3.5L V6 Muffler Delete Opinions?

[Dan Wogan]

Hey everyone,

I've been reading a few threads about other members on here (rca99aurora, xjsman89) installing straight pipes in lieu of their mufflers. After reading the overwhelming positive response of doing this I've been seriously considering straight piping my 2001 3.5L V6 (just the mufflers, keeping the cat and resonator). The only thing is, those who have done it on here have done so on their classic V8s and I'm worried the ol' V6 won't sound quite as mean.

Any opinions about doing this?

[XJSman89]

First off, I would seriously consider an electric cutout. I have a thread about that on here as well. The drone wasn't bad with straights, (and probably would be better with a v6) and I had them on for just over four years, but I personally love the ability to have straight pipes or factory exhaust at the push of a button. I close the cutout up when driving in neighborhoods at night, on the highway, etc. The cutout is even a little less "raspy" sounding than the straights were because it exits sooner. Not as much pipe to go through.

I will try and find the thread for you!

*edit* here is the link:
xjsman89 exhaust cutout thread

**double edit** couldn't get that one to work on my phone. Just copy paste this:
Aurorah.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=gotopost&post=267938

It's a pretty large thread, but only like half of it is drivel. I would suggest reading through it. Sall made some good contributions in there as well, it's worth a look at least before you go cut your mufflers off! I ended up going with a single cutout before the Y.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 using ProBoards

[sall]

On the V6 I vote no to straights or cutout. Try a set of cheaper Thrush welded mufflers.

[tigger]

Mar 20, 2015 11:53:34 GMT -6 Dan Wogan said:

...I'm worried the ol' V6 won't sound quite as mean.

Search Youtube for "V6 straight pipes". Probably won't find an Aurora, but it'll give you a pretty good idea...

[RCA1186]

I'll second the "no" for no mufflers. I think you'd be better off with something like sall said, thrush, etc.

[Dan Wogan]

Mar 20, 2015 11:56:56 GMT -6 XJSman89 said:

**double edit** couldn't get that one to work on my phone. Just copy paste this:
Aurorah.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=gotopost&post=267938

Really informative thread, xjsman89. I didn't even know such a thing existed but sounds like the perfect thing for what I want to do. I would want to do the same thing that you did: install it just before the y-split so I'd only have to buy one. I'm not interested in putting it before the resonator or even before the cat since that would just be too loud for what I'm going for. Definitely want to get an electric one as well so I don't have to squeeze under the car and unbolt stuff every time.

Mar 20, 2015 12:14:51 GMT -6 sall said:

On the V6 I vote no to straights or cutout. Try a set of cheaper Thrush welded mufflers.

I looked these up and they do certainly look like a cheap option. Only $80 total for two of them from advanceautoparts, but I wouldn't have the option of going back to something quieter with the flick of a switch like the cutout's xjsman89 suggested. I also don't have any welding equipment so I'd have to get it done somewhere.

I looked up V6s with straight pipes (Accords, Avengers, trucks) and was pretty satisfied with the sound. Granted most of them had their resonator removed as well but all I'm looking for is just something a little louder and these mufflers look like a good option. Still, I really like the electric cutout idea, but a quick google reveals that most electric kits are in the $250-$300 range, quite above my budget. I did find a QTP Single Electric Cutout for $180, but will have to make sure that's exactly what I want for that price.

shop.quicktimeperformance.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=81

Any more thoughts on this to help me in my final decision?

[sall]

Well, I have a cutout out too and wouldn't hesitate to suggest one if you think you would really like the sound. Go with whoever you can find that has the best warranty. Shoot a couple of emails and see who you view as having the best customer service as well. A warranty is nothing if they won't honor it.

You don't need a welder most will offer slip fit wye adapters but welding is best IMO.

[XJSman89]

It all depends on what you want. If you can swing the cash the cutout is definitely a cool option, but you do pay a little more as you have found. I like the brand that I ultimately went with, and haven't had any problems with it.

I didn't weld mine in at first, just cut the pipe in a few places to get it to fit over the other side and used a couple muffler clamps to hold it. Never had a problem with it that way. Not hard to do, took an hour or so at the most with my dad helping me out. But I do like it better welded for sure.

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[Dan Wogan]

Thanks again for the input everyone. I think for now my best option for my price range is to go with the 2 thrush mufflers and adapt it if need be. Does anyone know off the top of their head the diameter of the pipe that goes from the muffler to the exhaust pipe on the second gen V6s?

[sall]

According to Walker 1-7/8" before the muffler. Not much but stock replacements will be a direct fit. Might find some adapters to work.

[Dan Wogan]

Hey guys, just thought I'd update this thread since I (a shop) did my muffler upgrade. After some research I went with two Thrush Turbos (2") since Weldeds only came in 2.5" and above, and didn't want to go through the hassle of adapting. The Turbos sound just as good to me and might not last quite as long since they're only plated, but to be honest I don't know how much longer the ol' Rora's got anyway. In total, the mufflers cost $30 a piece and the install was done for only $100 at a local shop (student discounts are awesome).

I'm super happy with the sound after driving it around town for a bit; the initial acceleration from a stop is realllll low and strong with the higher RPMs getting louder and more throaty. I have to say though I was expecting these to be WAY louder than they are, since they're not supposed to actually muffle sound at all (or at least not as much as a stock muffler). To be honest with regular driving they don't seem to be louder at all compared to the stocks, but obviously sound better. I guess I'll have to delete my resonator if I want a bit of extra noise, which shouldn't be too hard anyway.

Thanks again guys for all the tips!