Just Installed Brand New Muffler..Why is it still loud?

[ScrooYoo]

Sorry if there is already a thread on this but I searched and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

Anyways, I just replaced the muffler on my dad's 95 camry. The flange on the old muffler had corroded and there were holes in it. The exhaust is still a bit loud with the brand new muffler and not as quiet as it should be and I can't quite figure out why.

The flanges are lined up flush and the bolts are on tight. The gasket appears to be centered properly. One funny thing I noticed was that the gasket that I bought from the parts store was metal, I thought it should be rubber. Other than that I can't figure out whether the muffler just needs a break in period before it gets quieter, whether that particular muffler I bought sounds like that by nature (it was a cheap one from carquest), or whether I may have done something wrong during the install.

Any advice is appreciated.

[2wickedtoyz]

Originally Posted by ScrooYoo

muffler I bought sounds like that by nature (it was a cheap one from carquest)

there ya go

the muffler you bought was a shitty one that is why it sounds like that. your better off getting a used factory muffler.

[JohnGD]

Metal flange gaskets may be for wagons only. Because Fel-Pro has the OEM style and they aren't all metal. I can't see in the small pictures, but I believe the Bosal ones are like Honda's, a circular metal tube is what one looks like.

You didn't happen to get the Cherry-Bomb muffler did you.
http://www.cherrybomb.com/

Example of Fel-Pro exhaust flange gaskets:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=120121
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=120107

Originally Posted by ScrooYoo

Sorry if there is already a thread on this but I searched and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

Anyways, I just replaced the muffler on my dad's 95 camry. The flange on the old muffler had corroded and there were holes in it. The exhaust is still a bit loud with the brand new muffler and not as quiet as it should be and I can't quite figure out why.

The flanges are lined up flush and the bolts are on tight. The gasket appears to be centered properly. One funny thing I noticed was that the gasket that I bought from the parts store was metal, I thought it should be rubber. Other than that I can't figure out whether the muffler just needs a break in period before it gets quieter, whether that particular muffler I bought sounds like that by nature (it was a cheap one from carquest), or whether I may have done something wrong during the install.

Any advice is appreciated.

[ScrooYoo]

^ Thanks John. It's possible they may have given me the gasket for the wagon. I'll go pick up a new one from the dealer and replace the gasket that's on it now and see if it makes a difference.

I think the muffler I installed was called a "soundmaster" or something like that which appears to be an imitation of the flowmaster so its also possible that its just designed to be loud. It actually doesn't sound bad at all. It sounds throaty and pretty healthy, its just that my dad is older and likes his cars quiet. A throaty/loud exhaust makes him thing there is something wrong with the car.

[uibalnme]

If he wants quiet, the only way to go is stock. Have you tried looking for one at a local auto salvage yard?

[JohnGD]

Ok, a "performance" muffler may explain it. If so changing the flange gaskets aren't going to make a difference.

Fel-Pro doesn't list different gaskets for the sedan/wagon. The Bosal ones
listed on rockauto are only for the wagon. Gasket leaks are usually a hissing sound. Therefore, they may not be the source of the problem.

Originally Posted by ScrooYoo

^ Thanks John. It's possible they may have given me the gasket for the wagon. I'll go pick up a new one from the dealer and replace the gasket that's on it now and see if it makes a difference.

I think the muffler I installed was called a "soundmaster" or something like that which appears to be an imitation of the flowmaster so its also possible that its just designed to be loud. It actually doesn't sound bad at all. It sounds throaty and pretty healthy, its just that my dad is older and likes his cars quiet. A throaty/loud exhaust makes him thing there is something wrong with the car.

[ScrooYoo]

Alrightey, thanks for the replies guys. I'll just tell him that its a "performance" muffler and is supposed to be loud, and to either live with the noise or pay more than double for a muffler from the dealer. I'm sure he'll get over it, especially since he doesn't even drive that car ever, and just leaves it in the driveway for my brothers/sisters to use when they fly in from out of town to visit.