The exhaust is the only set of components of a car that help both improve how it sounds and how it performs on a daily basis. All that while being able to do its main bit which is to reduce pollutants coming out of the other end. One exhaust component that is often overlooked because of its restrictive nature is a muffler.
This is a chamber of obstacles that reduces the loudness of the exhaust which can get pretty obnoxious. This may only seem like it's restrictive for loud sounds, however, it's also restrictive for exhaust gasses which is why many enthusiasts go for performance mufflers.
Types of Mufflers
Chambered
The most common type of muffler you'll come across is a chambered muffler which is factory-fitted from on most vehicles. The biggest reason why that's the case is because a chambered sports muffler allows for some noises to be eliminated and others to get through easily. This level of versatility is quite impressive for such a simple muffler design. You can find single-chambered mufflers which are louder than stock ones but not as restrictive as well as three-chambered mufflers which help generate a more acceptable sound.
Turbo
If you want to get more performance out of your stock vehicle then you should consider getting a turbo muffler. This type of aftermarket muffler has a perforated tube in the shape of an “S” which helps reduce noise without compromising the flow of gasses. You'll get a moderate tone and a much-improved performance with a turbo muffler.
Straight-Through
The simplest car mufflers you'll come across are straight-through mufflers which have a straight perforated tube inside with a sound-absorbing material wrapped around it. You are going to reduce back pressure and improve performance the most with a straight-through muffler but keep in mind that you'll also have a louder exhaust than you would with both of the above mufflers.
Glasspack
A glasspack muffler is a type of straight-through muffler that has a fibreglass packing inside it to absorb sounds better. Essentially, a glasspack sports muffler is a more sophisticated version of a simple straight-through muffler as it's able to absorb louder sounds while providing the same performance gains as that of a straight-through muffler.
What to Consider
Inlet-Outlet
Once you've picked the inside of the muffler it's time to pick the orientation of the inlet and outlet piping. If you want a louder exhaust that will favour performance as well you should go for a centre muffler since it has both the inlet and outlet pipes positioned in the middle of the muffler or the centre. With an offset aftermarket muffler, you have the outlet and inlet pipe off-centre or offset from each other which makes for a quieter exhaust.
Diameter
When it comes to the diameter of the inlet and outer piping it should match the rest of the piping, otherwise, it can cause too many restrictions or increase what is known as back pressure. You can go a little bit wider or smaller but do so at your own risk as you won't benefit much from it either way even if you do it without any consequences.
Muffler Materials
Aluminium
Being lightweight and cost-effective aluminium makes for some of the most affordable mufflers that can do nearly as good of a job as more expensive ones. Aluminium mufflers are able to survive high heat levels and corrosive environments pretty well.
Steel
With an aftermarket muffler made of steel you can expect to have an overall more durable solution that can survive impacts much better than an aluminium muffler but it's also quite heavier. Steel mufflers are more expensive too but they offer better corrosion resistance but only if you go for ones made of 304-grade stainless steel.
When To Replace Your Muffler
Noise
One of the most obvious reasons why you'd want to replace your current muffler won't always be tied to performance. A stock muffler can be replaced if it's starting to fail or already has and one of the most common signs is noise. Since car mufflers are made to reduce loud noises if any occur and are common from the undercarriage there's a good chance it's because of the muffler.
Mileage
While not as apparent as loud popping and hissing noises, a reduction in mileage can be caused because of an old muffler which means you have one you need to replace. That is unless you want to pay more at the pump.
Fumes
If you have a hole in the muffler there can be a leak of fumes coming from the engine. This will result in a strong scent of burned fuel and carbon in the cabin especially when you get out of your car. While it could also mean a whole host of other issues, let's just hope is no more than a muffler replacement.
