Muffler deleting is a common practice among car enthusiasts. The cost to delete a muffler varies from one model to another but it usually takes $110-$250 depending on the manufacturer and quality.
Let’s explore the amazing world of car mufflers and figure out why they cost as much as they do.
What Is a Muffler Delete?
A muffler is an important part of your car’s exhaust system. The main purpose of mufflers is to reduce the noise your engine makes. Many people don’t like loud noises and there are regulations about how loud your car can get.
That is why manufacturers equip their cars with mufflers and resonators.
However, many car enthusiasts expect their engine to be a bit more loud and powerful. That is where muffler deleting comes in. It is the process of cutting off the muffler to get better horsepower and a bit louder engine noise.
How Much Does a Muffler Delete Cost?
Usually, a muffler can cost you anywhere between $100-$250. The installation is pretty straightforward and you can remove the muffler yourself.
However, if you want professional help, you have to pay more. The price of the muffler depends on a couple of things that we’ll talk about later.
Here is a comparative chart to give you some idea about the price range for different muffler options:
| Vehicle Model | Approximate Price Range |
| Infiniti G35 | $155-$160 |
| Nissan 350z | $170-$175 |
| Infiniti G37 | $200-$250 |
| BMW e46 | $135-$145 |
| Dodge Charger | $115-$125 |
| Golf MK6 GTI | $110-$120 |
| Mazda 3 | $110-$120 |
| BMW e90 | $125-$135 |
| GMC Sierra | $135-$145 |
Factors Affecting Muffler Delete Cost
Car Type
Most of the car models have uniquely designed factory mufflers that suit only that particular car model. The design and work process of mufflers also depends on the year your particular car was made.
The reason I am saying all this is, you can’t just take a chainsaw and start cutting your exhaust system open. Replacing some of your exhaust system parts can be significantly costlier.
Muffler Type
The main reason you should be concerned about the muffler type is the adjacent components that may need replacement once you remove the muffler. There are some that are consistent with a wide range of cars and costs little.
Mid-level mufflers cost a little extra as higher quality tailpipes are needed to complete the exhaust system once you remove the muffler.
Cost of Labor
Many people decide to delete their mufflers themselves since the process isn’t very hard. All you need is a tailpipe that is the same diameter as your exhaust pipe, a hacksaw, some wrenches, jacks, and a welding machine.
However, if you don’t have the tools or time necessary, you are always welcome to take professional help from your local experts.
Exhaust gasses are hot and can damage your car’s bottom side if you just delete the muffler but don’t provide a safe passage for the hot gasses to travel across the vehicle like it is supposed to.
The experts will weld a tailpipe to your exhaust system and make sure that all the gasses are safely passing through uninterrupted. In that case, you’ll need to pay a service fee of around $20-50.
Pros of Muffler Delete
Increased Horsepower
Most car enthusiasts delete their mufflers to gain a short boost in horsepower. Removing the muffler will reduce the backpressure of your engine and increase your horsepower by a small amount. You’ll also get high-speed torque that can improve your driving experience.
Deleting the muffler will straighten out the way air leaves your car. This will improve your vehicle’s exhaust flow and your car will get a boost in performance, especially in the older cars.
Loud exhaust
Many car enthusiasts like me want their vehicles to roar a bit. One of the main jobs of your muffler is to reduce the sound and noises your engine makes. Once the muffler is out of the picture, your car will sound louder and give you a sporty feel.
However, in many states in the USA, there is a limit on how loud your car can get. A car without a muffler will sound more aggressive and many people enjoy that. The loud roar is addictive to many people and is one of the primary reasons people get their mufflers deleted.
Minimal weight
The exhaust system is heavy. Everybody knows that the lighter your ride can get, the faster it can run. That is why even if the muffler itself doesn’t weigh much, once removed, it can increase the overall speed of your vehicle.
Muffler deleting is most probably the cheapest way to tune your vehicle to get some additional horsepower and torque.
Aesthetic value
Car enthusiasts also love to customize the looks of their car as much as possible. Removing the muffler can free up the backside of your car so you can customize your ride and increase its aesthetic value.
Cons of Muffler Delete
Louder exhaust
The same reason many people want to delete their muffler is the exact same reason you can get in trouble.
Not only deleting your muffler will increase the sound of your exhaust, but it can also create an annoying exhaust drone (the loud buzz you hear from inside your car). Exhaust drones can be really annoying, especially on a long drive.
Not only that, many states have legal limitations on how loud your car can get and the limit is usually under 90 dB. Anything louder than that and you can get in trouble with the authorities and your neighbors.
Reduced engine performance
It may sound contradictory to what I’ve said earlier, but modern cars have a tendency of reducing engine performance when the muffler is removed. Additionally, muffler deletes can turn on the check engine light on your dashboard.
Older cars will get a horsepower and torque boost while achieving the same result on a newer car can be a bit delicate. Contact your local professionals for more information on how you can remove the muffler without hurting your peak engine performance.
Might be illegal
As I have mentioned earlier, there are some limitations you might face when you choose to delete your muffler. In the USA, riding a car with a muffler delete in public areas is prohibited by law regardless of which state you live in.
Some state laws require at least one noise-canceling device installed on your vehicle. If you have a resonator installed, you are free to remove the muffler.
However, if the sound of your engine exceeds 90 dB, you can get pulled over by the authority and receive a ticket. On a bad day, you may receive multiple tickets.
Might require an emissions test
Many states require your vehicle to pass an emission test before allowing it on the streets. This is basically a test to check how much pollutants your car is releasing into the atmosphere. Once you remove the muffler, your car may be declared unfit according to the regulation.
When that happens, you might need to put your muffler back on and pass the emission test before you get the green signal on cruising on the road.
Things You Need to Know Before Deleting Your Muffler
Without any doubt, the performance upgrade you get from a muffler delete is amazing considering how much you need to spend.
However, there are a couple of things you need to check before you get a muffler deleted and let your engine roar.
Your first job will be to check if it is legal to delete your muffler in the state you live in. Check the state laws to find out whether you have the flexibility to delete your muffler or not. Additionally, deleting your muffler can also make your car fail the emission/inquiry inspection.
For the new parts you’ll need, we suggest you buy from a reputed manufacturer that provides a decent amount of warranty with their product. That will be much better than your usual aftermarket parts.
If you have the latest model of a car equipped with modern-style mufflers, it would not be wise to install a muffler delete since that can potentially harm your engine.
Older cars are more restrictive. That is why you’ll get a significant boost installing a muffler delete. Unfortunately, in newer cars, the performance boost is not that significant.
How to Do A Muffler Delete
Tools needed
- Car Jacks
- Hacksaw
- Socket wrenches
- Welding machine
- Rust penetrator
- Tailpipe
Steps
1: Take precautions
The first step is to find out if muffler deleting is legal in the state you’re living in or not. Different states have different restrictions on the amount of carbon your car is going to emit, how loud your car can be, or whether you can perform a muffler delete or not.
Go through the related instructions for the state you live in to find out what are your legal boundaries. If you have enough access to make modifications to your car, go ahead with the next steps.
2: Lift the car
Now the actual fun begins as you decide what you wanna do. Lift your car with car jacks and place wheel chocks on the front wheels to secure your car’s position. You need enough room on the backside of your car to make the necessary adjustments.
Once you reach your desired height, place the jack stands beneath the car and get started with the next steps.
3: Remove the clamps
Your next job will be to remove the clamp. First, locate the muffler. It is usually connected to the exhaust pipe of your car and is secured in place with multiple U-shaped clamps.
The bolts that secure the clamp can become rusty if the bottom side of your car gets exposed to water frequently. Use a rust penetrator like WD-40 on the nuts and leave it to get soaked for a while. Then, use socket wrenches to remove the bolts.
Now, pull the muffler outward to remove the muffler. If the muffler of your car is welded, use a hacksaw to cut the muffler out of the exhaust system.
4: Add the tailpipe
It’s time to add the tailpipe. Replace the muffler with a fabricated pipe that will not only protect your car from the heat underneath but also will make the exhaust system more efficient.
Usually, tailpipes are made from aluminum or stainless steel and cost around $50-100. We recommend you go for the stainless steel ones for a long-lasting service.
Make sure that the diameter of the new tailpipe and the muffler you just cut off is the same. You can secure the tailpipe by clamps or welding the pipe. You may also need a 90-degree elbow exhaust adapter to connect the tailpipe.
FAQs
1. Is muffler deleting illegal?
Ans: It depends on the state you live in. Muffler deleted cars are primarily for off-road purposes and it is illegal to drive a muffler deleted car on most public roads in the USA.
Usually, cars without mufflers exceed the legal sound limit they can make and that is why many states including Florida, California, Georgia, Washington, Texas, VA, Massachusetts, and Alabama have prohibited the use of a muffler delete pipe.
2. How Long Does It Take To Remove A Muffler?
Ans: The most time-consuming part of the whole muffler deleting process is the welding part. Depending on who is doing the work and the tools you have available for the job, the whole process can take anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours or more.
3. Is It Possible To Undo A Muffler Delete?
Ans: Yes, of course. You can reinstall the muffler any time you want. Just cut off the welded tailpipe(only if you’ve welded the pipe in the first place) and replace it with the muffler of your choice. You can secure the muffler by welding if you need more assurance.
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