Car & Truck Mufflers & Resonators

Car and Truck Mufflers

The muffler is an important component of any car or truck. It impacts the vehicles noise level and affects overall performance. To select the right muffler, you need to know how a muffler works and what types of mufflers there are.

Mufflers are an integral part of the exhaust system. They come in an array of designs, but most work in a similar fashion; they have tubes, pipes, or chambers that muffle the sound of the vehicle. These chambers deflect sound waves by trapping them or bouncing them through a series of smaller chambers. This effectively quiets the sound of the exhaust.

Most muffler styles are made out of stainless steel, aluminum, and aluminized steel. There are also three main muffler types:

• Standard: New cars are equipped with these standard mufflers, which are designed to mute the exhaust sound by canceling out sound waves.
• Race: These styles are specifically designed for racing and off-road use. They are often used on vehicles with high horsepower engines. They may also provide an extra boost of power. These muffler options are equipped with a straight-through tube chamber that allows sound waves to pass through freely.
• Performance: These mufflers are helpful for drivers who want to equip their standard car or truck with an extra dose of noise and power. While they deflect more exhaust noise than the average race muffler, theyre quite loud. These models come in many configurations, giving drivers a wide array of options.

Muffler designs vary. Theyre usually equipped with one or more inlets and outlets, while the chamber is used to deflect the sound waves. The following styles are available:

• Chamber: These have a series of inner chambers arranged so that sound waves reflect against each other. Instead of completely extinguishing automotive sound, this muffler style reduces exhaust noise while amplifying the rev of the engine. These options are frequently used on sporty vehicles, like muscle cars, for their rumbling sound.
• Turbo: These are equipped with multiple perforated tubes. Exhaust gases travel through these tubes in an s-pattern, which tamps down on exhaust noise. Theyre suitable for drivers who want to achieve a quiet exhaust system.
• Straight-Through: Often seen on racing cars, straight-through configurations allow the exhaust sound to flow through the pipes uninhibited. It also features a low, deep tone when revved up.