Many of my friends and many customers of our automotive dealer shop are found to drive cars that produce extremely annoying noise. That prompted me to finally explore the area of the muffler. Mufflers are important both for reducing unpleasant noise as well as controlling the backpressure of the vehicle’s engine.
But what about the struggle of choosing the right muffler for your vehicle? We know that straight-through mufflers combine the features of all the other mufflers and we are here to review the top 5 best straight through mufflers to save you the struggle.
Straight-through mufflers are tiny metal devices through which exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine are passed and reduce airborne noise. But all these difficult automotive terms don’t mean that you have to study the engineering of a muffler. We will be explaining the features of the best products along with buying tips.
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Some legendary brands in the exhaust business are known to all of us like MagnaFlow or TotalFlow or Flowmaster. But among all these highly popular products, our overall choice for the straight-through muffler in the USA would be the 4” Round straight-through performance muffler from MagnaFlow.
Among our other choices, Flowmaster’s muffler is the best for budget-seeking customers and the one from Thrush has been the most popular among the users in the USA. So let us dig into the reasons behind our choices.
Top 5 Best Straight through Muffler Reviews
1. MagnaFlow 4” Round- Straight Through Muffler
The MagnaFlow 4” round center/ center straight through performance muffler 10416 from Magnaflow, featuring a 4” diameter and 14” long body with an overall length of 20”. If you want to enjoy a throaty sound then choose this product as it will also provide dyno-proven high-flow performance on your ride.
This straight-through performance muffler from MagnaFlow is produced using lap joints and welded, heavy-gauge 100% stainless steel construction, a straight-through perforated core, high-temperature acoustic packing material, and stainless-steel mesh.
The acoustic packing maintains the velocity of exhaust flow while generating a smooth, deep, exhaust tone. This universal performance muffler with a Brushed Satin finish will upgrade the look of your vehicle’s exhaust system with its premium aesthetic quality.
If you are skeptical that, based on which proof we are claiming the superiority of this straight-through muffler, then be assured that the product goes through extensive dyno-test. These tests have ensured that this 4×4 round muffler increases engine power and performance by improving exhaust gasses’ flow dynamics and evacuation.
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Magnaflow Performance Muffler Install and Review!
2. Thrush 17661 Welded Muffler
Our next choice is the welded muffler from the house of Thrush Exhaust. This muffler features a two-chamber design and comes in various different sizes. This two-chamber design brings out the deep, aggressive tone and transforms the entire exhaust system.
One of the best things about the mufflers from Thrush is its two-chambered design featuring two tubes with tiny holes; these tubes inside the muffler reflect sound waves. As the sound waves bounce around, they cancel each other out to reduce the engine noise before they are routed out of the vehicle through the exhaust tailpipe.
The 100% welded Aluminized-steel construction gives the muffler its durability, for which it’s loved by the users. The painted silver finish of the muffler comes with an embossed logo of Thrush to give an improved appearance.
Users described it as the “best loud replacement muffler” and praised it for the great sound quality, ever since it has been launched. As an automotive expert, I recommend this product for both its sound quality and super performance because of the chambered design with the directional, non-reversible flow while the flow director technology channels exhaust flow.
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3. TotalFlow 20421 Straight Through Muffler
When customers want to know about a product which is dependable for strength and durability, my recommendation directly goes to TotalFlow. Along with the compulsory feature of throaty sound quality, TotalFlow straight through mufflers feature superior material and design which is reviewed by users as “dynamite mufflers’ later.
Built with heavy gauge material, this 5-inch round muffler is fully MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welded. In this arc welding process, in which a continuous solid wire electrode is heated and fed into the weld pool from a welding gun. This welding works for the long-term durability of the steel and keeps the muffler stronger in spite of regular use.
Regular users of the muffler have always ensured that because of the use of 409 stainless steel as material, they keep trusting and buying this product. Many of them used mufflers made of cheap glass pack or some form of fiberglass that eventually burned or degraded to exhaust moisture and blow out after some time.
This authentic stainless steel doesn’t degrade in the mentioned way or don’t make loud unpleasant noises. Owners of vehicles and boats reported how these mufflers produce a nice burble at low rpm but quiet down in higher rpm. The biggest reason behind people choosing a TotalFlow muffler is this material and engineering which ensures even better service than the factory muffler in most cases.
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4. Flowmaster 71419 Straight Through Muffler
Flowmaster 71419 is one of the most efficient yet budget-friendly straight-through mufflers from Flowmaster’s Flow series belonging to the house of Holley. For more than a century, Holley has been in the business of fuel-system design and Flowmaster like Holley’s other top brands, has delivered robust complete performance solutions for builders, racers, and drivers.
If you are an enthusiast who is out for economically priced performance mufflers then, Flowmaster is the right place. Built with a fully welded 409s stainless steel case, the muffler is capable of reducing rust and corrosion to a great extent.
Among US customers, it is known for its amazing sound quality – the excellent deep mellow sound along with deep rumble and growl. They describe the sound as “loud but not Race car loud”. As an automotive expert, I have always suggested customers go for this product if they want something that produces a great crispy sound to not wake up their neighbors.
The experienced users who know welding, advise other users to use this for it “looks great, it sounds great” and suggest bringing it out right in front of the rear passenger tire. They also praise it for the easy installation process.
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5. Borla 40357 Muffler
Borla’s Prox’s 40357 is one of the most popular mufflers from their huge collection. The muffler is built with stainless steel and comes with a reversible design. The high-quality T-304 austenitic stainless steel used for the product is known for never getting attacked by rust or corrosion.
Free Flow design is used in this muffler for improved performance. To ensure a superior sound system, Borla uses high-temperature continuous filament fiber or CFF acoustic material. As a result, the sound control is maintained and the muffler doesn’t produce any noisy loud tone.
The mufflers are manufactured in the USA and you can polish the muffler prior to installation with a natural mill finish. The users loved the product mostly for its amazing sound quality and resonance construction quality. When I say, it has 5 out of 5 global ratings, you can understand its popularity.
Customers from the USA described to us how noticeable yet calm the resonance is during acceleration and how the sound is nicely different in different conditions. They describe it as a “very mellow gurgle” when decelerating.
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Buying Guide for Best Straight Through Muffler
In the last 30 years of the automotive products business, we have met a number of customers who think that purchasing the right straight-through muffler is an easy task and then end up buying the wrong product. Thus, we, experts want to help you with the buying process of this small yet extremely crucial product for your vehicle.
There are some questions that you need to ask yourself before choosing the right muffler and only that way you can save yourself from buying faulty products. The market is flooded with fraud dealers and adulterated products. So, try to ask yourself these questions and finalize the product only after that.
For what kind of vehicles, do you need the muffler?
Though most of the mufflers in today’s market come with universal fitting, it is not optional for you to check the fitment and installation details of the product. Not all products are fit for your vehicle even if the product goes with the vehicle’s brand.
Most importantly, is your vehicle a truck or a motorcar or an SUV, or a boat? Because all these vehicles have different types of requirements. Then comes the question of motive. Are you going to drive on highways? Will your car be carrying passengers? Answer all these questions before purchasing because the exhaust system and sound of your vehicle will depend on that.
Is the muffler fit for your vehicle?
Direct fit and universal fit-both kinds of muffler might be fit for your vehicle but you have to know the exact fitment requirements of your vehicle. Moreover, there are mufflers of different sizes, lengths, inlets, and designs.
You must know the exhaust pipe diameter to match the inlet size to the existing diameter. You also need to know how much room you have under your vehicle to fit the muffler. Again, direct-fit mufflers might be a bit higher in price range because they carry all the special modifications. So, thoroughly study before you decide.
What is the sound quality that you expect from the muffler?
One of the primary tasks of a muffler is to produce a specific exhaust tone. Everyone expects from a muffler that it will reduce sound and yet produce a tone throaty enough.
But still based on the material, design, and engineering, different mufflers perform in different ways. Some are loud on highways, some are good at resonance. So, choose the muffler carefully. So, pay attention to the exact level of sound that the exhaust system will be reducing.
What is your estimated budget?
Though a straight-through muffler is not some expensive fancy product to empty your bank balance but we all want a fair deal, of course. Usually, a straight-through muffler ranges from $50 to $200. But the truth is sometimes, highly popular and well-engineered products come under $50- $70.
So, never make such assumptions that the higher the budget, the better the quality. Make an estimated budget and try to find the most accurate product for your vehicle and the vehicle’s use.
What material/ metal is the muffler made of?
Not just the fitment, size, shape, or budget are important factors for buying a muffler but as the material that it is made of. Usually, stainless steel is considered to be the best material for straight-through mufflers. 409 or T -304 are considered to be the most reliable kinds of steel.
101 of Straight Through Mufflers
Types of Mufflers
Mufflers or silencers are used mostly as a sound-absorbing material and three types of mufflers are available in the market to do that job. The different types of mufflers are – Chambered mufflers, turbo mufflers, and straight-through mufflers.
Chambered mufflers
Chambered mufflers are made of a series of walls and baffles and their performance depends on their tuning. The gas travels from one side to the other side through these chambers. Usually, chambered mufflers are used for classic cars, street machines, and muscle cars. Chambered mufflers provide a deep rumbling sound.
Turbo mufflers
Turbo mufflers are built using perforated tubes and have an S-shaped pattern. This muffler design is a bit restrictive but the design and the S shape allow the gas to travel through more tubing for improved sound reduction. Turbo mufflers are great for silencing but they cause a little bit amount of back pressure.
Straight through mufflers
Straight-through mufflers combine the qualities of both turbo mufflers and chambered mufflers. Perforated pipe runs through the muffler which is usually wrapped in different materials. These mufflers are known for letting the gas flow through with little restrictions. They are popular among street dealers and custom car builders.
Use and Importance of Straight-Through Mufflers
We all know that mufflers are important for the type of sound our vehicles are producing. We ensure to not disturb any neighbors with the sound of our vehicles and rely on this muffler for that. But how do they work and what is the ultimate importance of straight-through mufflers? Let us explore –
First of all, straight-through mufflers control the back pressure of the engine by staying located at the rear of the engine. In this way, they increase the endurance and performance of the engine.
Secondly, but most importantly, straight-through mufflers reduce the sound produced by your vehicle’s engine. Adjusting and reducing the noise produced from the exhaust system, straight-through mufflers regulate the overall vehicle sound.
Straight-Through Mufflers vs. Laminar Flow Mufflers
FAQs About Straight Through Mufflers
What kind of mufflers cause back pressure and why is it bad for the engine?
Usually, turbo mufflers cause back pressure though in a very small amount.
Back pressure can be harmful for the engine because that reduces the efficiency of the engine. Because of back pressure, a little amount of exhaust gas remains inside the cylinder and that gas takes up the space intended for fuel and air. So, the engine doesn’t get enough material to burn loses efficiency, and gets heated up.
What are the reasons behind the failure of a straight-through muffler?
The biggest reason that after a certain time, a straight-through muffler stops working is corrosion and rust. These mufflers constantly come in contact with hot gasses and the rough weather that it is exposed to. From this, acidic moisture is produced, and corrosion attacks.
How should I understand that I need to change the muffler for my vehicle?
The signs of a failed muffler include loud or any kind of unusual noise coming out of the muffler, any foul smell inside the cabin, a distorted body shell, reduced gas mileage, etc.
Install Muffler into Straight-Through Exhaust System
Final Words
The reasons behind our choice of the best straight-through mufflers are quality, design, durability, and popularity. Magnaflow topped our list because of its amazing sound quality, while the mufflers from Thrush or TotalFlow are great in durability. So, you can trust any of these five products and secure the sound system of your vehicle with that.
The list has been produced after long research based on our years of expertise in sales and mechanic experience. So before purchasing any faulty product from local shops, go through the buying guide that we produced, and examine the product cautiously. You will surely find the right product is already present on our list.
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