Drivers that want to improve their car’s sound often think about removing the muffler from the vehicle’s exhaust system. That way the exhaust fumes get out of the system faster, ensuring better sound.
So how much can it cost to remove a muffler? It depends on the type of car, and it can vary between $100 and $250. If you go for a DIY option, it can cost between $50 and $100 depending on the materials needed.
Stay with us and you will read what is the purpose of the muffler, and what you gain by removing it. Also, we will write about the best replacements for a muffler, and in the end – is it all worth it?
What Does a Muffler Delete Do?
Deleting a muffler means you are removing a part of the exhaust system. The muffler is not an essential part of the exhaust system. It is designed to manage the exhaust gasses and that way to reduce the sound that internal combustion makes.
Pro Tip: Mufflers come in different shapes and designs solely to manage combustion sounds.
Factors That Can Affect the Resonator and Muffler Delete Cost
Few factors impact the price of removing a muffler. These are the model of the car in question, the type of muffler used in the car, and the cost of mechanical labor.
Car Model
The model of the car in question can significantly impact the price of muffler removal. In the table below, we will mention some of the models and the prices for this process.
| Car Model | Cost Of Muffler Delete |
| Honda Accord | $275 |
| Dodge Charger | $115 |
| Ford Mustang | $150 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | $225 |
| BMW e46 | $145 |
| Dodge Challenger | $350 |
| Honda Civic | $150 |
| Infinity G37 | $250 |
Muffler Type
The type of muffler used in cars will significantly impact the price of its deletion. Older mid-range sedans and cars usually use regular mufflers that can be replaced with a pipe. Newer, more exclusive cars and SUVs will require more investment.
Cost of Mechanical Labor
These costs are hard to define. The price range is different in each state, and each mechanic has his price. But, if you are planning to remove the muffler, the labor cost will not be lower than $75, and the highest price is in the range of $200. But keep in mind that the type of muffler and car will also impact the cost of mechanical labor.
DIY VS Professional Installation
It all depends on your preference, skill, and how much money you are willing to spend. If you are a DIY person, learning to remove the muffler should not be a problem. Some mechanic experience would be a bonus. This way you can save up a lot because the only cost would be the materials. Replacement pipes can go from $50 to a few hundred dollars.
If you want to leave this work to the professionals, you must pay the labor prices. Depending on the mechanic, the car, and the muffler, this can go between $75 and $200. But if you know a professional mechanic, you can ensure everything is done correctly.
Types of Mufflers
Depending on the type of car, there are several different types of mufflers:
Multiple Baffle Silencers
This type of silencer is designed with holes placed on the silencer tubes. Those holes have a sole purpose – to silence the combustion sounds. A baffle is there to direct the gasses out of the exhaust pipe.
Turbo Silencers
This muffler is made of curved pipes through which the gasses go into the muffler and out of the exhaust system. This muffler has a poorer gas flow. Turbo Silencers are common and are considered one step above factory-grade mufflers.
Straight-Through Silencers
Most turbo-charged or already-built strong engines use straight-through silencers. They don’t restrict exhaust gas flow too much but will silence the sound.
Performance Silencers
These are two types of performance silencers most commonly used:
- Turbo Silencer Mufflers – these silencers combine the best silencing results with as little reduction in power as possible. They use perforations to decrease the pressure of the gas moving through the muffler
- Chambered Performance Silencers – several chambers are placed inside this type of silencer to allow sound to bounce off their walls. That way, the sound on the exhaust system’s end will be silenced. But at the same time, engine performance will not be compromised
Silencer Inlets
This is a modification of an already installed muffler. The gasses first enter the inlet, then the muffler, and after that leave the car’s exhaust system
How to Do a Muffler Delete
If you have mechanic experience, with the proper instruction, you can remove the muffler yourself.
Lift the Car
The muffler is on the bottom side of the car, so you need to lift it. For safety reasons, put your car into gear. Lift it with a car jack, and when the car reaches the proper height, support it with a jack stand.
Locate the Muffler
First, find the exhaust system. The muffler is a sizable chamber connected to the exhaust pipe. Depending on the type of muffler, it can be wielded or secured with the clamps to stay in place.
Remove the Muffler
Welded mufflers can only be removed with the saw. You would need to directly saw off the muffler from the rest of the exhaust system. If the muffler is secured with the clamps, you need to lubricate it. You can use oil or WD-40, so the part can be taken off easily.
Mount a Pipe
When buying a replacement pipe, be sure to check the diameters of both pipes. The diameters of the new pipe, and the old system should be the same. A prefabricated pipe with the proper diameter is the best choice.
Fasten All the Bolts
Once you use the clamps to secure the new pipe, use an exhaust tip to overlap the new pipe. Tighten it with bolts to keep them in place.
If you are unsure how to do this alone, check the videos on YouTube or consult a professional.
Check Out How to do a Muffler Delete:
Is It Worth Doing a Muffler Delete?
It all depends on the goal the user is trying to achieve. If the sole purpose of muffle removal is to get a better-sounding car, then okay. That may work. But if that is the way to improve performance, stop before doing anything. The catalytic converter is the element that is holding down your car.
Another thing to look out for is the problem the muffler replacement can cause. If the mechanic didn’t do his job properly, that could cause serious problems for the catalytic converter. Be sure that your mechanic knows what he is doing.
Mufflers don’t have high corrosion resistance, which can be another reason for removing or replacing a muffler. The second problem with mufflers is a blockage. They are often blocked due to a lack of maintenance and cannot work as they should.
A small plus on the side of the muffler delete is it will make a car a little lighter (around 50 pounds). That will have a small impact on performance and fuel economy.
Is a Muffler Delete Illegal?
It depends on the state. Some states prohibit it, and others do not. Check the laws before you go to the mechanic. In some states, cars without the muffler can be used only off-road. The local population doesn’t tolerate the sometimes too-loud sounds of muffler-free cars. Also, check the local noise ordinances because sometimes they can answer if you can remove a muffler.
Key Takeaway: In states where muffler removal is forbidden, tickets can be between $25 and $400. And if the old tickets are not paid for, new ones will be even more expensive.
Brands and Quality
- Magnaflow – these mufflers are made from stainless steel and thus offer top all-around quality. They are compact and can be placed below almost any vehicle
- Rogue Engineering – this muffler is made especially for the BMW. They improve the performance of the car and provide an aggressive rumbling sound
- Agency Power – they manufacture mufflers for high-performance cars. They come in different shapes and sizes, so check out their catalog before buying
- APEXi – they are a Japanese manufacturer of Japanese cars. They provide louder exhaust sound and better engine noise
- Megan – these mufflers, like VW, can be a great option for European cars. They are affordable, but will also provide improved performance and sound quality.
How to choose a high-quality muffler delete
If this topic is new to you, you must consult a professional. He will know what type of muffler would be the best choice for your car. If you know a thing or two about this topic, search the internet and forums, and check for different opinions. You may find the muffler manufacturers and ways to do this process best.
Sound and Performance
The most common question about removing the muffler is what will happen to the sound and performance of the engine. Well, the engine will have a more aggressive sound, but the question of performance is different.
Other parts of the exhaust system impact the engine power of the car. If those are not removed with the muffler, performance will not be improved. If the catalytic converter and resonator are removed, they will increase the engine’s horsepower.
Don’t fall into a trap and remove just the muffler and expect to have 50 new horsepower under the hood. You won’t. Only the car will sound louder. Think about what you want to accomplish before removing the muffler.
Muffler Delete vs Stock Muffler
A stock muffler is a straight pipe used as a replacement for a removed muffler. It will allow exhaust flow to be even quicker and without any blockade. That will create a loud noise that will be heard everywhere. The sound will be even louder than a regular muffler delete.
FAQs
How Do You Remove a Muffler Without Welding?
If the muffler is secured with clamps, then you are in luck. You will use them to secure the new pipe and not need to weld it. If that is not the case, you can use an improvised steel sleeve. It will overlap the new and the old parts. Secure them with bolts or, in some cases, U-shaped clamps.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Muffler?
Deleting a muffler takes one to two hours if the mechanic knows what he is doing.
Is a Mid Muffler Delete Harmful to Your Car?
No, it will not. Removing a muffler will not harm the engine or any other part of the car in any way. In newer cars, it can trigger a check engine light. But, the car’s engine sound may soon become tiresome to the driver and passengers. So think twice before doing the muffler delete.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Muffler?
To install a car muffler can cost between $160 and $300, including labor and the car muffler itself.
Final Considerations
Drivers often remove a muffler because they want a car with more power and better sound. We must break one of these myths. The car will not have more power without the muffler. And the sound itself may be a bit much after some time. We don’t even want to mention the troubles you can get from the neighborhood or the police.
If you want a performance boost, you can also try adding performance mufflers. They cost a bit more but will produce results. Also, be sure to check the laws before doing anything. We would also recommend hiring a professional, but this decision is yours. Good luck!
