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RobSelina
Jedi Warrior
Offline
Update on muffler swap
I was talking a little while ago about swapping my muffler setup for something a little simpler and less hideously ugly than the transverse mount stocker /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif anyway, got the parts in today and got it mounted up:
Note that I'm a sucky photographer, and it doesn't hang as low as it looks in the pic. When you're approaching the vehicle, it doesn't look so prominent...I'll try to get some better pictures tomorrow in full light. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
Anyway, I used a NAPA EXH17700 muffler, EXH41784 tailpipe and three 1.5" u-bolts BK733-5325. (total cost of $30.94 plus tax) I shortened the stock pipe to the muffler (the straight one that goes from the downpipe back) by about 2", then attached the muffler and the tailpipe. Had to mount the muffler sort of sideways to clear the spring and gas tank. it doesn't hit the way it's mounted. I also ordered the wrong tailpipe, since it's 1.5" ID and I need a 1.5" OD. It needed to be shortened 2" though, so it worked out well since I just cut off the flared flange and it fit perfectly into the muffler.
Overall impressions: it's not as ugly as stock, which is good. It hangs down low, but only about level with the differential, so it's not going to get smacked around. The 'note' is pretty throaty at idle to 2500 RPM. It has a bit of a resonance at around 2500, and then sounds like stock for the most part above 3000 RPM. Overall, a little louder than I would like (I like very quiet exhausts) but not ricy or obnoxious. I had the top up too, so it'll be better tomorrow I'm betting with the top down. As far as power is concerned, feels a little stronger in the idle-3000RPM range, but I'm not convinced (think it's sort of like clean cars being faster). Above 3500RPM it's definitely a little peppier, but I don't typically rev it that high /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif
What I'd do different: In an effort to tuck up the muffler a little higher and keep it out of sight and out of the way, I'm thinking the best way to go would be with a motorcycle muffler. Supertrap and the like make some excellent cylindrical mufflers that would tuck perfectly into that space, and motorcycle guys are always laying down their bikes and scratching them up, so you can get used mufflers from them for pennies. I know a few motorcycle guys, I'm going to look into it further.
Anyway, just thought I'd update you all on what I ended up doing /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
I was talking a little while ago about swapping my muffler setup for something a little simpler and less hideously ugly than the transverse mount stocker /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif anyway, got the parts in today and got it mounted up:
Note that I'm a sucky photographer, and it doesn't hang as low as it looks in the pic. When you're approaching the vehicle, it doesn't look so prominent...I'll try to get some better pictures tomorrow in full light. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
Anyway, I used a NAPA EXH17700 muffler, EXH41784 tailpipe and three 1.5" u-bolts BK733-5325. (total cost of $30.94 plus tax) I shortened the stock pipe to the muffler (the straight one that goes from the downpipe back) by about 2", then attached the muffler and the tailpipe. Had to mount the muffler sort of sideways to clear the spring and gas tank. it doesn't hit the way it's mounted. I also ordered the wrong tailpipe, since it's 1.5" ID and I need a 1.5" OD. It needed to be shortened 2" though, so it worked out well since I just cut off the flared flange and it fit perfectly into the muffler.
Overall impressions: it's not as ugly as stock, which is good. It hangs down low, but only about level with the differential, so it's not going to get smacked around. The 'note' is pretty throaty at idle to 2500 RPM. It has a bit of a resonance at around 2500, and then sounds like stock for the most part above 3000 RPM. Overall, a little louder than I would like (I like very quiet exhausts) but not ricy or obnoxious. I had the top up too, so it'll be better tomorrow I'm betting with the top down. As far as power is concerned, feels a little stronger in the idle-3000RPM range, but I'm not convinced (think it's sort of like clean cars being faster). Above 3500RPM it's definitely a little peppier, but I don't typically rev it that high /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif
What I'd do different: In an effort to tuck up the muffler a little higher and keep it out of sight and out of the way, I'm thinking the best way to go would be with a motorcycle muffler. Supertrap and the like make some excellent cylindrical mufflers that would tuck perfectly into that space, and motorcycle guys are always laying down their bikes and scratching them up, so you can get used mufflers from them for pennies. I know a few motorcycle guys, I'm going to look into it further.
Anyway, just thought I'd update you all on what I ended up doing /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
