muffler options, which one? Options

[frankieshooz]

So I know this topic has been covered but I still cant seem to find a definitive answer to who out there makes the best muffler for the 914/4 2.0.
Prices seem to vary widely:
1) Bursch muffler coming in fairly reasonably in the low $300's
2) Tangerine's EVO 1V silencer coming in at around $1225
3) Dansk in about $790
4) Mittlemotor around $860.
I heard good things about the M&K mufflers but looks to be only made for the six.
I don't want loud but I do like a nice exhaust note and I wouldn't mind increased (although I realize very little) performance.
There seems to be such disparity in prices is there a discernible difference? Any insight would be helpful
Also helpful would be any info about ease of installation ...i.e. does the tangerine racing only work with SS HE's?

[jcd914]

So I know this topic has been covered but I still cant seem to find a definitive answer to who out there makes the best muffler for the 914/4 2.0.

You will never get a definitive answer because "best" is subjective.
What might be best to would not necessarily be best to you.

You have several of the "best" mufflers listed here in your first post.

I have an old Bursch I ran on my 1.7L with 2.0L SSI HEs and I liked it a lot, 30 years ago.

I have a set of 1.7/1.8 SSI HEs with a Triad muffler that came with my current 914.

And I have a 4-2-1 header system with a Phase 9 muffler on my 2.0L engine.

I don't know what I will use when I get my car running again, they all have different advantages and disadvantages.

I will start with the header system since it is already bolted to the engine going in the car.
I want to put the Triad on because they have a good rep but it is a heavy muffler.
I doubt the Bursch would last if I try to use it, I suspect it is rusty inside.

If money was not a concern I would probably go with a Tangerine Racing header system because it is a work of art and performance always counts most in my book.

Of course none of it matters until I have a car that runs again.

Jim

[ChrisFoley]

...
And I have a 4-2-1 header system with a Phase 9 muffler on my 2.0L engine.
...
Jim

Is that one of my early systems or is does it predate my purchase (in 1998) of the design from Quiet Horsepower? The Phase 9 is pretty, I mean extremely, loud for a street car.
The Tangerine EVO exhaust system is a major evolution of that design, and the EVO II Silencer offers the best sound out of a Type 4 engine, bar none. It incorporates engineering aspects of the Phase 9 but has a really comfortable sound level, yet having a very aggressive growl.

[jcd914]

...
And I have a 4-2-1 header system with a Phase 9 muffler on my 2.0L engine.
...
Jim

Is that one of my early systems or is does it predate my purchase (in 1998) of the design from Quiet Horsepower? The Phase 9 is pretty, I mean extremely, loud for a street car.
The Tangerine EVO exhaust system is a major evolution of that design, and the EVO II Silencer offers the best sound out of a Type 4 engine, bar none. It incorporates engineering aspects of the Phase 9 but has a really comfortable sound level, yet having a very aggressive growl.

Chris,
I believe it predates your system but I did not buy it directly, came from a customer/friend after his time trial car was totaled returning from a preseason tech inspection. The 914 was empty at the time and no one was hurt but 2 914's and a minivan were totaled by 1 Jeep Cherokee.

It would have been purchased in the mid 90s I think. It is mild steel tubing, looks very similar to your SS system in routing and mounting.

It was a time trial car and the Phase 9 was used every where except Laguna Seca due to 92db sound limits there. I have another muffler that swaps out with the phase 9 that is quieter.

Jim