Muffler: Magnaflow

[unbalancedwood]

So I really would like to 'up' the sound on the Solara. A TRD is possible but with a $200+ price tag, I'm hoping to do it a little cheaper.

Right now im looking at this Magnaflow muffler (universal) from a Camry dude over on TN.
http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/shop ... ain&id=766

I was just curious if it would be a pretty easy job for a muffler shop to install to my 99 v6, and if it would fit, being a 14" body lenght.

Ive been told ~15mins and $20, does that sound about right?

I know a lot of people have TRD, custom exhaust, or variations of this exhaust and wanted to know how it sounds and some input.

Thanks guys!

[hskrsolara]

Personally, I would go for an exhaust with a longer outlet on it...something that fits closer to stock. But, you have found an excellent muffler in the magnaflow, just try to find a different model.

[indiglosolara]

That will work.. However you need th shop to do the piping and welding for you. It will cost more then $20 dollars...

I would say somewhere between $40 to $60 for all hangers pipe and flages to be welded.

But Magnaflow is a good brand. I have running the TRD exhaust for my xB.. but Magnaflow are the ones that make the TRD muffler for it so it terms I technically have a magnaflow muffler.

The TRD muffler for the solara is made by Borla. Just with the TRD tip.

[Fastlane051]

Yeah man I have magnaflow on mine...its perfect

[SolaraLance]

I would say don't get a Magnaflow. I used to have one and I hated it. At 2k-3k RPM's it started to resonate really bad and shake the car. Also it sounded way too much like that "bee-in-a-can" tone. IMO if you want something that sounds good get a hushpower flowmaster, dual exhaust setup if at all possible. It'll be quiet but sounds really nice when you hit the pedal down.

[PhreakdOut]

I would say don't get a Magnaflow. I used to have one and I hated it. At 2k-3k RPM's it started to resonate really bad and shake the car. Also it sounded way too much like that "bee-in-a-can" tone. IMO if you want something that sounds good get a hushpower flowmaster, dual exhaust setup if at all possible. It'll be quiet but sounds really nice when you hit the pedal down.

It really depends on which muffler you choose. Magnaflow, Dynomax, Borla, Bosal, yada yada yada ...

In short, they are a perforated pipe wrapped in stainless steel mesh or wool with continuous roving fiberglass filling up the rest of the muffler. The issue you describe above is resonant frequency. All matter has a natural frequency at which it will begin to vibrate.

Your entire exhaust system which is suspended from the body by rubber isolators and connected to the engine, can act like a tuning fork. Should the engine / vehicle vibrations reach the exhaust system's natural frequency, the exhaust system will amplify this much like the tuning fork.

In your case, changing the muffler must have lowered the natural frequency of the exhaust system. Usually, Toyota designs their exhaust systems to have a resonant frequency above 300Hz. In Lexus requirements, it is 500Hz.

It was just a coincidence that the Magnaflow product caused this resonance because of how much lighter the product was compared to the OE or the hanger supports used may have not been rigid enough.

The differences in these aftermarket designs is very minimal. I would focus on materials and craftsmanship when shopping for universal mufflers like this. When shopping for direct fit systems, avoid the ones that have long rods for hangers that do not have a brace supporting them. (Or have a muffler shop weld a supporting rod to the hanger to act as a brace. Many resonant frequencies are introduced to the exhaust through the supports.)

[hskrsolara]

I would say don't get a Magnaflow. I used to have one and I hated it. At 2k-3k RPM's it started to resonate really bad and shake the car. Also it sounded way too much like that "bee-in-a-can" tone. IMO if you want something that sounds good get a hushpower flowmaster, dual exhaust setup if at all possible. It'll be quiet but sounds really nice when you hit the pedal down.

You probably had the race series, which can sound a little ricey. I have had the street series and the sound is perfect.

[Midias]

Save for the TRD great quality and great sound listen to this.

FLY BY

http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k93/m ... 0_0094.flv

Next solara vid
http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k93/m ... 0_0095.flv
SWEET

Last one not quite redlineing it
http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k93/m ... 0_0092.flv
had to watch for snow drifts

[Fastlane051]

Actually I have a magnaflow on a 4 cylinder with a bigger resonator and it sounds fine...much better sound than you'd think a 4 cylinder would produce. I hate highpitched weed-eater sounding cars and mine sounds nothing like that.

[unbalancedwood]

So heres the final question, being that it might not sound as good as most...

Will it fit?

Or will it not be as long as stock and look funny/too small for the car...

[woa_its_j3ff]

I'd say you save up for a trd exhaust. i myself had it on my v6 and it sounds mean, it's not obnoxious either, low tone and when you start it up it gives a nice little feel to it as well.. i'd say it's a worthy investment.. but to each their own. good luck in your decision man. if you want I can try and post up a few sound clips for you if you'd like.

[unbalancedwood]

Sound clips of the exhaust might be helpful.

I only ask cause I have the exhaust on 'hold' he will be selling it in May and i dont wanna keep him from finding another buyer...

[Paladin06Greg]

I've got dual Hooker Aero Chambers on mine have a listen.

http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r276 ... GP0541.flv