Best sounding muffler for the 4.3?
#121
Starting Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 112

Well it's been about three weeks since I installed my new exhaust. I filmed a little before and havent done any after. It sounds much better but the part I really like is how it just goes. No more having to mash on the pedal. My MPG went from about 17 to 24. I am happy with that. I will post a video up when I get a chance. I went with a magnaflow direct fit cat and a magnaflow muffler and then also got the 2 1/2 tail pipe. It was a pain getting the old bolts off. I tried cutting the pipe out but after the blade got pinched and the saw jumped back and cut me twice in the arm all the way to the bone I waited for my buddy to bring me the air tools after I got out of the ER. I can post some pictures of that. It was unfortunate that I sprayed blood all over my white blazer but it kinda looked cool. I got yelled at by my wife because I went from the ER, to Autozone to get the intermediate pipe I needed and then proceeded to go home and finish it. I got stitched up and everything. Everyone thinks I got attacked by a dog. A cut-off wheel does not do a very clean cut. A little nerve damage too. Can't feel anything on the back of my hand or thumb.
#122
i got the gibson cat back system its sounds tough but there are so many choices you will find what you like on you tube
#123
I got a Thrush Glasspack with dual Outlets and two 18'' stainless steel tips (The outlets ares 3 and half inchs!) and i remove the cat too... And it sound good! I will post a video soon!
#125
New Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Detroit
Posts: 6

IMHO, Just about every aftermarket muffler I've heard sound like crap on a 4.3.
Until I heard a Gibson. As soon as my oem muffler started to leak. I bought the Gibson catback system. Not to loud with a V8 kinda rumble.
Until I heard a Gibson. As soon as my oem muffler started to leak. I bought the Gibson catback system. Not to loud with a V8 kinda rumble.
#126
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Tampa FL
Posts: 403

i have a thrush glasspack ... sounds alright. but since my cat pluggerd up and i cut it out im runnin open headders damn thats lound and not half bad sounding
#127
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Statesboro, GA
Posts: 631

You need more backpressure than that man! 4.3s need a good bit of backpressure. So open headers IMO is a no go but if its something just to get by with for a few days then so be it.
I have a thrush muffler off the y pipe as a temporary thing. Eventually it will get magnaflow stuff I'm thinking.
I have a thrush muffler off the y pipe as a temporary thing. Eventually it will get magnaflow stuff I'm thinking.
#128
No, backpressure isn't needed, high exhaust velocity is needed. You need piping for high exhaust velocity which scavenges the exhaust, it pulls the gases out of the heads, it's the same principle as headers. Open manifolds or headers isn't restrictive but without piping you don't get as good of scavenging so it reduces bottom end torque. Run 2.5" single pipe with a free flowing muffler and you have a good setup for a 4.3 stock.
#129
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Tampa FL
Posts: 403

i got a length of 2.5 in piping im gonna weld in but im still cutting the tiny 1.75 off after the thrush glasspack kills the sound and flat out restricts too much
#130
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 527

No, backpressure isn't needed, high exhaust velocity is needed. You need piping for high exhaust velocity which scavenges the exhaust, it pulls the gases out of the heads, it's the same principle as headers. Open manifolds or headers isn't restrictive but without piping you don't get as good of scavenging so it reduces bottom end torque. Run 2.5" single pipe with a free flowing muffler and you have a good setup for a 4.3 stock.





