Hey guys, I own a 2.2L 1998 Chevy Cavalier. I don't know a whole-heck of a lot about cars, as this is my first, but I am learning a lot as I go along (much of this because of many of you members on this site). I'm sure the majority of my questions I could ask a professional at a local shop, but I don't have a whole lot of time to get around, and I'd really rather not look totally stupid in person unless it's absolutely necessary, lol. Anyways, that being said, I've got a few stupid questions for all of you. I know out of a little 2.2L engine I won't get the sound of a 5 or 5.7, and that's fine. I would like a much deeper tone then that of the stock muffler, however. I'm not looking to change my entire system, I think I will leave the piping right now if I can. I'm looking really only to change the minimal amount of things (hopefully just muffler/tip) right now if it's possible. I know for the deep tones, Magnaflow is probably one of the best. I've been looking on the internet, and have also come across 'Dynomax' products. I just wondered which would give you the deepest possible tone, if any of you could give some input on this, it would be greatly appreciated. I also wanted to know if I could just change the muffler and tip, and not having to worry about switching the piping just yet. I'm not sure what the stock cavalier piping width is, but I'm really hoping it will fit the majority of the Magna mufflers. Also, how can you tell whether or not the muffler will fit? (for example, Magnaflow website has oval-body mufflers and the smallest size is 4"x9", will this fit? And what is the highest I could possibly fit, without having to modify?) Is there any SOUND difference between the satin stainless/polished stainless mufflers? What is the thickest tip I could fit under a stock '98 Cav rear bumper (without having to cut?), if any? Does a single tip sound the same as dual? Does a straight through muffler sound louder/deeper than an offset one? I believe these are pretty much all of my questions. There are a lot, I know. And the majority of them are probably pretty stupid, but I'm knew and I'm learning, and I would really appreciate some help! Keep in mind, I'm looking for really just a huge difference in sound. I'd like for it to be recognizable, not like earth-shattering but I'd like to be heard a bit. I'd really like to hear it inside the car, and when I accelerate. I'm not looking for the whole performance side of it, but if I could get that added boost out of just the muffler/tip (even though I believe I'd have to swtich more than that), it would be great!
Thanks again for all the help in the past you guys, now I would really appreciate some more!
- Minoxide.
Sorry for the double post, but I'd like to get the biggest bang for my buck. I'm not looking to spend a whole lot of money if I don't have too. Thanks again!
My reccommendations that i have stated in several posts before would be going with a Magnaflow however many others like the Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers, so either is a good product. Now the stock piping is 1 and 7/8". So ideally, if you are sticking with that piping, try and find a muffler with a 2" inlet and outlet diameter. Now I would reccomend an offset muffler, rather than a straight thru because those straight thru mufflers are quite loud, especially when you won't be running an aftermarket resonator after your cat. So with that said, try and find the largest oval body muffler you can find. I am running the 4x9" oval 18" long Magnaflow with 2.25" piping and a 4" round, 22" long Magnaflow resonator I am happy. As for the largest muffler than can fit...well that I do not know but if I remember correctly the stock muffler is something like 4x12" (or something large like that) and is like 28" long. So you won't have a problem with space as the stock muffler is large. There is no sound difference in the type of finish on the muffler, just the looks and possibly the life expectancy. I would expect the polished to withstand rust better as it has been plated more with crhomium and other such elements (but I could be wrong) I am not sure what you mean by the thickness of the tip but I would say a thick walled tip is better, as it will take longer to rust out. (and looks better in my opinion) As for the sound of the tips, I have no clue as to what differences can be made with different shapes and numbers of tips. Hopefully this helps. Here is a rough idea of what your car may sound like.
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=46&i=342940&t=342772#342940
I have been wondering the same question and I found the perfect muffler for me. Just has it installed 1 week ago..
Here is the link to the place I got it.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/17730/10002/-1
Best way to describe it is it sounds like a STOCK EXHAUST Subaru STI
The muffler shop had to add a 4" extension to the muffler since it is a tad short but they also used the factory exhaust tip.
Go with a Red Hot glasspack. Thats what I did for now, nice low sound and I just welded it to the factory piping and put a chrome tip at the end. Also search youtube theres alot of exhaust clips there. The cherry bomb vortex is also another good one for a much lower sound
Kool Rock Steady wrote:I have been wondering the same question and I found the perfect muffler for me. Just has it installed 1 week ago..
Here is the link to the place I got it.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/17730/10002/-1
Best way to describe it is it sounds like a STOCK EXHAUST Subaru STI
The muffler shop had to add a 4" extension to the muffler since it is a tad short but they also used the factory exhaust tip.
Was that the muffler you got? The one with the offset inlet and offset outlet. I am thinking about getting this muffler and i want to get the right one.
That is just a generic pic. It is offset with center outlet in back.
Kool Rock Steady wrote:That is just a generic pic. It is offset with center outlet in back.
Ok cool thanks, Hey do you happen to have a sound clip of your exhaust?
check out heart throb exhaust. I have an IMCO pro series muffler and it isn't nearly as ricey as most of the cars around here... Kinda deep tone and not real loud. If someone tells me how to post a sound clip I'll put one up
i like the sound of the Flowmasters and my Dynomax Thrush Turbo sounds pretty deep as well.
whiskerbiscuit wrote:check out heart throb exhaust. I have an IMCO pro series muffler and it isn't nearly as ricey as most of the cars around here... Kinda deep tone and not real loud. If someone tells me how to post a sound clip I'll put one up
I know photobucket does pictures and video, i never used the video part but i guess that could work.
