A quiet performance muffler will make your rides much quieter, and the best part allows you to conform to the muffler laws in different states. (Source)
There are two ways to make your performance muffler quiet- the first option would be to invest in the quietest performance muffler.
The second option would be to undertake a DIY activity to make your existing muffler quiet as possible.
Luckily for you, I got you covered- here’s a detailed guide on making a muffler quieter.
If you find the DIY option quite tiring or probably your daily schedule is tight, then I’d recommend you to get a quiet performance muffler for your car.
What Are the Different Types of Quiet Performance Mufflers?
Before we get started, I’d like to mention that there are three types of performance mufflers. They include:
- Chambered muffler
- Turbo
- Glass pack/ straight-through
Chambered Mufflers
These are perfect for muscle cars and street machines as they are designed to significantly reduce exhaust noise and at the same time provide a throaty performance sound.
The mufflers have a series of inner chambers aligned at specific intervals allowing for sound waves reflection against each other.
Therefore, the sound waves bounce against one another, and as a result, they cancel out, causing significant noise reduction.
It’s important to note that the exact noise reduction and exhaust tone for the chambered mufflers highly depend on the chambers’ size and number.
In most cases, manufacturers use some effective soundproofing materials known as sound deadening inserts or baffles in the chambers to further alter or reduce the exhaust sound.
Turbo Mufflers
They use a series of perforated tubes that guide exhaust gases in the muffler through an S-shaped pattern.
The S design is more restrictive, allowing the gases to travel through the tubing for improved noise reduction.
Additionally, some turbo mufflers are also equipped with sound-deadening materials packed around the tubes for improved muffling.
Glass Pack/Straight Through
These mufflers are constructed to allow maximum flow as well as horsepower.
They feature straight and a perforated pipe that’s wrapped in sound dampening material- in this case, fiberglass packing.
They are perfect for racing as the exhaust gases pass through the pipe with less restriction.
Unfortunately, they aren’t effective in sound deadening as chambered mufflers.
Additionally, their straight-through design is more compact than the other two above, making it a common choice for custom car builders and street ridders.
What Is the Quietest Performance Muffler?
The quietest performance muffler on the market is MBRP M2220A 31″ Aluminized Quiet Tone Muffler.
This is the perfect muffler for anyone looking for something that will significantly improve fuel efficiency, boost horsepower, give more torque.
Additionally, it also helps keeps the engine cooler as it’s able to maximize exhaust flow.
It has a length of 31 inches and in and out the diameter of 5 inches, and it’s made of high-quality aluminum that guarantees both durability and performance.
Top 5 Quiet Performance Mufflers on the Market
There are plenty of other quiet mufflers you can get on the market today. They include:
1. Vibrant 1141 2.5″ Ultra Quiet Resonator
This muffler boasts a “true straight-through” perforated core that dampens noise and, simultaneously, withstanding extreme exhaust high temperatures.
The unit is constructed with high-quality T304 stainless steel for durability, while the inside is equipped with soundproofing materials for noise reduction.
Stainless steel doesn’t rust- therefore, if you live in a humid region, then this is a perfect muffler for you.
It’s important to note that this is a resonator and that you need a muffler before you can install this unit.
However, it works just fine in making your car quieter.
2. Walker Exhaust Quiet-Flow 21357 Exhaust Muffler
Just as the name suggests, the Walker Quiet Flow is a muffler designed to sound deaden the exhaust system of your car.
It is made of high-quality rust-resistant stainless steel that guarantees durability compared to aluminized mufflers.
This product is easy to install, thanks to the direct fit bolt-on with OE-style hangers, pipe routings, and brackets that make the installation process seamless.
The muffler doesn’t require any sort of specialized welding and fabrication.
It’s designed to last as the internal partitions, and the joined tubes allow for thermal expansion and contraction, minimizing distortion.
Additionally, the OE-style louvered tubes help in sound reduction while the OE-style domed heads significantly minimize radiated noise for improved sound quality when compared to their counterparts- the straight, perforated tubes.
It’s also important to note that the Walker Quiet Flow is one of the few acoustic tested mufflers on the market today.
3. MBRP M1004 Universal Quiet Tone Muffler
The MBRP M1004 Universal Quiet Tone Muffler is boasts a 4-inch expanded outlet and inlet with a whopping 30-inch length.
It’s made using aluminized steel which is much stronger and durable than aluminum mufflers.
Since the muffler is coated with stainless steel, it won’t rust and will therefore last longer even when used in humid regions.
For maximum sound reduction, this unit is fitted with a dual-core technology that improves efficiency.
As the name suggests, this is a universal muffler that can be used in almost all cars regardless of the make.
4. Walker 17886 Economy Pro-Fit Universal Muffler
As the name suggests, the Walker economy is a budget bargain muffler perfect for those on a tight budget or those who want something cheaper.
It’s made from aluminized steel, capable of withstanding corrosion even when exposed to different weather temperatures.
The unit is available in a variety of inlet/outlet configurations and diameters.
It’s a universal muffler capable of fitting different car models.
Quiet Performance Muffler Buyer Guide
There are several factors to consider before investing in a quiet muffler.
Below are some of the most important factors to ensure that you get the most silent performance muffler that meets your specific needs.
Construction
We have stainless steel and aluminized mufflers.
Mufflers are designed to withstand even the harshest conditions.
Be it high pressures, salty water (which accelerates rusting), and withstand impact from road debris.
For this reason, most brands use a 3-layer body that consists of out shell, inner case, and an insulating layer in between.
The muffler body is often made of stainless steel or aluminized steel.
One advantage of aluminized steel mufflers is they are cheaper than their counterparts.
Unfortunately, they aren’t as durable, resistant to corrosion as stainless-steel mufflers.
Noise Levels
If you’re looking for a quiet muffler, it’s obvious that you need something that will keep noise levels down as possible.
You want something that will allow you to listen to your car stereo when cruising down the highway.
Luckily, all the above mufflers reviewed in this guide offer quiet performance.
The best part is that some will even improve fuel efficiency.
Fitting and Price
You should make sure that the muffler of your choice is compatible with your vehicle system.
All the mufflers reviewed above are universal- meaning they fit most cars exhaust systems without or with slight modification.
Final thoughts on Quiet Performance Muffler
A quiet performance muffler is an essential automotive part.
This is especially if you live in quiet neighborhoods or in states with laws governing the use of low tone mufflers.
Above all, what could be more critical if your car’s exhaust system produces that irritating noise?
You’ll find yourself at loggerheads with the authorities,
Hi, my name is Todd R. Bressler and I am the founder of this soundproofing blog. I’m a DIY enthusiast from Cincinnati, the city that just beat New York for the City That Never Sleeps Award in 2020. (Original) I have been in the DIY soundproofing industry for close to 5 years, running a YouTube channel and a Podcast show every Saturday. I started Crafty Soundproofing to help you learn the basics of “self defending yourself against noise”
Have an idea worth sharing? Please contact me and I’ll be happy to respond ASAP.