skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
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Post by skizo on Sept 16, 2015 16:45:27 GMT -6
Been considering replacing that with a piece of straight pipe to get a bit more growl out of the beast. Goal would be to still have it quiet for general cruising, but let the world know it ain't your grandpappy's Olds when I HIT IT. Thing is, I wouldn't want to vibrate my eye teeth out riding down the road either. Still running the stock mufflers, and those are in good shape.
I've also seen mention of replacing it with a 30" glass pack ...
Thoughts? Experience?
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XJSman89
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Post by XJSman89 on Sept 16, 2015 18:25:16 GMT -6
Look into an electric exhaust cutout. Mine still has one on it, it works great. Quiet when closed (mostly highway) but loud when you want it. I have a thread around here somewhere about it. I went with DMH performance for mine and have been real happy with it, just wired it into 12v power and mounted the switch under the driver's kick panel. Sall has one as well and IIRC his is actuated by his carPC?
For what it's worth I left the cat and resonator alone and put the cutout after the res. It was plenty loud.
I had straights for a few years and I liked them, but I like the cutout MUCH more.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 via the ProBoards app
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Post by sall on Sept 16, 2015 19:29:23 GMT -6
Removing the resonator will cause unwanted droning.
Yes, correct. My exhaust cutout is opened/closed via CarPC.
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
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Post by skizo on Sept 16, 2015 20:02:26 GMT -6
I figured to get some droooooooooOOOOOOOOoooone with a straight pipe, but the glass pack would mitigate that?
And ... er ... wazza "carPC" ? Can I watch porn onnit? <G>
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Post by sall on Sept 16, 2015 20:08:30 GMT -6
I don't think the glass pack will prevent the droning.
It is precisely what it sounds like. A CarPC. A computer in the car. Mini ATX hidden from view and a 7" touchscreen molded into the factory stereo/vent bezel. Can do virtually anything. Sure, if that is your thing but I prefer to stream music.
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
Posts: 278
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Post by skizo on Sept 16, 2015 23:57:13 GMT -6
OK, so ... forget the resonator.
That leaves mufflers or a hi-flow cat ... or the cutout, but me no fan of that. I want a good but subtle growl.
For mufflers, I was just wandering about the web and found the Flowmaster 50 series Delta Flow ...
Looking for a performance growl without a scowl from your neighbors? Well, look no further than 50 Series Delta Flow mufflers. Think of it as a Super 50 Series, but with a bad attitude. 50 Series Delta Flow mufflers have a finely-tuned baffle design that’s sure to give your ride a classic “muscle car” tone, without driving you nuts on the highway.
Reviews read something like "not too loud, but a nice rumble - rich and authoritative - just enough bark with the dual exhausts when you stand on it but virtually no interior noise when cruising". Sounds like exactly what I was looking for ... assUming it sounds like what that sounds like ... <G>
Open to suggestions though ...
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Post by sall on Sept 17, 2015 8:34:26 GMT -6
Resonator removed with thrush welded mufflers(budget 40 knockoffs)
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
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Post by skizo on Sept 17, 2015 11:15:37 GMT -6
Nice tone ... yours? This the muffler? Thrush 17715 Turbo MufflerlinkNice price too ... I imagine it'd be even quieter (without any drone) if I left the resonator stock. Could always open that up if "necessary" ... This is the glass pack I was talking about earlier to replace the stock resonator. Similar construction, different tone ... hopefully no drone ... not sure what the length of the stocker is, I've seen this one listed as about right at 30" ... Thrush 24214 Glass Pack MufflerPS ... sure wish I could find some "drive by" examples of the sound ... (hint hint) |
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Post by sall on Sept 17, 2015 11:59:34 GMT -6
No, not mine. I had the same setup once upon a time before it got annoying. I switched to stock exhaust and welded in a cut-out with painted exhaust form cat back. Loudness on demand.  ... and no. They are Thrush Welded not Turbo. |
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
Posts: 278
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Post by skizo on Sept 18, 2015 11:40:33 GMT -6
Dead thread alert! Dead thread alert! aurorah.proboards.com/thread/1132601122Wandering through options, and it seems the best bets for a "mild" growl would be: Magnaflow #11224 Dynomax #17730 XLerator Big Max Ravin Z33 ... or just replace the cat with a Magnaflow hi-flow. Or a Cadillac CTS Corsa system, but that ain't cheap! Love the sound though! |
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
Posts: 278
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Post by skizo on Sept 18, 2015 12:35:57 GMT -6
Here's an interesting option ... BBK Vari-Tune Adjustable Performance Muffler You're supposed to be able to tune them +/- 8db, and also minimize any drone by offsetting them slightly with multiple muffler installations ... Hmmmmm ... 18" long and they only come in offset/offset, but I don't see that as a problem. Looks to be a result of the design with the tunable trap in the way of an offset/center design. Also 2½" pipe, but that's what they make reducers for, right? FOUND A NEAT VIDEO >> Showing the difference as you adjust the valve ... probably similar results to what I'd get with a turnout ... only infinitely adjustable in the range ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lQWFjDClbgwww.youtube.com/watch?v=0HXheCxzyFYPS ... 80db on idle, a bit over 90 highway cruising. |
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Post by sall on Sept 18, 2015 12:49:17 GMT -6
An exhaust cutout is the best option. I'm not even saying that because I have one. I am saying that because it is fully adjustable. Open, closed or anywhere in between. You decide the tone and loudness. Only two welds or you can slip fit.
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
Posts: 278
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Post by skizo on Sept 18, 2015 12:57:09 GMT -6
Don't like the idea of getting the sound out from under the car? I can almost picture adding motors to the screw adjusters on these mufflers and just adding an inside control ... One control for each, and you can tune the drone while driving ... Hmmmmmm ... Maybe be able to play some music ... Remember this one from Top Gear? www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BaR1Kc62Pk |
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RCA1186
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Post by RCA1186 on Sept 18, 2015 12:57:56 GMT -6
What was the name of the thread that you were trying to open? |
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skizo
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WOT ... is there any other way?
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Post by skizo on Sept 18, 2015 13:00:38 GMT -6
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RCA1186
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Post by RCA1186 on Sept 18, 2015 13:09:32 GMT -6
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skizo
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WOT ... is there any other way?
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Post by skizo on Sept 18, 2015 13:56:00 GMT -6
Happy to be of service ...
(You should get the Bill shortly ...) <G>
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Post by Dan Wogan on Sept 20, 2015 20:52:56 GMT -6
Nice tone ... yours? This the muffler? Thrush 17715 Turbo MufflerlinkNice price too ... I imagine it'd be even quieter (without any drone) if I left the resonator stock. Could always open that up if "necessary" ... Hey skizo, thought I'd add my two cents. I actually bought the same exact mufflers you linked (Thrush Turbos) on my 3.5L V6. The db output was virtually unchanged (to me at least), but the sound a bit throatier/deeper especially in the 2000rpm range. But accelerating up to 6k sounded exactly the same. I was a bit disappointed with these and probably should've ponied up the money for some flowmasters. I'm now thinking of installing an electric cutout after the resonator and before the Y-split if there's room, perhaps someone could confirm this for me! But I don't want to hijack your thread haha Anyway since yours is a V8 I think you'd be very happy with an electric cutout placed anywhere, but I know way less about this than other members who've replied already. You can flip it on after you get out of your neighborhood or want to show off, and switch it off when cruising or late-night driving. I only went with aftermarket mufflers since I was told the straight-piped V6 sound isn't the most desirable thing ever, but now I'm thinking screw that I want to be loud haha |
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
Posts: 278
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Post by skizo on Sept 20, 2015 22:18:25 GMT -6
I actually bought the same exact mufflers you linked (Thrush Turbos) on my 3.5L V6. The db output was virtually unchanged (to me at least), but the sound a bit throatier/deeper especially in the 2000rpm range. But accelerating up to 6k sounded exactly the same.That almost sounds like a vote in favor of these mufflers to me ... I'm going for a "bit" throatier, not looking to have the ol' girl bellow at the world. If you've heard a late production stock Camaro, that's sort of what I want to end up with, with a nice bass burble that's reasonable in normal driving, but develops strength under acceleration. Not even really looking for any increase in performance - this thing scares me as is. <G> Your experience up to 6K being about the same ... was that interior sound, or drive by? What started all this ... while I was crawling around under the car on a recent job I noticed both the stock mufflers had seam bulges on the bottom. Common up here in the great white, as you get a lot of condensation and freezing on short runs when the temp dips low. I imagine they're close to failure at this point anyway. The rest of the system looks to be in good shape. PS ... I got another set of these in storage ... wadaya think? <G> 
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Post by Dan Wogan on Sept 21, 2015 14:48:32 GMT -6
I actually bought the same exact mufflers you linked (Thrush Turbos) on my 3.5L V6. The db output was virtually unchanged (to me at least), but the sound a bit throatier/deeper especially in the 2000rpm range. But accelerating up to 6k sounded exactly the same.That almost sounds like a vote in favor of these mufflers to me ... I'm going for a "bit" throatier, not looking to have the ol' girl bellow at the world. If you've heard a late production stock Camaro, that's sort of what I want to end up with, with a nice bass burble that's reasonable in normal driving, but develops strength under acceleration. Not even really looking for any increase in performance - this thing scares me as is. <G> Your experience up to 6K being about the same ... was that interior sound, or drive by? Right, I understand you want a better sound while not waking up the neighborhood. The Thrush Turbos are definitely good for that, but they won't even wake up a baby sleeping in the backseat. The sound is overall a tad throatier, yes, but I can only hear it if I have the stereo way down and I constantly have to tell people I have aftermarket mufflers cuz they don't believe me. Like Kia Sorentos driving past me are louder haha I would look into the Flowmaster series instead, mainly because of their intentional lack of sound dampening (at least that I've found in my research). Seeing that you'll still have your cat and resonator, this seems to be a perfect option for you aside from getting an electric cutout, since you'll still have a good amount of sound dampening from those elements. I must remind you however that this is just a best estimate as I don't have a V8 like you. The Turbos I have are really just bone cheap aftermarket mufflers that barely change the sound of the exhaust, not volume one bit. My experience accelerating up to 6K is only interior. But I've heard just average 2.5K driving from the outside and driveby and the difference is honestly inaudible. Not even close to a newer stock Camaro, but once again this is on an old V6. I can't speak for what it will sound like on a V8, but I'm assuming a bit deeper and "burblier" than a V6. My vote is still to get an electric cutout due to its loudness variability at the flip of a switch and if you mount it just before your Y-split, you'll still have the cat and resonator reducing the volume a significant amount. EDIT: I was just looking through the reviews for the Thrush Turbo on Amazon and found this being said over and over again: "A little louder at idle and more rumble from idle to 2500 rpm and then it kind of tapers off to almost stock." This could not be more accurate, so if that's what you're looking for then go for it! |
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
Posts: 278
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Post by skizo on Sept 21, 2015 18:24:43 GMT -6
Another candidate for the "moderate" sound list ... the Flowmaster 50 Series Delta Flow (#942051) ... That's a LONG muffler at 23" but if you stretch the Y pipe a bit and point the muffler straight back instead of angling it like the stocker ... hmmmm. Width is good at 9" and only 2" depth. I tried a foam cutout that size, and it looks like they should tuck right in, and maybe even use the stock exhaust tip if I shorten up the extension pipe ... It's a triple chamber with no packing so tone shouldn't change over time, and interior resonance is supposed to be minimal. Also got that whole burble thing going like any Flowmaster. Kinda pricey at $107 each, but hey, I'm worth it! <G> www.flowmastermufflers.com/?page_id=451&partno=942051PS ... refresh my memory - stock pipe IS 2", right? And remember, this is NOT a performance upgrade. I also checked and the pipe size doesn't affect the overall length of the muffler, so 23" is as short as they get. Not sure, but I figure that includes the length of the inlet and outlet pipes as well. EDIT > > Flowmaster doesn't list the Aurora in ANY of their "does it fit?" lists ... |
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Post by sall on Sept 21, 2015 19:22:38 GMT -6
Nope. It is 2.5" post cat and pre resonator. Post Resonator to start of Y is 2.25". From the Y to the muffler is 1.875". After muffler is 1.75" to the tips.
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
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Post by skizo on Sept 21, 2015 20:42:04 GMT -6
So, I got underneath and did a bit more headscratching ... it looks like the Flowmaster 50 will fit diagonally like the original mufflers if I cut the Y pipe about halfway to the muffler. From there, a custom bend connector, and no problem resizing that pipe to fit the Y to the 2" mufflers. I'm sure the stock tips will size up easy enough as well, or just add an adapter, or maybe splurge with some aftermarket twins. Only other thing I'd need to do is make some hangers ... maybe even be able to recycle the old ones. Going this way, system stays stock from the Y forward.
There's a Flowmaster dealer right up the road from me ... maybe stop on by and see what they think. Heck, they give me a good enough price, just have them do the job.
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
Posts: 278
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Post by skizo on Sept 22, 2015 14:26:07 GMT -6
PLAN C: Yet another option ... haven't seen this one on the board ... Flo-Pro (Original series)  My exhaust guy compares them favorably with the Flowmaster 50 Turbo for both sound and decibels. It's also a baffled triple chamber and looks to be a solid hefty build. As far as volume, another guy in the shop has them on his truck and they sound nice, if maybe a bit raspy ... but he doesn't pack a resonator either. He also plows parking lots at 2am, so that says something about the volume levels. No idea on resonance, but I guess I'll find out, because I set up an appointment. Chinese, if that matters in this day and age. They also have a V Force and Force Pro, but those are quite a bit louder. * They're half the price of the Flowmaster as well. I like that. PS ... they DO come in the offset/center like the stock mufflers, and have a 14" body, so they'll slap right on. Muffler guy also recommended going with the 3" and sizing the connections. The mufflers DO come in the smaller sizes, but they just tend to sound better with the larger interior space. Never did a shortstar, so I guess we're both wondering how it'll sound ... I'll keep ya posted and do a couple driveby clips. Already got one of the stock system. |
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Post by sall on Sept 22, 2015 14:49:35 GMT -6
There are certainly plenty of options out there for exhaust. Cheap ones at that. So not happy with something. Chop it off. Weld something new in. Though I must say... the 4.0L is not a "shortstar". I've seen you reference it as such a few times, it's killing me haha. That's the 3.5L LX5 in the 2nd Gen Aurora and Intrigue is the shortstar. Our 4.0L is simply a derivative of the Northstar specifically made for the Oldsmobile Aurora.
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
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Post by skizo on Sept 22, 2015 15:05:18 GMT -6
So noted ... from here on in, I shall call it ... Bob. <G>
Just posted up a short driveby video on YouTube with the stock system. It's already got a decent growl from the intake. These shor ... er ... uh ... Bob sounds pretty good as is!
I have understanding neighbors (one drives a super modified stock car) and I did it before school got out. Dodging the big yellow bus might have been fun, but frowned upon ...
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Post by sall on Sept 22, 2015 15:59:34 GMT -6
Haha whatever works I guess. Maybe Nelson was driving the bus, I dunno? I think you are both from Michigan and he had some affinity with school buses.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Sept 22, 2015 22:53:40 GMT -6
So noted ... from here on in, I shall call it ... Bob. <G> Oh, please don't... Just call it a Northstar, that's what it is. And that pisses a lot of Cadillac owners off to no end... A little added benefit.  Hey, I like buses too! |
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RCA1186
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Rob
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Post by RCA1186 on Sept 23, 2015 6:12:44 GMT -6
Dan's from Indiana haha, close enough.
I just call it the Aurora motor, the L47 or the Northstar.
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skizo
Aurora Passenger
WOT ... is there any other way?
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Post by skizo on Sept 23, 2015 9:25:38 GMT -6
Too late ... it's official!  That'll have to do till the chrome name plate comes in ... <G> |
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