Muffler - How many on Pickup Truck?

[Randy K. Crump]

Pickup Truck: Are two mufflers and two tail pipes louder or softer than one muffler/one tail pipe? Secondly, do you loose engine power when both manifold pipes go into one muffler and one tail pipe compared to a separate muffler, tail pipe for each manifold? Thanks!

 

[pcrh]

Hi Randy:

A kind of question that will generate different opinions depending on perspective.

Dual exhaust into a single large pipe can be as effective as dual exhaust into two smaller pipes. Add to that a muffler to control (or not control) the noise. A straight thru muffler will be louder than a baffled muffler.

The options are endless but fun to play with.

 

[Tom in Mo.]

I had factory dual exhaust on a IH Scout with the 345 gas and they would rust out once a year. I like a larger than spec single pipe and big, low restriction muffler. I've taken several large mufflers and holesawed thru the baffle for a straight thru path and they are still quiet.
Both diesel pickups had bored out mufflers with 3" pipe and very quiet unless you leaned into the throttle.

 

[Nordic]

For us guys that were young bucks over 50 years ago, the rage was to have dual exhaust as there was less back pressure when you were out to win a race and to have 'every horse under the hood' working in your favour. If you have original, but dual, mufflers there really is no difference in noise level. As already mentioned dual exhaust will rust out quicker from short drives but if you drive longer distances to get the condensation out of the system there is no difference in longevity. The market has changed a lot with time... 3" and bigger exhaust is found on a lot of pickups lately, did not exist 50 years ago. These big diameter pipes have reduced back pressure big time, hence little need for dual exhaust any more.

 

[russ1]

If the exhaust is less restricted with two mufflers the added horsepower will be available if the intake has additional airflow. Dual exhausts may do nothing if airflow stays the same

 

[DoubleO7]

If the exhaust is less restricted with two mufflers the added horsepower will be available if the intake has additional airflow. Dual exhausts may do nothing if airflow stays the same

But, but everyone knows the loader it is, the faster it will go!
Along with lots of chrome and fancy paint it will go more fast too!

And in a diesel vehicle, dumping raw half unburned fuel of out those giant exhaust pipes in the form of black flame throws also makes them go faster.

 

[JMOR]

You only gain about 1.5% per psi (0.015X HP)= 1.5 HP/100. Probably half or more of the back pressure is caused by catalytic converters

 

[560Dennis]

question about losing power into single muffler is definitely dependent on so many things ,stock exhaust manifold ,headers ,diameter of ,length of collect , muffler design single or du inlets. Yes it will aff it ,not that much you’ll ever notice on the street.
Mufflers single or more reduce hearing aids, or tickets
As far as power goes are you going know ,such as 500 hp down to 485 with performance mufflers on the street ?
Back pressure does inter fere with power just about everything, How much test it out.
what I think it.

 

[RobCons]

But, but everyone knows the loader it is, the faster it will go!
Along with lots of chrome and fancy paint it will go more fast too!

And in a diesel vehicle, dumping raw half unburned fuel of out those giant exhaust pipes in the form of black flame throws also makes them go faster.

And flames! If you want it to giddy up put some either decal or painted flames on that baby and hang on.

 

[DoubleO7]

And flames! If you want it to giddy up put some either decal or painted flames on that baby and hang on.

Amateur!!!
Get you an exhaust flame thrower kit and you will run the dragstrip like a jet engined dragster !!!

 

[Welding man]

Nothing sounds as good as a set of duals with no mufflers on a Flathead Ford. Of course I'm 74 years old today.

 

[olddavid]

Generally speaking, a single exhaust will be quieter. More cylinder exhaust pulses tend to make it quieter. 4-cylinder engines are harder to quiet than 6-cylinder engines etc. Muffler length also plays a part and where they resonate, they will be louder. Personally, I like 'em noisy.

PS Unless you are running at high RPM you will likely notice little increase in power with dual vs single muffler.

 

[Brian G. NY]

Generally speaking, a single exhaust will be quieter. More cylinder exhaust pulses tend to make it quieter. 4-cylinder engines are harder to quiet than 6-cylinder engines etc. Muffler length also plays a part and where they resonate, they will be louder. Personally, I like 'em noisy.

PS Unless you are running at high RPM you will likely notice little increase in power with dual vs single muffler.

Exactly.......I installed a 2nd original style muffler on my '69 Torino with a 351W and it was definirely somewhat louder.
Not exactly noisy but just the right amount of "rumble".
The old flathead Fords with duals had a unique sound because the center 2 cylinders on each side exhausted from the same port.
The Chevy six with a split manifold and duals "talked" really nice!
Thanks for the memories.

 

[Country-Boy]

Interesting thread. I’m a young buck and like some of you admitted to at this age I’m considering dual exhaust or something a little louder for my 02’ Silverado with the 6.0