Quiet Performance Muffler

The main purpose of a muffler is to silence the noise coming from the exhaust pipe of a vehicle. But regular mufflers can negatively affect the performance of a car to the point of reducing its horsepower. Conversely, a muffler that’s designed with performance in mind should prevent that from happening. To understand how it works, we have to start by examining the exhaust system itself.

As you can imagine, the purpose of the exhaust is to expel the gases that come from the combustion chamber of the engine. The chemical reactions that happen in that chamber are often accompanied by fairly explosive sounds as well. In the end, the gaseous blasts exit the exhaust at 80–100 psi, on a wave of thunderous noise. Ultimately, the pipes act as a trumpet, amplifying the noise coming from the engine.

Now, depending on the size of the vehicle, an exhaust system can be anywhere between 8 and 16 feet long. The longer those pipes are, the more chances the sound has to lose energy and dissipate. So installing a muffler is also a way to expand that network, adding length and distortion.

Yet to have a true performance muffler, the piece also needs to have next to no effect on airflow. Rather than stopping the gas from going out, a performance muffler might make its path more complicated by pushing it through tubes and around baffles. That’s how a piece of metal can reduce noise while enhancing fuel economy and improving the horsepower of a vehicle. Still, achieving that effect is not as simple as you’d think!

All mufflers are designed to alter the noise your car emits- typically making the car quieter. How a muffler will work depends on whether you choose chambered design or glass packed design, but both works to reduce the noise emitted in one way or another.

Some vehicles come with a quiet performance muffler when purchased, others are aftermarket add-ons. But what’s the best, and what makes it better than others? Doesn’t it just muffle engine noise?

A quiet muffler is not an oxymoron. It is designed to improve a vehicle’s performance, reduce noise and emissions, and control the way an automobile sounds. Quiet is about controlling the sound from the engine. Performance is about airflow. Sticking on a pretty little clamp-on chrome tailpipe extender doesn’t do either; it often makes performance worse and noise louder.

This guide will look at what makes a quiet performance exhaust system. It’ll explore muffler design, sound absorption, and resonators. Explain how an exhaust system works and its effect on vehicle performance. I’ll then look at the top brands and move on to discuss what features you need to look for before buying one, as well as what you should be wary of and avoid. By the end of this guide, you will be able to make an informed decision on which is the right one for you.

Best quiet performance mufflers are:

• MBRP M2220A 31
• Vibrant 1141 2.5
• Walker 21357 Quiet-Flow Stainless Steel Muffler
• Vibrant 1142 3
• MBRP M1004A Universal Quiet Tone Muffler
• Walker 17886 Economy Pro-Fit Universal Muffler
• EVIL ENERGY Burnt Exhaust Tip Stainless Steel Muffler
• Walker 18890 SoundFX
• Trush Exhaust Muffler
• Dynomax 17731 Super Turbo Muffler

Mufflers play an important role in a car’s exhaust system. They are designed to reduce car noise. In most states, it’s a legal requirement to have car mufflers. (Source) This helps in significantly reducing excessive or unusual noise and smoke. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to choosing a muffler for your car. The muffler you choose will alter the way your car sounds; some will offer a deep growl while others will make your car as quiet as possible.

Can a Performance Muffler Make Your Car Quieter?

In theory, a performance muffler should reduce exhaust noise without affecting your vehicle’s functioning. But is that even possible? Can we expect such a drastic change from a 20 or 30-inch long tube?

In a way, some mufflers are similar to resonators, which take the bite out of exhaust noise by flattening the sound of the exhaust noise. Still, resonators can only eliminate the headache-inducing frequencies that usually bother people, thereby creating a richer exhaust sound. Because of that, most people use resonators and mufflers together, though some mufflers can perform both tasks by effectively reducing noise across the board.

The way that happens depends on the type of muffler you go for. On the one hand, you have absorptive or dissipative mufflers, which use insulation to absorb the sound pressure of the engine noise. These are typically straight-through mufflers with a perforated tube in the middle that is surrounded by different kinds of insulation.

In any case, reactive — or, rather, reflective — mufflers are generally considered to be more effective. These silencers use destructive interference to control sound thanks to the internal shape of the structure. While some use perforated tubes, others rely on resonating chambers to decrease the sound pressure of certain frequencies.

Essentially, these kinds of mufflers use reflected amplitude pressure waves that are 180 degrees out of phase to cancel out the sound waves coming from the engine. That makes them more efficient than silencers that merely absorb some of those soundwaves. Still, many manufacturers have taken to making hybrids of these two styles, featuring fewer baffles and more sound-absorbing materials.

So ultimately, the answer to the question of whether a muffler can make your exhaust quieter without affecting its performance is a resounding yes. You’ll just have to find the best performance muffler for your vehicle.

Muffler Design and Sound Absorption

A muffler is designed to slow the airflow and absorb or dissipate sound energy. It does that through a series of baffles, channels, and different packing materials. However, the more restricted the airflow, the more restrictive the backpressure.

Backpressure is what hinders engine performance. Mufflers are engineered to perform differently. A variety of fabrication strategies reduce exhaust volume and minimize engine performance lose.

An automotive exhaust system begins at the exhaust manifold. It then runs through a catalytic converter that converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. In most jurisdictions, the law prohibits tampering with the catalytic converter. But, modifications from the converter to tailpipe can be made.

They’re known as Cat-back (Catalytic converter back) changes. The layout of the system produces a growl, whine, purr, or super quiet exhaust based on its design, and the frequencies it controls.

What is Performance Muffler

A performance muffler is fabricated to maximize sound suppression while minimizing airflow restriction. It’s a fine-tuned balance with a lot of science involved. Improving the airflow into the muffler and reducing back pressure from the engine is what a performance muffler does. The better it does at both, the greater the expense to you.

Exhaust Noise

Exhaust noise originates in the combustion chamber of the engine. It is the explosion of the gasses from the fuel-oxygen mixture. The gasses blast out the exhaust ports between 80 and 100 psi pressure and fire into the manifold at speeds of 2800 fps. This eardrum rupturing cacophony occurs thousands of times a minute.  It produces the exhaust sound.

How Does Car Muffler Work?

The pressurized gas speeding down the exhaust pipes carries the noise with them. A vehicle’s exhaust system is usually between 8 and 16 feet long. The longer the pipes, the more residence time the exhaust has to bounce through the tube.

The diameter and length of the pipe help dissipate energy and sound. The location of the muffler between the catalytic converter and tailpipe is also crucial in the control of energy and noise.

Not all mufflers are the same, but they all use similar principles to slow the airflow and reduce sound. Many mufflers operate on the destructive interference and absorption principle. The exhaust enters the muffler and goes through one or more perforated tubes, plus a baffle or two.

In reverse flow, also known as turbo style, the exhaust changes direction several times before continuing to the tailpipe. Within the muffler, soundwaves are reflected. They cancel or absorb each other, decreasing noise and achieving a quiet exhaust.

Many stock and performance mufflers have a double steel or aluminum wall. The double-wall also helps cancel some soundwave vibrations. The following designs are found in both performance and stock muffler:

a muffler design will determine how quiet and how noisy the muffler is. Let’s have a look at the various design and how quiet or loud are.

Ultimately, reverse-flow mufflers (turbo) are the quietest kind of exhaust silencer you can have. Still, straight-through mufflers can dampen the sound somewhat and they arguably provide the best airflow. On the other hand, chamber mufflers are the best option for people who want to hear a deeper growl coming from the exhaust muscle cars.

Glasspack Or Straight-Through Design

A glasspack or straight-through muffler is a simple design with a perforated core tube. The tube is wrapped in noise damping fiberglass, stone wool, or steel wool, and encased in a metal shell. This is a low restriction, high flow design.

These products feature a straight perforated core that’s surrounded by sound-dampening materials like steel wool or fiberglass. Still, since we’re dealing with a straight pipe, these mufflers can only do so much. Typically, the longer the perforated core, the quieter the exhaust will be.

These have the simplest design. They are packed with sound-deadening materials in most cases fiberglass, but at times, steel wool is used. The sound-absorbing material suppresses the sound as it moves through the muffler system. (Source)

As its name suggests, Glasspack mufflers are packed with sound-dampening materials such as steel wool or fiberglass, which are good sound deadening products. They have a packing that’s wrapped around a perforated pipe. This pipe-which is straight- allow gases to flow smoothly without being backed up hence giving maximum horsepower, which is great for racing.

It improves horsepower but doesn’t decrease the exhaust’s deep roar much. The longer the perforated core from intake to outlet though, the quieter the ride.

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.

Turbo

These are also called reverse-flow mufflers.

Turbo types combine the technology used in both chambered and Glasspack. They work by channeling gasses through S-shaped tubes which have sound dampening materials applied around them. While they have more pressure on the system than the two above, they make for a quieter running engine.

A turbo muffler isn’t about turbocharging; it’s more about the sound it makes. The muffler has 3 or less (instead of 5) perforated tubes inside. The exhaust flows through much faster than most stock units and has improved horsepower.

It also makes it quieter than most chamber or straight-through models. Some turbo mufflers have fiberglass wrapped around the tubes for an even quieter exhaust.

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.

Chamber

These mufflers utilized destructive interference (Source). As the sound waves travel through the component, they are forced to bounce through strategically placed chambers which direct them in such a way that some waves cancel each other out.

This means that only a few sound waves end up emitted from the exhaust system, and hence, the sound emitted is quieter. The chambers and tubes inside chambered mufflers can be altered to alter the sound emitted.

They have an internal system of baffles that provide destructive interference by forcing the gas to move through different chambers. That alters the sound of the exhaust to a low growl or rumble, making it a perfect solution for sports cars. After all, chamber mufflers still have excellent airflow, which increases torque and horsepower and decreases fuel consumption.

Exhaust entering a chambered muffler travels through different compartments or chambers. Baffles or noise stopping plates deflect the sound pressure. The flow-through is less restricted than in most stock exhausts.

The improved flow increases torque and horsepower and decreases fuel consumption. The muffler has a metallically growl or rumble.

Unlike straight through, chambered mufflers create a deep sound which is quieter. They have a series of inner chamber that bounces sound waves around so that some waves end up canceling each other out.

It’s pretty easy to alter the sound produced by chambered mufflers by adjusting the shape and the size of the inner chambers. By altering the shape and size of the interior chambers, you can get the sound that you want.

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.

Since their performance depends on the internal interference, altering the sound is as easy as changing the tubes and chambers position.

Types of Performance Mufflers: Which is the Quietest?

Internal design characteristics identify mufflers. A Reactive muffler is a chamber design. An Absorptive is a glasspack or turbo derivative. Some mufflers are a combination of Reactive and Absorptive.

Quieter mufflers are a trade-off with performance. Less noise often means a more restrictive airflow, creating greater backpressure. The result is less noise but decreased performance and engine efficiency. Quiet mufflers are a balance between noise control and backpressure.

Reactive

Reactive or reflective mufflers use destructive interference to control sound. The inlet and outlet are offset, and internal tubes are perforated. It has expansion and resonating chambers. The chambers decrease the sound pressure of different frequencies.

It uses reflected amplitude pressure waves that are 180° out of phase. When the waves collide, they cancel each other out, making for an ultra-quiet exhaust. Unfortunately, it also creates greater backpressures, which affect efficiency and performance.

Absorptive

An absorptive muffler, also known as dissipative, uses insulation to absorb sound pulse pressure. The inlet and outlet align with a straight, perforated tube inside the metal housing. The sound absorptive material is fiberglass, rock wool, or steel wool.

It wraps the perforated pipe or fills the space around it in the muffler casing. The straight-through design means more noise but less backpressure.  An absorptive muffler is more efficient and higher performing.

Combination of the Two

Some mufflers blend reactive design characteristics with absorptive material. The turbo design is such a blend. Fewer chambers or baffles coupled with sound-absorbing materials result in a quieter high flow muffler. The result is less backpressure and better performance. It also produces different deeper bass sounds, instead of tinny or drone.

What Makes a Muffler Quiet?

There are many factors taken into account when designing a muffler. There are no one-size-fits-all mufflers. Engine size, horsepower, total exhaust length, and pipe diameter are design factors.

Acceptable cabin noise levels and exterior sound and volume are other considerations. Dissipating sound pressure and reflecting frequency waves to cancel each other out makes for a quiet muffler. Doing that without disrupting exhaust flow is what makes quiet performance exhausts.

Difference Between Mufflers and Resonators

By design, a muffler reduces engine and exhaust volume across the full RPM range. It is a critical part of a quiet exhaust system. They use perforated tubes, baffles, directional changes, or insulation to modulate exhaust noise.

It determines how loud and what tone a car will make – a deep roar or high pitched scream. However, the sound inside the cab may be an irritating drone at highway speeds, while outside, it emits the sound of power.

The resonator removes noise or resonance, also called exhaust drone, at a specific RPM range. They don’t normally reduce volume. They eliminate the pingy, raspy hum, or drone by controlling specific frequency soundwaves.

A resonator enhances sound by canceling out certain sound wave frequencies at a defined RPM. It provides a more comfortable sound.

The muffler and resonator work together as part of a vehicle’s exhaust system. The exhaust controls volume and sets the sound. The resonator modulates and tunes the sound, so it is more comfortable. It also produces the desired sound and note.

The effect of the resonator depends on where it is in relation to the muffler. The size and type of each, the engine size, and the RPM impact range also are considerations. The muffler and resonator should complement each other to produce the desired exhaust volume and sound.

Does A Quiet Exhaust System Affect Car Performance?

A quiet exhaust system can improve the performance of non-racing automobiles. The exhaust system of a vehicle includes everything from the exhaust manifold to the tip of the tailpipe.

A vehicle with a catalytic converter (Cat) already has restricted flow. The Cat is a legal requirement for most cars. So, engineering for the majority of backpressure has already been addressed.

Pipes with smooth or mandrel bends improve airflow. Pipes with crimped or crush bends disrupt the flow. Minimizing flow restrictions and improving the exhaust velocity will improve performance.

It is important to check your exhaust system for damage or rust to ensure it is in good condition. Damaged or weakened pipes can reduce performance. The length of the exhaust system also affects performance, as does the pipe diameter.

Too small or too big impact the pressure waves. They can interfere with engine performance, and also damage the engine. Engine performance suffers when the exhaust movement is restricted.

The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful gasses while restricting flow. Adding more restrictions may not be beneficial. A resonator cancels specific sound wave frequencies to moderate noise.

The muffler helps protect ears from the engine noise. It can also reduce noise to a desirable level. A muffler and resonator coupled to pipes of the correct diameter will improve performance.

Two of the main reasons why people replace car muffler are:

• Improve performance
• Make it quieter

Below are some of the performance benefits you’ll get with a properly functioning muffler.

• A properly functioning muffler enables your car to get rid of waste gases effectively
• In most states in the US, it’s a legal requirement to have a muffler installed on your car exhaust system as it significantly reduces noise pollution
• The best quiet performance muffler can help your vehicle’s engine burn fuel efficiently hence increase fuel economy
• Aftermarket mufflers can increase horsepower by up to 10%

Best Quiet Muffler Brands

Vibrant Performance 

In 1986, Vibrant Power Inc. introduced a reliable, flexible universal coupling. It’s used in transverse-mounted front wheel drive engine exhausts. In 1997, Vibrant Power began as a division of Vibrant Power Inc.

Today, it is a global leader in aftermarket components, including performance mufflers. Vibrant designs and manufactures mufflers and resonators for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They produce bolt-on and custom components for aftermarket and OEM use.

MBRP

MBRP produced its B&B Eliminator more than 20 years ago for snowmobiles. It’s still the best selling sled muffler. Their mufflers are in marine craft, snow sleds, plus performance cars and trucks. Their line of flow through muffles generates a deep, mellow sound.

Pipes, resonators, and mufflers are aluminized or stainless steel. The full bolt-on system has easy to understand instructions. MBRP makes mufflers and resonators for many domestic, European, and Japanese brands. Their performance parts are on muscle and sports compact cars and trucks.

Walker

Walker introduced its first ventilated tube muffler in 1931. Since then, it has been manufacturing and making innovations to the muffler. They introduced a stainless steel muffler in the mid-40s and an aluminized steel one in 1953.

Walker is a subsidiary of Tenneco, Inc. It is the leading world manufacturer of original equipment and aftermarket exhaust systems. Walker manufactures catalytic converters, mufflers, resonators, pipes, and all other parts. Their products are found in many automotive brands worldwide.

They manufacture DynoMax, Advantage, Thrush, Quiet-Flow, Sound FX, and Starla brand mufflers and exhaust products.

Considerations Before Buying a Quiet Performance Muffler

There are many things to consider before purchasing a quiet car muffler. Mufflers may have one or more chambers and produce a quiet ride, but lower engine performance. They can also be straight through glasspack with better performance but more noise.

Mufflers are a trade-off between noise and performance. They determine the type of sound your vehicle produces. If you want that deep rumble, growl, or roar of a powerhouse or the scream of a racing machine, then choose wisely.

Noise Level

Chamber, straight-through, and turbo are the three main designs of muffles. The internal configuration controls the noise level and sound. Baffles, chambers, perforated tubes, and sound insulation control soundwave pulses, producing different sounds.

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.

Chambered mufflers are reactive. They produce the throaty rumble of muscle or power machines. Glasspack or straight-through are absorptive and maximize horsepower. They produce the scream of the street racer.

Turbo mufflers typically have an S-configuration of perforated tubes. The Turbo controls more volume with less horsepower loss. It produces a quieter bass rumble.

It’s obvious that when looking for the quietest muffler, you’d want to the noise levels to be the priority factor to look out for.  Mufflers are designed to reduce the noise coming from the exhaust system of your vehicle.

But here’s what you should know: some mufflers will be quite louder than stock mufflers that come with your car. These are known as straight-through mufflers or glass pack mufflers.

If you want the quietest automobile muffler, it’s better to go for turbo and chambered mufflers. These will make your car run quietly.

The Best Material Is Titanium Followed By Stainless Steel Of A High Grade B

The best automobile muffler must stand up the heat, pressure and all the debris on the road and hence it’s important that a muffler is made of sturdy and durable materials. The most common content is steel, which can either be stainless or aluminized.

Aluminized steel is affordable than its counterpart. However, it’s prone to corrosion. Therefore, if you live in humidly or rainy areas or in areas where the roads are salted on a regular basis, it’s best to go for stainless steel.

Mufflers are manufactured from stainless steel, aluminized steel, or titanium.

Aluminized Steel

Aluminized steel has high thermal conductivity, so it handles heat better than stainless. It is usually a slightly thicker material in mufflers when compared to stainless.

The aluminum content of the material makes it better at handling hot fumes. It’s also thicker and easier to weld and customize than pure stainless steel.

Even so, aluminized steel does have one big flaw. Namely, it is more prone to corrosion. In a dry climate, an aluminized steel muffler could last for about a decade. If the finish cracks, the whole thing will rust in a year at best.

Aluminized can last 10 years in a dry climate with little ice or snow. But, if the aluminum wears, scratches, or cracks, it could rust out in a year.

Stainless Steel

Even though most performance mufflers are made of stainless steel, you should always look for the grade of the material. Typically, 409 stainless steel contains less chromium and is, therefore, less expensive than the 304 grade one. Moreover, 409 grade can last for about 8 years at most — unlike the marine grade version of the material. After all, 304 stainless steel is much more resistant to road salts and therefore capable of lasting upwards of 20 years.

Ultimately, the cheap stuff can only get you so far. Low-grade stainless steel is somewhat susceptible to changing shape and color due to thermal expansion. Still, the material is fairly resistant to corrosion. And on top of that, it’s about 4% denser than aluminized steel, though it’s usually shaped to be thinner to offset the weight difference.

Stainless steel is more susceptible to shape-changing thermal expansion than aluminized. It comes in dull silver to high polished silver, can be polished, but will discolor over time.

Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and withstands road and airborne salt better. It often has a better warranty. Stainless is 4% denser than aluminized steel. The weight difference though is offset by using a thinner material in mufflers.

There are two grades of stainless steel used in mufflers. Stainless 409 is the most commonly used in the industry. It contains less chromium, so it is less expensive and will last about 8 years. Stainless 304 is marine grade and is very resistant to salts and can last 20 or more years.

Titanium

if you’re looking for a lightweight addition to your exhaust that will improve acceleration and handling, stick to titanium. Even though that material is about 20% lighter than steel, it’s considerably stronger, And since titanium can handle heat without losing its sheen or rusting, the higher price tag is well worth it.

Titanium weighs 40% less than stainless steel. It is much stronger and also more expensive too. The metal dissipates heat better than stainless, is shinier, plus it doesn’t rust, corrode, or stain. The lighter material produces a raspy metallic sound. It has a better power to weight ratio, and so improves acceleration and handling,

It Has To Fit Your Car: Exhaust Diameters And Attachment Surface

you’ll first have to figure out whether you have a single- or dual-chamber exhaust. If you have two exit ports, you’ll have to get two silencers according to the diameters of those pipes!

Typically, automotive exhaust ports range from 1.5 to 5 inches in diameter, though the universal size is about 2.5 inches, so mufflers are usually made to match that. If you try to force a silencer that isn’t the correct size for your car, you’ll increase the backpressure inside the exhaust system. That can cause the engine to overheat, making it less fuel-efficient and more difficult to handle.

Selecting the right muffler for a vehicle depends on several factors. Those factors include engine displacement, horsepower, single or dual exhausts, and existing piping. Racing or street horsepower can also affect pipe size. Smaller engine displacement and horsepower normally mean smaller diameter inlet-outlet connections.

Diameters usually range from 1-3/4 to 5-inches. Plus, there are adaptor couplings available to increase or decrease the pipe size. Selecting the incorrect size can result in increased backpressure. It can decrease engine performance, fuel efficiencies, and torque, and cause engine overheating.

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.

Price

The type of muffler – chamber, straight-through or turbo – and manufacturing material affect cost. Aluminized steel muffler prices, unit to unit, are less expensive than stainless steel. Stainless steel 409 is cheaper than stainless 304, and titanium is the most expensive. The price of the muffler does not include the rest of the exhaust system either.

Whether you want to upgrade your muffler or replace a faulty one, the 10 reviewed here are the best quiet performance mufflers. Check them out and select the one that will give you the performance and sound you want for your ride.

Warranty

Muffler warranties are usually limited to private vehicle use and not commercial or racing machines. They must be installed properly on an automobile suited to their design specifications. Alterations, misuse, and damage from accidents will void most warranties.

Some brands offer lifetime warranties, some 2 or 3 years, and others limit to 90 days. Most products are covered against material and workmanship defects, and blowouts. It is always best to read the fine print.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act additionally protects the vehicle owner. It legally prohibits an automobile manufacturer from voiding the vehicle warranty unless an aftermarket part proves to have contributed to the vehicle’s failure.

Best Quiet Performance Muffler Reviews

1. MBRP M2220A 31″ Aluminized Quiet Tone Muffler

The MBRP M2220A high flow, straight through muffler, improves horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. The greater exhaust flow helps keep the engine and exhaust temperatures lower too.

The punch-in perforations in the interior tube are visible from the inlet end. Making it easier to identify which end is which when looking inside. The open ends of the perforations catch and dampen the sound waves.

This is a 31” long, 8” diameter aluminized cylinder with 5” diameter in-out connections centered on the ends. The connections fit over existing 5” outside diameter pipes. The muffler has a true 5” core for unrestricted flow.

Over-all length is 35”, and it weighs approximately 24-pounds. The muffler has a 1-year warranty if purchased from an authorized dealer and registered within 30 days of purchase. Warranty isn’t transferable, and sound isn’t warrantied either.

It decreases idle and acceleration noise while still producing a powerful deep rumble. The Quiet Tone tunes down the volume to a more bearable level, but louder than factory OME. The increased airflow also improves the power sound.

The muffler removes highway drone, plus drone while towing or under load. The Quiet Tone is one of the quietest high performance mufflers, reducing decibel volume by up to 10%.

This muffler measures 5 inches in and out while its overall diameter is 8 inches while the length measures 31 inches.

It’s made of aluminized steel that’s durable and more affordable than stainless steel.

2. Vibrant 1141 2.5″ Ultra Quiet Resonator

The 2.5” Vibrant Ultra Quiet works with the muffler to fine-tune the exhaust noise. It doesn’t restrict flow since the perforated core has a 2.5” inside diameter. It is manufactured from stainless 304 steel to withstand hot exhaust temperatures. The straight-through core and in-out connections are centered in and on the muffler.

The resonator is suitable for mounting between the catalytic converter and muffler, or after the muffler. The housing is 9.75” long, and the overall length is 13.75”. The body is oval in shape, being 4.75”x6.5” wide. The resonator adds about 5.95-pounds to the exhaust system.

It has a 5-year limited warranty for private vehicles only. The warranty covers material and workmanship defects. It only repairs or replaces defective parts. It does not cover labor or vehicle damage. Warranty claims require the original receipt and a Return Goods Authorization.

The 2.5” inside diameter perforated core fine-tunes sound frequency. The Vibrant 1141 modulates the resonance and produces a deep tone. It removes rasp, drone, and high pitched trilling or rifling noise from most 6 and 8 cylinder engines. The resonator dampens some noise, but there is minimal exhaust volume reduction.

This muffler is specifically designed to dampen the car exhaust noise and engineered to provide undisrupted exhaust flow.

While it’s a True Straight-Through Muffler, it’s surrounded by efficient sound absorption/ sound dampening materials to dampen give the perfect kind of low growl. The stainless steel can withstand very high exhaust temperatures. You get a five-year limited warranty when you purchase this exhaust muffler.

3. Vibrant 1142 3″ Ultra Quiet Resonator

The Vibrant resonator has a 3” diameter perforated core. It dampens exhaust sound without negatively affecting horsepower or efficiencies. It works with the other exhaust components to produce the desired sound and volume.

Made from stainless 309 steel, it will tolerate high temperatures. The 3” inside diameter inlet and outlet are centered on the muffler ends for easy connection. The straight-though design minimizes flow disruption, and impact on horsepower or efficiencies.

The resonator has an overall length of 14”, and weighs 5.9-pounds. The body is 9.75” long, 6.5” wide and 4.75” high. It can be mounted ahead or behind the muffler.

The 5-year limited warranty applies only to non-commercial vehicles. Vibrant will repair or replace products with defects in material and workmanship. They don’t cover labor or vehicle damage. A Return Goods Authorization number and original receipt are both required for warranty coverage.

This super quiet muffler decreases drone, rifling, and rasp. It produces a deeper growl under load or quick acceleration. The 1142-3” quiets idle and light-footed driving noise in the low to mid-range RPMs. It reduces the volume by about 10%.

The muffler allows undisrupted exhaust flow. This means that your vehicle’s engine won’t wield so much pressure, which is the most probable cause of engine noise.

Like the Vibrant quiet muffler above, it’s made of stainless steels and boasts a True Straight Through core surrounded with sound-deadening materials.

Walker 21357 Quiet-Flow Stainless Steel Muffler

Walker combines original equipment (OE) design, fit, and style in its aftermarket products. Walker Quiet-Flow muffler fits most domestic and foreign automobiles. It provides a better precision fit, OE sound, and OE exhaust flow.

Use the year, make, and model of the automobile for a perfect fit when selecting the 21357. The muffler is made from stainless 409 steel inside and out. It will last 3-times longer than aluminized products in the same environment.

The 2.25” inside diameter off-set outlet and centered inlet connections align for an easy fit. The locking heads help prevent backfire rupture and are domed to reduce noise. Internal partitions are spot welded for stability.

The louvered, internal tubes are mechanically fastened to the partitions preventing breakage. The fastening also permits temperature expansion and contraction. Internal drainage improves corrosion resistance by removing condensation and acid collection.

The oval-shaped cylinder is 27.5” long, 10.5” wide, and 5” high, and weighs about 11.5-pounds. Volume is louder than the original equipment and has a deeper rumble.

Walker offers the Safe and Sound 90-day guarantee for the muffler if it doesn’t perform as expected. They will refund the original purchase price, minus rebates, and discounts. They also include up to $50 per axle for labor.

There is also a limited lifetime warranty for non-commercial vehicles provided it is the original purchaser. Walker will replace defective or worn-out mufflers, not cover installation and removal costs.

Its life cycle is three times compared to the aluminized steel versions. One unique feature is the OE-style louvered tube technology that lowers exhaust noise levels to levels that can’t be achieved using the straight tubes mufflers.

It’s rust-resistant, and therefore you won’t worry about driving on wet roads or roads that are often salted in the winter. It features a comprehensive internal drainage system that prevents corrosion. With this muffler, you get a limited lifetime warranty. Both inlet and outlets have a diameter of 2.25 inches inside.

5. MBRP M1004A Universal Quiet Tone Muffler

The MBRP M1004A is a straight-through aluminized steel muffler. It has a full 4” bore for unrestricted exhaust flow. The improved flow helps cool the engine and produces less backpressure. It improves torque, horsepower, and engine efficiencies. It uses dual-core science to optimize sound suppression and flow.

The M1004A is a universal fit for most vehicles. The 4” diameter inlet and outlet connections are in the middle of each end, making it easy to connect with existing pipes. It is 30”s long overall, has a 24” long, 6” diameter body, and weighs 18-pounds.

MBRP offers a 1-year limited, non-transferable warranty. It is only valid if registered within 30 days of purchasing from an authorized dealer.

The Universal Quiet Tone muffler has a spiral louvered, high-flow core. Coupled with sound-absorbing packing, it cancels up to 10% of the decibel sound.

The muffler reduces sound when towing or under load. It also removes the drone between 1500 and 2500 RPM, and most of the whistle. The M1004A produces a quiet idle and a deep, powerful rumble at highway speeds.

6. Walker 17886 Economy Pro-Fit Universal Muffler

The Walker 17886 universal muffler is fabricated from corrosion-resistant aluminized steel. It is equivalent to an OE direct-fit for some brands and models based on hanger location, shape, and size. The universal fit means it can be adapted for most vehicles but may require some adapters and extra clamps.

The Pro-Fit is inexpensive and easy to install. It minimizes noise for a quiet ride with some performance growl.

The 17886 is a reactive design muffler. It has two perforated 2” tubes, and two partitions spot welded for support and stability. It has expandable bushings and locking heads to decrease blowout.

To help prevent breakage or distortion the interior joints are mechanical, not welded. This relatively cheap quiet muffler has an offset 2” inside diameter inlet and center outlet. The muffler isn’t reversible. It is an 18” oval cylinder, 8.813” wide and 4.25” high. The overall length is 25”, and it weighs 10.5-pounds.

Walker offers a Safe and Sound 90-day guarantee for mufflers. It means it can be returned if you’re not satisfied with its performance. They only refund the price you paid after any discounts or rebates.

The company will replace worn-out or defective mufflers. It doesn’t cover the costs of installation or removal. The guarantee and warranty apply only to products used on private automobiles by the original owner. They don’t cover modified mufflers or those improperly installed.

The muffler features a chambered interior that works to improve your car’s performance, improves fuel economy by reducing the back-pressure in the system, and gives a boost to your vehicle’s horsepower.

Pros:

• Improves engine performance
• Ideal for 2” exhaust pipe
• Chambered design
• Affordable and yet durable

Cons:

• The sound produced is too quiet – not ideal for those who enjoy deep growl
• May require expert installation

7. Borla 40842S S-Type Muffler

Borla S-Type is one of the quietest high-end models. It’s carefully to improve the car performance thanks to the unique multi-core technology. In other words, it will not only make your engine quieter but will also give it an upgrade in terms of performance and fuel economy.

It created using T-304 stainless steel that’s designed to last. Not only is stainless steel durable, but it’s also highly resistant to corrosion.

Pros:

• Simple installation
• Improves performance and fuel economy
• Uses unique multi-core technology

Cons:

• It may require some alteration when installing in some vehicles

EVIL ENERGY Burnt Exhaust Tip Muffler

Evil Energy 2.5” muffler has a straight-through design. It provides less disruptive interference to the exhaust flow. Made from stainless 304 steel with a polished chrome finish, it has a polished mirror finish. The heavier steel construction will also outlast lighter steel or aluminized products.

The muffler improves horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. It helps keep the engine running cooler. It is a universal fit for 2.5” exhaust pipes. The double steel wall muffler body also helps to decrease vibration.

The exhaust tip muffler mounts at the end of the system. The location provides the exhaust greater residence time for more sound control. It’s easy to install with a seal, U-bolt, butt, or lap joint clamps, or it can be welded it on.

The 12.1” body has a 1.9” long 2.5” outside diameter inlet connection, and a 4.3” long 4” OD outlet with a burnt blue tip. With an overall length of 18.6”, the 4.9” diameter cylinder adds about 4.19-pounds to your ride. The muffler has a 90-day replacement warranty.

The Evil 2.5” exhaust tip muffler has 2.5” diameter inside perforated flow-through core pipe. The space between the core and the housing is packed with fiberglass to absorb sound wave pulses.

The muffler improves the exhaust tone and volume. It produces a quiet idle and cruising noise, and an impressive, deep rumble or growl under load or acceleration.

Walker 18890 SoundFX

The Walker 18890 SoundFX is available as a direct OEM or universal fit muffler. The muffler isn’t reversible, so check that it will fit your make, model, and year. The 100% aluminized steel construction improves its durability and corrosion resistance.

The mounting hangers are welded in place for easier attachment, but two clamps are required. The SoundFX is a stock fit muffler and produces a super quiet exhaust note.

The SoundFX muffler is 37.5” long overall. The body is a 30” long oval cylinder. It’s 9” wide and 7” high, and weighs 32-pounds. The connections are a 2.5” inside diameter offset inlet and a centered outlet.

The spun-locked rupture resistant heads reduce blowout. The 18890 is a reactive design. It has two partitions and two louvered perforated tubes. The disruptive interference improves sound control and level.

The inside connections and joints are mechanical for better durability. Plus, the expandable bushings are spot welded for improved support and stability.

Walker offers a 1-year limited warranty against defects and excessive wear. It only applies to original owners for private automobiles. They replace the muffler if worn-out or defective.

The warranty doesn’t cover modified or improperly installed mufflers, or the cost of installation and removal.

Lawson Industries 72772 Rush Performance Diesel Muffler

The Rush is fully welded stainless 409 steel construction inside and out for strength and durability. The seams are also welded lap-joints for a more air-tight and durable seal. It has a straight-through mandrel-bent perforated inside core, which decreased backpressure.

The maximized flow improves torque, horsepower, and fuel efficiency. It fits over 4” OD pipes and improves acceleration and power.

The performance diesel muffler is 30” long overall. The inlet and outlet are centered on the ends and have a 4” inside diameter. The muffler itself is a 24” long 8” diameter cylinder and weighs about 21.7-pounds. It can easily be welded onto 4” exhaust pipes.

Lawson Industries offers a 2-year limited replacement warranty.

The Rush muffler’s perforated core disrupts the sound wave pulse. Acoustic fiber is packed between the core and housing absorbs and tunes the exhaust noise. Stainless steel mesh protects the acoustic material from excessive exhaust heat.

The muffler produces a throaty performance sound with less volume. It also reduces drone and mutes exhaust rap and whine between 2000 and 2500 RPM.

DynoMax 17731 Super Turbo Muffler

DynoMax Super Turbo muffler has three large bore tubes inside. They decrease back pressure and producing an improved flow of 700 SCFM. The patented flow directors eliminate turbulence, helping to control exhaust flow.

It improves torque and power, plus acceleration. The well-made mufflers are 100% aluminized steel fabrication with arc-welded seams for durability. This is a reversible universal fit muffler.

The Super Turbo has an overall length of 18.5” and weighs 10.1-pounds. The muffler body is an oval cylinder 14” long, 9.75” wide, and 4.25” high. The offset inlet/outlet and centered outlet/inlet have a 2.5” outside diameter.

Fiberglass wrap absorbs noise, resonance, and decreases noise volume. The muffler eliminates drone and produces low idle noise. The DynoMax is one of the quietest performance mufflers. It produces a performance tone with a low rumble or growl under load or during acceleration.

Tenneco offers a limited lifetime warranty on the DynoMax Super Turbo.  It covers excessive wear and defects on mufflers used on private vehicles. A 90-Day Performance and Sound guarantee is also available. It refunds the purchase price if the muffler doesn’t meet or exceed your expectations.

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Final thoughts on quiet performance muffler

The Walker 21357 Quiet-Flow is my top pick for the most quiet performance muffler. Its offers a quiet ride with a durable design that has proven to withstand corrosion.

For the best quiet muffler value, the Walker 17886 is an exceptional bargain created using high quality aluminized steel that’s highly resistant to corrosion.