A muffler is a crucial part of a truck’s exhaust system. The component makes the truck sound good, saves fuel, and improves the truck’s engine performance. The best truck mufflers are available in different types, and you can choose as per your needs.
Benefits of A Truck Muffler
Enhances Airflow
When you add a new muffler, it will boost the truck’s exhaust system. The component eliminates backpressure and allows more air to travel through the exhaust system. The enhanced air flow increases gas mileage and improves the engine’s performance.
Increase Horsepower
The total amount of horsepower from the engine increases with the addition of a new muffler. The performance of the exhaust system improves, and you will get more power behind the wheel.
Improves Sound
When you change the old exhaust pipes and muffler, it will improve the truck’s tone. If you want to make an impressive entrance in a sporty truck, you can consider adding a new muffler to the exhaust for trucks.
Different Types of Truck Mufflers
Straight Through
Sound-absorbing material is used for the design of a straight-through muffler. The material used is often steel wool or fiberglass. The straight pipe design allows gas to flow through it without it getting blocked or backed up.
Straight-through or glasspack muffler model gets built for performance trucks. Due to this, it tends to be among the loudest mufflers.
Chambered
A chambered truck muffler generates a throaty, deep sound you want. Air travels through a series of inner chambers. The design of the sections help reverberate the different sounds around.
The chambered muffler is ideal for muscle or streetcar drivers who prefer a loud, resonant sound. If you want to change the sound, adjust the size of the different chambers.
Turbo
A turbo muffler is a combination of straight-through and chambered mufflers. It works by directing the gas through the S-shaped chambers. The tone-deadening material of the tubes reduces the sound that can escape the muffler.
How to Choose the Right Truck Muffler for Exhausts
There are many things that you will need to consider before you choose the best truck muffler.
1. Truck Type
There are different types of high-quality mufflers for trucks available in the market. The choice of muffler will depend on the truck type, model, and make. You should be aware of the truck’s model and make so that you make an informed choice.
Different truck engines have different needs. Each exhaust flow for trucks are customized to allow specific applications. Before you buy a muffler, you need to ensure that the truck exhaust flow system will allow the upgrade.
2. Size and Fit
The muffler must fit the exhaust systems correctly. It is because the size and fit of the muffler are not universal. If you want the muffler to fit your truck, you should check its features and size online.
Many online sites allow you to enter the truck’s model number in their directory. It will help you see if the muffler is compatible. The other thing that you need to check is whether the truck has a dual or single exhaust system.
3. Style
You can add your own custom style to the exhaust systems. When you add a double exhaust tip to a single exit system, you will be able to create an impressive look and style.
4. Sound Capacity
There are different types of mufflers. A high-quality muffler are designed for the specific purpose of reducing resonance and noise. A commercial muffler often sounds rough and aggressive. And a throaty tone gets produced, and this resonates in the truck’s interior.
A moderate muffler will produce a tone that is shallow and deep but will yet resonate. Oval and wide-shaped mufflers have this tone. Most owners buy mufflers for the specific tone it produces.
The tone of the muffler will depend on its design. If you want a loud tone, you can choose a straight-through or a glasspack muffler. If you prefer a quiet or luxurious tone, you can opt for a turbo or chambered muffler.
5. Pressure Flow
Always buy a muffler that will reduce backpressure. Backpressure is the exhaust system’s airflow that pushes everything back into the truck’s engine. A well-designed and long muffler will be able to reduce backpressure.
Reduced back pressure ensures good acceleration and better combustion. A long muffler is the best choice when it comes to reducing backpressure. Wide mufflers are not that effective when it comes to reducing backpressure.
6. Legalities
Check to see if the city or town you live in has noise pollution laws. If you get a muffler that is too aggressive or loud, you might get a ticket. You may also have to pay a hefty fine for violating the noise pollution laws.
7. Material
Mufflers undergo stress and pressure on a day-to-day basis. They must be made from good-quality materials. The most common and cost-effective choice is stainless steel.
The manufacture of mufflers generally use stainless steel or aluminized steel. Aluminized steel is cheaper than stainless steel. You do need to remember that it is prone to corrosion. If you live in a city or town with plenty of rainfall, it is best to opt for stainless steel muffler.
8. Price Range
The best mufflers are available in different price ranges. You can categorize them as low-end, middle-end, and higher-end. The low-end mufflers are not durable and are not very loud either. Low-end price range is between $20-$50. It often includes replacement mufflers.
The mid-range mufflers are made from sturdy materials and have an aggressive sound. The high-end priced mufflers are made from premium materials and boost engine performance.
9. Impacts Performance
The muffler you choose should enhance the performance and functionality of your truck. It's done by improving fuel efficiency. Look at the feature and functions of the muffler before making a choice.
10. Top Brands
Many popular brands manufacture mufflers. Let’s look at a few top brands.
Magnaflow
Magnaflow, founded in 1981, provides mufflers and other accessories for different types of vehicles. The premium parts are made to last for years.
Flowmaster
Founded in 1983, the Flowmaster manufactures high-performance mufflers, exhaust systems, and other accessories for trucks, cars, and SUVs.
Thrush
Founded in 1966, Thrush has been creating high-quality mufflers for muscle and sports cars.
How to Choose the Right Types of Mufflers for Your Truck?
The muffler is one of the essential components of a truck, car, motorcycle, ATVs, and other vehicles. It can have a significant impact on different aspects of your vehicles. How fuel-efficient your vehicle is, how much power it generates, and how loud it is are all aspects that mufflers can make a big difference.
Getting the right muffler for your truck is crucial. Before you start shopping, you should know what kind of muffler you will need for your truck. If you are unsure about the type of muffler you want, you can refer to the owner’s manual for information about the muffler style.
There are three different categories of mufflers:
- Cancellation
- Absorption
- Diffusion
The mechanism of each category of exhaust systems will vary. The owner’s manual usually specifies which category is best for your vehicle. It will also help you get started in making the right choice.
If you cannot locate the owner’s manual, you can ask experienced mechanics about the right choice of choosing a muffler for your performance exhaust systems. Determine what is important to you in a muffler. Learn about the different features you would like in a muffler of your choice.
There are two things that a good-quality muffler does. It can make your truck more powerful and loud, but your fuel economy will decrease. The other thing is that it can make your truck quiet and increase fuel efficiency.
Depending on what you want from vehicles, you can make a choice. If you want fuel efficiency, you would choose a muffler that does so, or if you want a loud sound and performance, you can opt for a different featured muffler.
Single or Double Muffler
The other important thing you need to figure out is whether you need a single or double muffler. The exhaust system you have in your vehicle will determine the type of muffler you can choose for your vehicle.
If the vehicle has a single exhaust, you can choose a single muffler, and if the vehicle has two exhausts, you can select a double muffler. A dual muffler will increase your truck’s performance. It does this by increasing the engine’s ability to breathe more air.
Why Use a Muffler?
There are many reasons due to which people prefer to use a muffler in their trucks.
1. Follow Regulations
In many countries, there are specific regulations for the use of a muffler. The use of performance exhaust gets recommended as it helps reduce noise pollution.
The government specifies noise pollution levels for different types of vehicles. Trucks, cars, ATVs, and other vehicles should adhere to the limits prescribed.
2. Improve Engine Performance
When you install a muffler in the exhaust system, it improves engine performance. Due to the efficient use of gasses that come to the exhaust, the muffler enhances the truck’s performance. It becomes possible due to the high-functioning flow of the exhaust.
3. Improves Sound of Engine
A good quality muffler improves the sound of the engine of your truck. The unique design and chambers of a muffler create a sound path that is better. The path can produce unique sounds, which range from quiet buzzing to loud growls.
4. Silencing Truck Engines
Most vehicle engine sounds are loud and resonating. The muffler helps reduce the engine sound and making it acceptable to most people.
5. Buy a Muffler with Warranty
Always buy a truck muffler with the best warranty. Most auto components get damaged or stop working, and you will have to replace them. A muffler with the best warranty will help you do so.
6. Finding the Right Sized Muffler
Finding the correct fit is essential when you are buying the best muffler. Most often, it is a challenge to find the right size for the exhaust system. Here are a few simple tips that will help you find the right muffler size for the exhaust.
- The first thing you need to find out is whether your car has a single or dual system. If you have a single exhaust system, you will need a muffler with a single inlet. A dual exhaust system will need a muffler with a dual inlet.
- Check the diameter of the exhaust pipes of your truck. The inlet pipe diameter should match the diameter of the truck’s exhaust pipe.
- Always check the muffler’s dimensions to ensure there is enough room for it in your truck. This is especially important for small trucks. If you are unsure whether the muffler will fit your truck, you can check with a trusted mechanic.
7. What is a Cat-Back Exhaust?
A cat-back exhaust is a section of the exhaust that attaches to the last of the catalytic convertor. Cat-back exhaust is made up of a muffler, resonator, and a rear pipe. A cat-back system will help replace the standard exhaust system.
8. Professional Installation
It is best to get the muffler professionally installed. If the muffler is not installed correctly, it will affect its performance. A professional mechanic will have the experience and skills to complete the installation within minutes.
Check Out the 7 Best Truck Mufflers
What's the Best Sounding Muffler for a V8? Let’s take a close look at our top choices.
1. Flowmaster Super 40 Series Muffler
If you are looking for excellent off-road performance, the Flowmaster Super 40 is the right choice. The muffler is ideal for high horsepower vehicles. Delta Flow Technology reduces interior sound and enhances performance.
The aggressive and deep exhaust sound makes it suitable for off-road and street driving. The 16-gauge welded aluminum steel makes the muffler sturdy and robust. Also, the aluminized steel makes it durable.
One of the most significant benefits of the Flowmaster muffler is its universal fit. You will be able to install it on any type of truck. The best design ensures better performance.
If you are looking for a cost-effective muffler that still delivers sound and performance, Thrush Turbo Muffler is the best choice. It is cost-effective. An ideal choice if you are on a budget.
The design of the muffler helps increase the performance of the engine. It gets done by lowering the amount of backpressure in the exhaust system. The Tri-flow design produces a classic thrush sound.
One of the best features of the muffler is its leak-free seal. The aluminum-coated shell looks great all year around. The turbo muffler is entirely reversible for most airflow, performance, and flexibility.
MagnaFlow mufflers are available in different sizes and configurations. It makes them the perfect choice for many applications. Finding the right exhaust system for your vehicles is often tricky, but the MagnaFlow exhaust system has got you covered.
You will be able to enhance your vehicle’s performance and its style when you opt for this muffler. The resonant signature sound of the muffler is ideal for off-road driving. The robust construction featuring high-quality stainless steel makes the product durable.
One of the best aspects of this MagnaFlow exhaust muffler is that it enhances speed performance. It is compatible with different types of vehicles. You will be able to hear sound clips of the application. It will help you make an informed choice.
The reliable and long-lasting muffler is available with a lifetime warranty. The modern, sleek shape of the muffler is best and will enhance the look of your vehicles.
Professional installation of the muffler is recommended if you find it difficult to install it independently. You will need custom fabrication (cutting and welding) to complete the installation process.
Even though the Walker muffler looks like a standard one, it is much more than this. The aluminized steel construction makes it strong. The steel also gives it an extra layer of protection and prevents corrosion and rust.
Walker Pro-Fit Universal Muffler is easy to install. Most mufflers are hard to install, and you will need cutting and welding to complete the installation. The Walker muffler requires no welding, and you will be able to install them on your own.
The Flowmaster Flow Fx is an excellent-looking muffler that adds style to your truck. Standard muffler's bulky shape gets discarded, and the Fx is available in a long tube shape.
The futuristic-looking muffler is lightweight. Made of high-grade stainless steel, it enhances the sound and looks of your vehicles. The unique muffler is reasonably priced and the tube-shaped appearance allows smooth airflow.
The unique design of the muffler makes it easy to fit on any car. However, the deep low rumble sound makes the muffler sound loud when compared to other mufflers in its category.
What is the most aggressive-sounding muffler? The Flowmaster Super 44 muffler is stylish, sleek, and the most aggressive sounding. The modern black design makes it look aggressive and attractive. When installed, it will stand out majestically at the back of your truck.
The best aspect of this muffler is its universal fit. You will be able to fix it on more than just trucks. The design helps produce a smooth sound that will resonate each time you rev up the engine.
The exhaust note is deep and base-filled. Depending on how high the RPMs climb, the exhaust note will only get louder. The muffler may lose some sound around the 2,000 RPM level, but it will bounce back again. The muffler is tough and long-lasting and will provide value for money.
If you want a muffler with high performance and fuel efficiency, Borla metallic muffler will be an ideal choice. The stainless-steel construction makes it durable and helps avoid corrosion.
The Borla muffler performs well on V8 trucks. It helps deliver efficient power on a small amount of fuel. You will be able to drive comfortably on off-roads and highways. The high-performance design will help reduce backpressure.
The deep sound of the stainless steel muffler gives a good vibe as you drive the truck. Before you opt for this muffler, you need to check the truck model and make. It will help ensure its compatibility and high performance. If you buy a muffler that is not compatible, you will be wasting your time and money.
In Summary
The best truck mufflers are available in different sizes and fits. Our top pick is the Flowmaster Super 40 Series Muffler. The deep aggressive sound and good design make it a must-buy. Delta Flow Technology enhances its sound and performance.