Best OEM muffler replacement?
03-24-2012, 01:37 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Long Island, New York
Posts: 37
Best OEM muffler replacement?
Stupidly let my mechanic order parts for me the last time my muffler rusted out, and that one didn't last even 2 years.
Should I shell out extra bucks for one of those "performance" mufflers that are frequently talked about? Cattman, megan racing, etc. or is there a significantly cheaper option that will hold up?
mostly concerned about durability and price, not looking for a lot of noise
Should I shell out extra bucks for one of those "performance" mufflers that are frequently talked about? Cattman, megan racing, etc. or is there a significantly cheaper option that will hold up?
mostly concerned about durability and price, not looking for a lot of noise
03-24-2012, 01:42 PM
#2
If you want it to last, the first step is buying a stainless steel setup, which pretty much means you'll be going into a bit louder aftermarket setup. If you do that and only that though, it shouldn't be so loud as to be annoying. Sucks that you live in the land of salt...
03-25-2012, 07:09 AM
#4
03-25-2012, 08:31 AM
#5
It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.
03-25-2012, 08:47 AM
#7
They don't just look nice, they sound nice. I mean really nice. I bought the SRS Type-RE after a recommendation and sound clip(most video clips suck for audio) from BobPezz. At 300 shipped, I thought "What do I have to lose?" It is one of the best sounding catbacks I have heard on a Maxima. Hands down. It even sounds better than the Cattman 2.5". I still can't believe it when track veterans compliment how good it sounds. The best is when the Z and G guys wanna look under the hood. It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.
It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.It can be quite a moment when trying to decide!
03-26-2012, 04:52 AM
#8
They don't just look nice, they sound nice. I mean really nice. I bought the SRS Type-RE after a recommendation and sound clip(most video clips suck for audio) from BobPezz. At 300 shipped, I thought "What do I have to lose?" It is one of the best sounding catbacks I have heard on a Maxima. Hands down. It even sounds better than the Cattman 2.5". I still can't believe it when track veterans compliment how good it sounds. The best is when the Z and G guys wanna look under the hood. It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.
It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.BTW; You can mention SR*S makes a Catback for 350Z's. In fact it was good reports I read on the SR*S Z exhaust that convinced me to try it. From what I hear about the G forums, those guys heads are too stuck up their butts to deserve an SR*S. They're more interested in bragging rights! So I say; Let them pay $1400 for an HKS exhaust, not so different from an SR*S copy for 1/3 the price. Brag all you want smart-guy, I've got extra $$$ in my pocket!
03-26-2012, 05:13 AM
#9
Depends on your tolerance for "noise" and other goals for the car. Any muffler designed to improve exhaust flow will see some increase in volume and likely have a drone. If all your doing is throwing on a muffler and no other exhaust mods, it's essentially only for looks and sound, nothing else, these cars don't gain much from a muffler/axle back only. If you want a cheap OEM replacement, there are some on eBay for under $100. Can't speak to the rust resistance on those though.
EDIT - looked through my eBay history and the OEM replacement axle back I bought was $59.99 shipped, pretty good fitment too.
EDIT - looked through my eBay history and the OEM replacement axle back I bought was $59.99 shipped, pretty good fitment too.
Last edited by Puppetmaster; 03-26-2012 at 09:14 AM.
03-26-2012, 08:08 AM
#12
well about a year ago I had to replace the "replacement OEM style" muffler that the previous owner put on the car due to completely rusting and literally falling out of the car... I found an OEM muffler from a 01 maxima in JK with the single oval tip that covers both outlets and I paid only $10 for it... took it to my local muffler shop and they end up putting a new pipe from the muffler to the b-pipe for $30 so total I spend $40 on my oem muffler that is SS and will outlast all the junk that's being sold out there as an "oem replacement"... also I had the assumption that the oem muffler was preferred due to the variable sound capabilities of it???
03-26-2012, 09:10 AM
#14
However, to say preferred is a personal assessment. You replaced your 5.0 gen muffler with another 5.0 gen muffler from a junkyard, and you're happy with it. Your problem was solved in accordance to your values, in that you spent minimal dollars on a functioning OEM muffler that's quiet and unattractive (IMO).
But it's not an upgrade. The point of pride here is in your cost savings, not the actual part itself. That's nothing to write home about.
Last edited by Rochester; 03-26-2012 at 09:12 AM.
03-26-2012, 09:50 AM
#15
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,799
03-26-2012, 09:56 AM
#16
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
They don't just look nice, they sound nice. I mean really nice. I bought the SRS Type-RE after a recommendation and sound clip(most video clips suck for audio) from BobPezz. At 300 shipped, I thought "What do I have to lose?" It is one of the best sounding catbacks I have heard on a Maxima. Hands down. It even sounds better than the Cattman 2.5". I still can't believe it when track veterans compliment how good it sounds. The best is when the Z and G guys wanna look under the hood. It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.
It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.
03-26-2012, 10:16 AM
#17
They don't just look nice, they sound nice. I mean really nice. I bought the SRS Type-RE after a recommendation and sound clip(most video clips suck for audio) from BobPezz. At 300 shipped, I thought "What do I have to lose?" It is one of the best sounding catbacks I have heard on a Maxima. Hands down. It even sounds better than the Cattman 2.5". I still can't believe it when track veterans compliment how good it sounds. The best is when the Z and G guys wanna look under the hood. It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.
It has no rasp and burbles like a V8. It fits beautifully. The only downfall is that you will have exhaust drone at highway speeds(that's around 75-80 down here though). Some say it's not bad, but I listen to music loud every time I cruise above 65 for long distances just to not hear it. It's a trade-off I can live with for the benefit of idle/low speed sound and larger diameter tubing.
03-26-2012, 10:37 AM
#18
Could you post a video of the sound,( on highway or just on take-off). I'm really interested in getting one. My muffler's got a rusted hole in the back and it makes a nice deep sound which I like, but my family can't stand it. I want a muffler that will give a nice sound but not "make a huge racket" like my current one, and I think this might be perfect.
03-26-2012, 01:02 PM
#19
youtube.com maybe???? 
video quality sucks -
srs, test pipe, CAI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNxgvcgjors
video quality good -
2002 Nissan maxima SE 6spd OBX Headers, SR*S exhaust, Berk Intake, NWP spacers and BOP plate + other mods
outside
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sluli7SN3rQ
in cabin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6rb2pv2FLw
0-60 in cabin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgVHwkCEoUo
video quality sucks -
srs, test pipe, CAI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNxgvcgjors
video quality good -
2002 Nissan maxima SE 6spd OBX Headers, SR*S exhaust, Berk Intake, NWP spacers and BOP plate + other mods
outside
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sluli7SN3rQ
in cabin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6rb2pv2FLw
0-60 in cabin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgVHwkCEoUo
Last edited by J2FRESH; 03-26-2012 at 01:06 PM.
03-26-2012, 01:03 PM
#20
03-26-2012, 01:05 PM
#21
IDK about the 5.0 gen, but the 5.5 gen muffler used only one of the tips until the pressure opened up an internal baffle and both tips were used with a slight increase in noise. The muffler design was one of Nissan's marketing points about the Maxima.
However, to say preferred is a personal assessment. You replaced your 5.0 gen muffler with another 5.0 gen muffler from a junkyard, and you're happy with it. Your problem was solved in accordance to your values, in that you spent minimal dollars on a functioning OEM muffler that's quiet and unattractive (IMO).
But it's not an upgrade. The point of pride here is in your cost savings, not the actual part itself. That's nothing to write home about.
However, to say preferred is a personal assessment. You replaced your 5.0 gen muffler with another 5.0 gen muffler from a junkyard, and you're happy with it. Your problem was solved in accordance to your values, in that you spent minimal dollars on a functioning OEM muffler that's quiet and unattractive (IMO).
But it's not an upgrade. The point of pride here is in your cost savings, not the actual part itself. That's nothing to write home about.
03-26-2012, 01:24 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,799
03-26-2012, 01:42 PM
#24
Could you post a video of the sound,( on highway or just on take-off). I'm really interested in getting one. My muffler's got a rusted hole in the back and it makes a nice deep sound which I like, but my family can't stand it. I want a muffler that will give a nice sound but not "make a huge racket" like my current one, and I think this might be perfect.
The product of reference can be had for about 300 shipped.
03-26-2012, 01:49 PM
#25
Bob has the most accurate recording. It sounds almost exactly like mine does even though he's 3.0 and I'm 3.5.
03-26-2012, 03:40 PM
#26
I will most definetly post my feelings on the SRS once installed and tested.
The type RE that I ordered is dual tip. Single water melon launcher would look hidious on my I35.
03-26-2012, 03:42 PM
#27
Could you post a video of the sound,( on highway or just on take-off). I'm really interested in getting one. My muffler's got a rusted hole in the back and it makes a nice deep sound which I like, but my family can't stand it. I want a muffler that will give a nice sound but not "make a huge racket" like my current one, and I think this might be perfect.
Last edited by BobPezz; 03-26-2012 at 03:47 PM.
03-26-2012, 04:08 PM
#28
I can say for sure that my oem muffler is not SS. Mine has lasted through 10 Canadian winters, but it has now failed due to rust.
I will most definetly post my feelings on the SRS once installed and tested.
The type RE that I ordered is dual tip. Single water melon launcher would look hidious on my I35.
I will most definetly post my feelings on the SRS once installed and tested.
The type RE that I ordered is dual tip. Single water melon launcher would look hidious on my I35.
03-26-2012, 04:47 PM
#30
03-27-2012, 07:27 AM
#33
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
All the info you need is here; http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ml#post8249660
03-27-2012, 04:02 PM
#34
Anyone else have a problem?
Last edited by BobPezz; 03-27-2012 at 04:05 PM.
03-29-2012, 07:37 AM
#37
They're well made but, not out of T409 nor T304.....They rusted thru! My 1990 lasted 20 years and it wasn't SS neither! (your point?) The casting are aluminized inside and out unlike Dynomax who is only aluminized externally that's why they rust from the inside out! Next time you have a muffler roughly the same size as the OEM 5th/5.5 gen it heavy as hell compared to aftermarket mufflers....So the metal maybe thicker making it more resistant to corroding thru!
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