Aftermarket mufflers - the noise factor, Factory vs. Bursch vs. Triad... Options

[Lavanaut]

Hi all,

I'm looking at swapping out the factory muffler on my '74 2.0. I've read through every exhaust-related topic on the board I could find and came up with a ton of useful information. Based on that information I'm leaning towards a twin tip from Triad. Still I'm left with one concern, and that's the noise factor. Posting a question like, "Hey guys, how loud is the Triad compared to the Bursch compared to the stock muffler?" elicits good-willed responses like "It's louder/better/not that much louder/deeper/throatier/meaner", etc...but that's all in the ear of the beerholder. I'm wondering if anyone out there has or has seen any data, in the form of decibel level comparisons, on some popular aftermaket muffler options? I did see the one on the Triad website, but it didn't really have enough information to do a comparison.

At this point I've narrowed it down to either the Bursch or Triad, so that's what I'm most interested in seeing. I'm sure if this info were readily available I would have come across it in the forums already...figured there's no harm in asking though.

If I lived in SoCal or the like probably just ask if anyone would let me hear their triad/bursch, but the 914s seem to be few and far between up here in Bend, OR....

Anyways, thanks in advance!

Reid

[McMark]

I've never heard of any decibel comparisons. The Bursch and the Triad are both good mufflers and you won't be disappointed with either. My preference is the Triad, for no quantitative reason.

[drgchapman]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

The Triad has a great finish, looks good. You can cut your rear valence to exactly match the exhaust on the right side for the dual tips. I traced the opening, flipped it, cut it, looks pretty clean.

[thomasotten]

Ok, which one sounds less like a bus? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[Tobra]

I was told I have a Bursch, and they tend to rust.



Made a paper template of the valence and had the muffler guy tack on the piece to make it come out right. I am wondering what I am going to do next when my exhaust deteriorates enough that I gotta replace it. Louder than a Super Beetle with a stock exhaust by a lot, according to the wife. Rear valence looks pretty good next to that ratty bumper

[Tobra]

and covers up this nasty lookin' thing. No holes, pretty loud, sounds okay

[turboman808]

Here is my old muffler it was pretty goddam loud.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTElmmjVL7k

[Pat Garvey]

For those of you who are familiar with me, you'll know that I a bit of a purist. I Am opinionated & make no apologizes for it. With that said....

The factory did some good things with exhaust systems, particularly with the six. Nothing sweeter than the sound of a six with a twin pipe sport mufller!

When it come to the 4's, it's different. Some years ago, there was a twin pipe system available (not factory) for these that sounded mutedly muscular - don't know where they went to, but someone should resurrect them.

The only thing I know about Triad is that they've been around for a long time - known for quality, like SSI. Never had one of they're systems, probably won't, because I'm a purist & have tried EVERYTHING through the years.

Wnt through 2 Bursch systems in4 years because they are rust buckets( & too lowd). Went through 2 Ansa's because they just plain rusted - cute, but crap.

In all that time, my stock(original) muffler was wrapped in aluminum foil & kept in the basement. When I finally reached the age of reason, I unwrapped it, refinished the outside, & put it back on the car. No changes needed to timing, etc.
Runs like ......the factory meant it to. No loss of power, just loss of noise. My nieghbors appreciate it.

Triad? Means you need to cut the valence - can't undo that. Can't be original. It's a classic car! Leave it alone!

I told you I was opinionated! Flame On! Wearing Nomex & don't really give a SH_T!

Aren't we a bunch wcakos on this Forum?

[John]

With a 4-cyl, I have no experience with the triad.

I have had Thunderbird, Factory and Bursch on 4-cyl cars. I originally didn't like the sound of the orig muffler and went with the Thunderbird and really didn't like that (too loud) and went finally with the Bursch Quiet One. I liked that exhaust, but I eventually wanted even quieter and longed for OEM, but never bought one.

After being bitten with the /6 bug (and I am only interested in owning /6's now), I have tried the Triad and the "factory" sport muffler (with twin pipes).

I prefer the Triad and would buy another one before going with anything else. I would send it to Jet-Hot first because they do rust, but are made of thick steel tubing.

I would probably give the Triad a try on a 4-cyl car as I like them so much on the /6 cars. They are not too loud and I believe they make good power.

just my $0.02

[robby750]

Here is what I have. Sounds good, looks good, and will last .........FOREVER!

[Michael N]

Here is what I have. Sounds good, looks good, and will last .........FOREVER!

So what kind of exhaust is that?

[robby750]

Here is what I have. Sounds good, looks good, and will last .........FOREVER!

So what kind of exhaust is that?

That is a mittlemotor stainless steel muffler. The best part is that it's German.

[Lavanaut]

That is a mittlemotor stainless steel muffler. The best part is that it's German.

Stainless steel...hmmmm..what's that guy weigh?

[robby750]

I would guess it's about the same as a stock muffler, maybe a little more.

[bd1308]

and you're going to sell it to me real cheap, right?

[sportlicherFahrer]

RockinOldSchool has a Bursch on his car, and I had one on my 1.8L. Really kind of a raspy loud high performance bus/decent porsche sound to it. The Triad is made of much better steel, has a really nice paint coating on it, AND all the welds are not only like someone used thier finger to smooth them out, but are also guranteed for life. If you ever have an issue with it as far as welds(which you shouldnt, they fit, sound, and hold up great) Triad will fix it. He also supplies the Stainless hardware and nice metal gaskets with the muffler included in the price. The Bursch definatly sounds like a 4 cyl. and the Triad sounds A LOT more like a Porsche should, a six.

As far as performance, the Triad gives a nice gain all around. It gives nicer take off torque, and gives a very nice flow throughout the power band. The Burch doesnt do as much, but having said that, I have never driven/riden in a 2.0 with a stock muffler. But like most cars, a well engineered exhaust will give you a gain over stock.


Just my few dollars.

[blitZ]

I have the dual tip Triad and really like it. It does make the car sound less like a VW (not that there's anything wrong with that). At a steady cruise, it's not that loud. It's well made and should be trouble free.

[rhodyguy]

before you spring for the triad (or any other muffler) make sure of the type of heat exchangers you have. a 2.0 engine may not have 73-74' 2.0 heat exchangers. if you order a triad, and have the 1.7/1.8 or late 75-76' he's, you'll be sending it back, selling it in the classifieds, or going on the hunt for the he's you need. the correct muffler hanger and muffler gaskets too.

k

[Bleyseng]

That Mittlemotor SS muffler is heavy!!! Even more than the stock banana one. I am not sure how much it improves the hp either.

Triad's tests are only on a six that I know.

Who did the muffler test? Grassroots Motorsports? Only a real header made any hp over stock!

[tdgray]

I have the Sebring from Pelican on my car.

Sounds nice... not real loud but a nice little rumble to it.

Was inexpensive also.