than the straight-through models in reducing noise that comes from the motor.
The piece has an overall length of 24 inches with a height of 6 inches and a width of 6 inches. Also, with the weight of about 1.5 lbs., it’s one of the sturdy yet lightweight mufflers you will come across in the market. The inlet and outlet ducts have a diameter of 2.25 inches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mufflers sound the best?
When choosing the muffler, it’s hard to tell which sounds the best from the available hundred and one models. Also, it’s impractical to try all the available options. But worry less, check our suggestions to identify the one that gives the sound you want.
What is the quietest muffler?
If you want a muffler that won’t annoy your neighbors, you need to first identify the excellent design to pick. In this case, straight-through models aren’t the best. Therefore, we suggest that you try chambered-design models.
How do I choose a muffler?
When buying a muffler, it’s important to pay attention to a few things. The obvious considerations include compatibility, construction, among others. However, it’s also wise to pay attention to other technical details such as internal design, installation flexibility, and tube size.
How do mufflers work?
Mufflers use excellent engineering to cancel out the noise coming from the engine. They work by turning sound waves on each other which in turn cancels the noise. In some cases, the sound is eliminated by hitting the walls of the mufflers.
What is the difference between a muffler and a resonator?
While the 2 are familiar in several, there are some differences. The major difference is that a muffler is designed to lessen noise from the engine to acoustically pleasing levels. However, the resonator works on canceling out a certain range of sound frequencies.
Final Verdict
Whether it’s a legal requirement in your state or not, adding a muffler to your vehicle will do more good than you are probably expecting.
However, you need to first get it right when shopping for one. Our article will help you choose the perfect model for your car.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
