Considering replacement muffler

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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bad.moshi
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Considering replacement muffler

Post by bad.moshi »

Now to be clear, my muffler isn't in bad shape just yet. It does appear to maybe have a small water drip from a corner, and so I'm sure that eventually there will be a rust hole to deal with. It's very slow, so this isn't a priority on my part... But, as all fellow car enthusiasts will agree, proactive consideration will NEVER hurt you in the end over a last-minute best-deal kind of swap.

So I'm considering a new muffler for when that day comes (or a very slow few days off, whichever comes first). Does anybody have any particular styles/brands that they really enjoy? And just for clarification, I'm not going to replace the entire system. This is (to my knowledge) my only issue in the entire exhaust system. I won't be doing a full borla switch or anything, but as far as mufflers... Do dual output mufflers truly help, just for looks, etc? I don't want anything obnoxious, but it doesn't necessarily have to be the quietest muffler either. I don't feel the need to have any illusions to having loads of power but a throaty hum could be nice... Suggestions?
Last edited by bad.moshi on Wed Apr 04, 2012 7:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Jrs3800
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Re: Considering replacement muffler

Post by Jrs3800 »

Here is where things get a tad tricky for you.... You do not have a Resonator from the factory... No bonnevilles did until the 1994 Models...

Do you have a Dual Outlet ( Option N10 ) Muffler? Magnaflow would be outright loud, As would most flowmasters for you... I'd say if you added a Resonator either one of those would sound good as the Res would help quiet them down a tad..

There are a few other mufflers out there that will have a nice deep groan without being intrusive... I have a magnaflow on the van and its annoying loud at times( certain RPM's )....

Not sure what I can really add here for you...lol
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renchjeep
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Re: Considering replacement muffler

Post by renchjeep »

I bought a used "crossflow" Flowmaster from a Camaro/Firebird.....called the 80 series, iirc....for my 94 SE. I had it installed, and removed the resonator at the same time. WOW was that loud and annoying! I kinda liked it, but my friends said it sounded too raspy, and started calling my car the Evinrude! Kinda sounded like an Evinrude outboard boat motor. I then had a glasspack installed where the resonator was, and it sounds awesome now! Dual chrome 2" slash cut tips at 45 degree angles under each side of the rear bumper look cool too! Well, at least in my opinion.....

As far as performance gains, can't say I noticed a difference. Of course, it "feels" quicker.......and since I like the sound so much, I drive her a bit harder, thus reducing my MPG. I think if I could go easy on the loud pedal, MPG would be better than stock, due to better flow.

Oh, almost forgot, I later installed a high-flow catalytic converter because my stock one was toast.

Just searched "Bonneville Flowmaster" on YouTube. bocajet70 has a video posted that VERY closely resembles the sound of my car. Some of the others obviously did not have a resonator, and sound "raspy" or "rattly", especially on decel. The old "Evinrude" sound!

I think if you go to YouTube and search Bonneville Flowmaster or 3.8 Flowmaster, etc., you will find some sound clips. Mine is not there yet........
Last edited by renchjeep on Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
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bigryan18
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Re: Considering replacement muffler

Post by bigryan18 »

Pics please of the back of your bonny with the muffler & tips...
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Re: Considering replacement muffler

Post by LeSabre in Buffalo »

There's a drain hole in the muffler for condensation. Not an issue, yet. Wait until it gets loud.
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nos4blood70
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Re: Considering replacement muffler

Post by nos4blood70 »

Flowmaster Super 44's with 00+ stock resonator are a nice little hum, but not teeth chattering loud. You have to really listen for them once you're over 3,000 RPM.

That setup would be my suggestion.
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Re: Considering replacement muffler

Post by SSEiMan01 »

They do make a Super 44 in a single in/dual out configuration, as well as a single in/single out, for what its worth
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bad.moshi
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Re: Considering replacement muffler

Post by bad.moshi »

Thanks guys.. I never considered the resonator. IF you have any other ideas keep suggesting... But the truth is that with my driving style and trying to preserve the car as long as possible, I rarely drive over 3k RPMs... I honestly might crack it once every couple of days.. I do give her a good launch and run to 55 every now and then though...you know, to make sure I don't get any carbon buildup ;)
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