The word “performance muffler” is an oxymoron- simply a figure of speech. “Muffler,” as Americans call it or “silencer” in the U.K refers to sound dampening. However, in a performance context, this is secondary.
What enables a muffler to minimize noise might also prevent a car from achieving its full potential in terms of performance. Hence, a performance muffler is a balance between these two extremes.
In a standard muffler, exhaust gas and sound waves flow and reach a center chamber containing a series of perforated tubes. The tubes slow and bend the sound waves creating vibrations that cancel out one another. The outcome will be a whisper rather than a roar if everything goes well.
The issue is that this single entrance point might lead to a buildup of exhaust gases, similar to a traffic jam immediately before a tunnel.
This is referred to as “back pressure,” and a performance muffler is meant to eliminate it. Providing several openings for the exhaust gasses and noise, a “flow-through” tech that permits freer passage of gases while still suppressing noise, is one technique to do this.
Flowmaster® has designed a performance muffler that boasts the best of both worlds: enhanced power, lower back pressure, and significant noise reduction.
This is achieved using sensing devices that keep the muffler “in tune” and regulate the mechanism that distorts the sound waves within the muffler more precisely. The outcome is generally a little rougher than a standard muffler, but it is still significantly below the level required by the majority of municipal standards.
Types of Quietest Performance Muffler
There are three types of mufflers. They include,
- Straight-through/Glass pack
- Chambered
- Turbo
Straight-through
This variety is fitted with a sound-dampening material, which makes it stand out. Common sound-dampening materials used include steel wool and fiberglass.
For such mufflers, the wrapping material remains on the perforated pipe, so the material absorbs sound as it is passing through.
The tube will still allow continuous gas flow and deliver the horsepower you want.
The only downside is that the straightened pipe is usually a bit loud, and it may not favor anyone looking to enjoy a quiet operation.
Chambered
Chambered mufflers are quieter compared to the straight-through ones.
They come fitted with an internal mechanism that makes sound waves cancel each other.
The chambered variety is cool because it is possible to manipulate the sound.
By altering the shape and size of the interior chambers, you can get the sound that you want.
Chambered mufflers are perfect for muscle and streetcars.
Since their performance depends on the internal interference, altering the sound is as easy as changing the tubes and chambers position.
Turbo
The Turbo muffler is a modification of both the straight-through and Chambered varieties.
With this type, the gases are directed through s-shaped tubes made using sound-deadening material.
The Turbo muffler is more involving compared to these other two varieties meaning that it applies more pressure on your car.
That said, its output is also quieter than the other varieties.
Quietest Performance Muffler Buyer Guide
There are several factors to consider before investing in a quiet performance muffler.
Below are some of the most important factor to take into consideration to get the quietest performance muffler that meets your specific requirements.
Sound Effectiveness
The muffler chambers and size affect the sound produced. If you get one with many chambers, you will enjoy up to 90% noise reduction.
Mufflers with fewer restrictions tend to allow more power in the engine. On the downside, such mufflers are much noisier.
To get the right fit, find a muffler that reduces noise while allowing more power to your engine. Some of the quietest performance mufflers are also great for the engine.
Size
Mufflers come in different sizes. Universal systems work with most cars, but some are sized according to the car model they are suited for.
You have to ensure that the muffler you choose matches your exhaust system size.
Exhaust System Type
Mufflers come in either single or dual exhaust systems. Identify your car system and choose the design that matches your car needs.
Attachment Area/Exhaust Diameter
How much space is available to fit the muffler?
If yours is a low-ride car, get a small muffler that perfectly fits in the space available. A large muffler for a low ride car is a disaster in waiting.
The same applies when it comes to exhaust pipe diameter.
The diameter of the muffler inlet pipe should match the exhaust pipe diameter; otherwise, the product’s effectiveness will decrease.
Construction material
The material used to make the muffler determines durability.
Ideally, the muffler you choose should be made of lightweight material, fire, oxidation, and corrosion-resistant.
Perfect materials include aluminum, stainless steel, or alloys of these two metals. These materials are both strong and durable.
Price
Price should be the last thing you consider, but it is an essential factor to consider, nonetheless.
Quietest performance Mufflers come at different rates depending on the brand, features, and size, among other features.
Consider the factors that you want and then narrow your search to the options that match your budget.
The most expensive mufflers aren’t always the best, and this product will only serve you well if you consider all your needs first.
Below is a detailed but brief review of some of the best and quietest performance mufflers you can get on the market.
1. MBRP M2220A Aluminized Muffler
This is an excellent addition if you are looking to make your car more silent and efficient.
The MBRP comes with a 31 inches length, a diameter of 8 inches, and an in and out length of 5 inches.
This is enough surface area to deliver excellent performance.
One outstanding thing about this muffler is that it boosts your engine performance.
Since it works to reduce underlying pressure, the muffler is good for your engine, and you will notice a shift in overall noise immediately you install it.
This MBRP aluminized muffler is perfect if you want to reduce the noise in your car significantly.
The silencer is made of durable aluminized steel so you can expect optimal performance for a prolonged duration.
Since the muffler is reasonably priced, it is perfect if you are on a tight budget.
2. Vibrant 1141 Ultra-Quiet Resonator
The Vibrant 1141 boasts of a unique design that is ideal if you want to achieve a fancy look. It is also reasonably priced and perfect if you want value for your money.
The muffler is covered with stainless steel giving it a polished finish.
This finish also enhances the muffler’s durability as it is oxidation, rust, and corrosion-resistant.
The resonator comes with a massive sound chamber enough to absorb most of the noise you get from a 6 to 8-cylinder vehicle.
All the sound and vibrations produced in the engine are muffled using the exhaust system making this one of the most effective products in this category.
The muffler interior is also fitted with sound-deadening material for enhanced performance. You can expect a reduction in exhaust system noises by up to 90%.
3. Vibrant 1142 -3inch Resonator
This is yet another highly efficient product by Vibrant.
This resonator also comes with a unique design sure to deliver optimal performance as far as quiet operation is concerned.
For optimal performance, the resonator is coated using a sound-absorbing material.
You can anticipate enhanced comfort as the noise from your engine will be significantly reduced.
If you are concerned about aesthetics, this resonator got you covered. With a smooth stainless-steel finish, this piece is sure to improve your car’s appearance.
This muffler is designed to withstand high exhauster temperatures.
As long as it is fitted correctly, the resonator will deliver the desired results for years.
This Vibrant resonator comes with a limited 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
The resonator will perform well way beyond the five-year mark thanks to the materials used and overall construction.
4. Walker 21357 Muffler
This muffler will dampen the engine noise and deliver excellent output.
When compared to aluminum versions, the Walker 21357 is three times better performance-wise.
It also comes with modern technology that guarantees excellent results.
With this muffler, you don’t have to worry about driving on wet roads or exposing your car to the element.
Even though the muffler is rust-resistant, it is designed to enhance drainage that may encourage corrosion.
The external and internal inlets are 2.25 inches in diameter. Additionally, the muffler has spot-welded bushings that deliver enhanced stability.
Installation is easy even for those who have never installed mufflers before. This product is also fairly priced, considering its performance.
5. MBRP M1004 Universal Muffler
This is a 30 inches long muffler with a 4-inch expanded inlet and outlet.
The whole product is made using aluminized steel that is durable, rust-resistant, and guarantees optimum performance for longer.
To ensure optimal noise reduction, this muffler is fitted with dual-core technology. It is also designed to allow a smooth flow of gases with adds to its effectiveness.
If you operate a cab service, this is an ideal option for you.
Everything from the performance to the pricing is just right, and you can easily install the muffler and forget about noisy engines for the next few years.
The fact that this is a universal muffler means that you can use it with most, if not all, car models. It is also reasonably priced and worth every penny.
6. Walker 17886 Economy Muffler
The muffler is made using high quality aluminized steel. This material will withstand corrosion, and you don’t have to worry about exposing your car to high humidity.
Aside from the material, the construction is done with durability in mind. This is a product you can install today and enjoy quiet operation for many years, and the good thing is that no maintenance is required.
The chambered muffler interior will ensure you experience minimal noise while driving. It will also ensure that all backpressure is taken care of so your engine has less work to do.
This muffler is best suited for double exhaust pipes.
7. Borla 4084S Muffler
This Borla muffler comes with multi-core technology that guarantees enhanced car performance.
The muffler is both effective and highly versatile, plus it can work with most car models.
Since this muffler reduces the pressure on the engine, it will also reduce your energy consumption.
Your engine will be well-taken care of, and maintenance costs will be kept at a minimum.
Just like others on this list, the Borla 4084 is made of high-quality stainless steel. This makes it rust and corrosion resistant and also durable.
Installing this muffler is easy, and you don’t need any specialized skills to do it right. Removing it is also just as easy.
If the muffler doesn’t match your vehicle, just get it modified.
The modifications will be minimal and will in no way affect performance and durability.
Final Thoughts on Quietest Performance Muffler
Above are some of the best quietest performance muffler on the market.
Mufflers are simple to install and, in most cases, you can DIY even when not a qualified mechanic.
Below is a video on how to replace your performance muffler.
References:
- https://thenewswheel.com/5-most-common-types-of-mufflerssilencers/
- https://www.wikimotors.org/what-is-a-performance-muffler.htm
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.
I am looking for a single inlet (2.5″), dual outlet (2 1/4″) muffler for my GMC Sierra 4.8L pickup that offers minimal backpressure and minimal sound. The chambered mufflers I have used in the past such as Flowmaster have way too much drone in the cab, and are too noisy. The muffler on my short box standard cab GMC sits right below the cab, so drone is an issue. What would you recommend
I’m looking for a very quiet performance muffler approximately 18″ in length, 2 1/2″ inlet and 2 1/2″ outlet, 5″ in diameter. Thanks for your help!