Whats the cheapest way to make an exhaust quiet ??

Acooljt · 01-18-2005

OK, it's not a Ford, but I need help. Since my 91 Explorer blew up(yes, blew up), I'm forced to drive a 91 Geo Metro(oh yeah, the ladies love it). Anyway, it's got a brand new muffler on it but it does no good since there's no resonator or catalytic converter on there. So is there any other way I can quiet this damn thing down? It sounds like I put one of those import fart pipes on there. I don't have the money to buy a catalytic converter or resonator though. I mean, I'm good with fabrication and metal-work, that's not a problem. I know this is very doubtful that there's any other way to fix the problem, but I just don't have the money to get the converter or resonator.

JUSTNLX · 01-19-2005

You can use a small cheap glasspack as a resonator

Acooljt · 01-19-2005

Do you think that will quiet the thing down? I think I might be able to get a glasspack from a friend of mine who has some left from his truck.

OzPony · 01-19-2005

I use steel wool on my Mustang when I need to pass the EPA noise test. (We have to be under 94db) It works real well. The more you stuff in, the more you reduce the noise. It is easy to pull out later too.

Acooljt · 01-19-2005

Well, it's not that I have to pass any tests, I just can't stand the sound of a terrible exhaust(you know, those rice-grinders from Fast and Furious? yeah, that sound). But I was just informed my dad bought a new exhaust system for it so no problems anymore(it's his extra car so I'm driving it since my Explorer blew up).

hotwheels · 01-23-2005

just don't start the car..........no just kidding.............the steel wool works well........you can pick up bags of it at walmart and home depost and then just start putting some in your muffler on the inlet side.........it will start to muffle the exhaust sound................. hotwheels of turborides

jerry_dawg · 01-23-2005

You could run another muffler inline ahead of the one you already have. Not the most efficent exhaust setup but it would be quieter.

Fiat Freak · 01-29-2005

The steel wool is only gonna work for a while. As it collects moisture from your exhaust, it will begin to corrode. As it corrodes, it is gonna take the inside of your pipes with it. Then you're gonna end up replacing those as well.

So, in the long run......what does it mean to save money? Doing the same thing over and over, or doing it right the first time? My contention is to buy the right parts the first time, and have them correctly installed. I've tried many a "quick fix" or "low cost mod" to exhausts, only to be frustrated a few months later when - once again - I had to crawl back under the beast for the fix I should have done in the first place.

Will your use of the vehicle outlast the steel wool, or are you trading the vehicle in soon on something better?