So my I35's exhaust has developed a growling noise during start ups and hard accelerating. I have to admit it sounds kind of cool, like a 350Z or G37 LOL. Quick inspection leads me to believe the muffler's suspect. Car spent the first 10 yrs of its life in upstate NY where rust does a real number on the undercarriage. I'll do some further investigating when I have time but is it dangerous to drive the car in the interim?

 

Nope, 90% of use here have driven with one at some point in time for some period of time, tens of thousands of miles. Problem is that it gets worse over time and gets louder and more unbearable so yeah, take care of it when you can. Not ASAP but well you'll see.

A33 mufflers are affordable so, not a huge deal. Also very easy to install, no welding, etc. Just bolt it up.

 

Bad news: My car was away for a while as another family member was driving it. Got it back today and the exhaust is noisy as hell and sounds awful. I poked my head underneath and there were now multiple leak points. Went over to my indy and he showed me there were rusted out holes ALL over the exhaust system, from the flex pipe, to the the cat, to the muffler. I have state inspection due soon and the car isn't going to pass like this. He said he could try welding it but all that rust means it probably won't hold for long, if at all. I bit the bullet and will be getting an all new exhaust put in, including Y-pipe, main cat converter, resonator, muffler, new gaskets & hangers. Was only expecting a small leak that could be patched but am now out almost $800. Fun times.

 

This is a perfect time to gut the cats and SS exhaust

 

I thought about that but wussed out and decided to keep everything stock. Got my car back earlier today and everything's nice and quiet now, a bit too quiet lol.