How do I know if my muffler is blown out? It's a 74 1.8 with an original style muffer, and I think it is louder than it should be, compared to other 914s I've heard.

I looked at the bird, and replacements are pretty damn spendy, so I want to make sure it needs to be replaced before I buy one. I have an old Bursch that I bought used a few years back and bolted that up, and it was pretty loud too - could it be blown out as well?

Thanks
Steve

they do rust ...

first, make sure it's the muffler. get under the car while the engine is running and look for exhaust leaks.
you'll be able to feel them with your hand.
check the flanges where the muffler bolts onto the Headers/HE and make sure it's not leaking there.
do the same where the Headers/HE are bolted onto the heads.

if you still have steel HE, check those for corrosion also.

if this all checks out OK, thake the muffler off and shake it well.
if it's rusted, you'll hear the rust rolling around inside ...

Andy