Hi All,
After reading for weeks , I'm still can't decide which muffler is the best to throw on my Series III SX. I was about to go for a redback having had good experience with them in the past, then came across Type40's posts today where he actually reverted to the factory muffler after putting one on and reckons there was no change to his manual, I don't like the sound of the Berklee and am now leaning more towards the Powerflow. I know this topic has been discussed to death (can hear the groans), so if you don't mind , just post:

1.Your preferred choice and size of muffler for a standard Auto 380 :
2. The price (if you know it) :
3.Whether it's a bolt on or weld job :
4. Any dyno gains proven or logic why :

This way we'll never need to have the thread again :facejump:
I'm hoping this will flesh out a few of the proven gains also
Cheers,
RG

I chose the powerflow purely and simply because I couldn't find a stainless steel muffler in that price range ($190 fitted) with that sort of quality construction anywhere. Unless you plan on changing the system other than the muffler drone isn't an issue. I was happy as punch with the sound!

mine was a weld/bolt as the muffler guy welded the muffler to the existing pipe which kept the original flange and bolts.

Dyno...wouldn't have a clue as I haven't ever had it on a dyno but certainly a bit more go now rather than when it was stock

Well I'm ruled out then, as I have a non-standard manual!

But I'll chuck my 2c worth in anyway.

Value for money, decent note, and no drone = Berklee BS0655 FTW.

Forgot to add:

Size of the BS0655 is 20" x 10" x 6", which is as big as will fit on the driver's side.

Price $125 & postage from Best Mufflers.

Weld job not bolt on, so looking at $100 - $200 to fit.

'Seat of pants' dyno gain (but on a manual not an auto) approx 7kw ATW.

KJ.

I chose the powerflow purely and simply because I couldn't find a stainless steel muffler in that price range ($190 fitted) with that sort of quality construction anywhere. Unless you plan on changing the system other than the muffler drone isn't an issue. I was happy as punch with the sound!

mine was a weld/bolt as the muffler guy welded the muffler to the existing pipe which kept the original flange and bolts.

Dyno...wouldn't have a clue as I haven't ever had it on a dyno but certainly a bit more go now rather than when it was stock

phew.. thanks. Was braced for the first few posts to be an unleashing of Flamefest 2010 :flame::flame::tantrum::swearing::soapbox::rocket:

:D

Mikey: I really like the sound of the powerflow on your youtube clip, but it's so hard to tell what it's really like from a clip

KJ: Reverse problem with yours. Hope you're not offended but I didn't really like the sound of the Berklee, but .. once again, could just be the clip. And I have read people relating different experieces betweeen Auto' s and Manuals. Lack of drone is good tho'

I have 2 powerflow mufflers. I had a redback as the second and the drone was unbearable so I had it replaced within a day or so.
They were both welded on Great sound, no drone. Cant comment on performance as I fitted these together with the 9httpintake. I am convinced engine/throttle response is improved though

Heres a link to my youtube clip which I did for a bit of fun. Sounds not brilliant as it was on a little flip cam. I have changed the tips since to 2.5" out. looks more refined now.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJadhRGWvRE0mm

The powerflow in person is very deep...I like to describe it as a classy note...something you would find on a factory performance set up. A nice note without the boy racer volume. Although the berklee is not far behind and is pretty good value for money, like I have said previously had I not wanted a stainless muffler I would have gone the berklee also.

I just want to make it very clear there is no drone from my youngen ears. Others might say its not as quiet as the berklee but traditional drone is non-existent...if that makes sense.

I can grab another video soon if need be, from a few different angles and so forth

Are they the same H14OC250M powerflow mufflers that I have on mine Chris?

Are they the same H14OC250M powerflow mufflers that I have on mine Chris?

I honestly dont know. My exhaust guy just fitted them and gave me the bill LOL

I honestly dont know. My exhaust guy just fitted them and gave me the bill LOL

lol....well it sounds extremely close to mine even with the duels. So theres two good clips to go off rgoldsmith!

EDIT: a suggestion would be to go try a few if you have the time. Most zorst shops wont mind letting you hear a couple before you choose

Berklee ftw! You can't really choose a muffler from what they sound like in a video clip. It's better to hear what they sound like in person.

I had a guy come up to me in a carpark to ask what it was. Really deep 'classic' burble on tickover.

what about magnaflow? or is that just for magnas?

There is a mitsubishi galant on youtube with a magnaflow on it...heres the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uOJS3otilo

not really a fan but he does state that it is deeper in person, like most exhaust videos on youtube.

If you want to get the most out of a single muffler swap then that flange needs to go in my opinion,the pipe narrows heaps just before it! We are trying to improve exhaust flow/performance yes? or we just want a bit of noise?

If you want to get the most out of a single muffler swap then that flange needs to go in my opinion,the pipe narrows heaps just before it! We are trying to improve exhaust flow/performance yes? or we just want a bit of noise?

Thanks guys.. after much carefeul consideration of these responses, I've gone ahead and purchased a 90mmm TMR intake :woot: lollollol
This is as a result of my new vaccum guage showing me about 1.5 Inches of Mercury at around 5000 rpm 2nd -3rd gear after the MAF unit. This isn't too bad but I think this could be a restriction stopping a bit of high-end oomph.

No... but really.... I am still going to do the exhaust. I want to find 380Matey's post I thought I saw somewhere where he posted a clip of his single redback. I think chrisv's setup is waay different to this, and it may not be such a bad muffler in a single straight through. Only trouble is .. Type40 and 380Matey seem to disagree on it's power difference

Will certainly look at doing the flange, but of course that means a bit of stuffing about welding, however one muffler guy I spoke to reckons that the bolt-on redback flange is already 2.5" so I guess we'll see

Varex FTW.

Varex FTW.

+1 varex is the way to go.

So who has a VAREX on a 380???????

So opinions on the best muffler for a manual 380 ES is?
I really want more of a 'roar' or a throaty sound rather than a monotonous drone.

So opinions on the best muffler for a manual 380 ES is?
I really want more of a 'roar' or a throaty sound rather than a monotonous drone.

As I said in post #3, the Berklee BS6055 works a treat on a manual.

I had one on mine for about 6 months (before I upgraded to extractors & a dual system).

If I could get one of these to fit on the passenger side (with another on the driver's side) then I'd do so in flash, but no go.

Good throaty sound at WOT, nice burble at idle, nice & quiet at cruise, relatively cheap, and best of all no drone at all.

I don't know of anyone else who has fitted a Berklee BS0655 to a manual 380 who can confirm this (or not!).

KJ.

So who has a VAREX on a 380???????

within a month i will have two courtesy trotty -> http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg53/TROTTY4/IMGP0085Medium-2.jpg

once i receive getting all installed (ceramic coated extractors, high flow cat and these little fellas)

Wow!!!
I assume they fit inside the car to replace the sound system?
They have my vote

DAMN nice

Looking forward to hearing these little beauties!

I don't know of anyone else who has fitted a Berklee BS0655 to a manual 380 who can confirm this (or not!).

KJ.
Blue380 has one on his manual. That's why I got one, he recommended it to me (and the same shop).

Blue380 has one on his manual. That's why I got one, he recommended it to me (and the same shop).

Grub,

So to help out the OP (rgoldsmith), what do you think of the BS0655 on an auto 380?

Some recent posters favour the Varex, but I understand it's quite exxy (like $600 - $700 fitted), let alone a pair of them.

I also read on various forums that the Varex is illegal. Can anyone confirm this?

Maybe it's legal in some States / territories and not others?

KJ.

Grob,

So to help out the OP (rgoldsmith), what do you think of the BS0655 on an auto 380?

Some recent posters favour the Varex, but I understand it's quite exxy (like $600 - $700 fitted), let alone a pair of them.

KJ.

Yes they look good those Varexs... but they're not cheap, especially for 2. Could be overkill on a stock 380, but we'll find out in due course. I'd love to see some of these 380s (dual exhausts, extractors, different mufflers, etc) in the flesh to see the difference first hand rather than on a video... but we're all over the country.
But anyway, for rgoldsmith I can say having an auto and Berklee I can recommend it. It should give you an noticeable power increase (like most straight-through mufflers I guess), and will sound better. Although it gets louder as it ages, from the start it has a pretty good sound as kj380 said (ie, idle, open throttle, etc), but the question is: what are you after? If you're after something with reasonable volume and character (ie burble) but no drone, and good price, then this is good value. But if you want even louder, then you may not be happy with this. I had a smaller Lukey on my previous Magna which was way louder than the Berklee and had a real beefy sound on open throttle, but it droned and had no "stealth mode" (much desired if driving past cop cars etc).
For me, I'm happy with the Berklee. At almost 40, I'm over the hoonish too-louder muffler thing, so the Berklee has a good note with no drone (and can be driven quietly too). My only problem is if I ever go for duals, I'll need a different brand muffler x2... but I'll cross that bridge later.

Grub,

Some recent posters favour the Varex, but I understand it's quite exxy (like $600 - $700 fitted), let alone a pair of them.

I also read on various forums that the Varex is illegal. Can anyone confirm this?

Maybe it's legal in some States / territories and not others?

KJ.
pretty sure its illegal everywhere, as anything that variable in the exhaust system is illegal (asd far asi can tell) however i was was looking at it like - i intend to leave it on the quietest setting like 95% of the time so one would assume i hopefully wont have to deal with the coppers looking at the muffler in the first place. - plus with the removal of the precats, and the changing of the last cat im pretty sure the whole lot is illegal anyway so putting legal mufflers on isnt going to help any.
yeah were quite expensive. cheap rates 350 each so 700 for the two, and have yet to pay the freight to WA and the install -> which will be expensive as the extractors going in simultaneously


Yes they look good those Varexs... but they're not cheap, especially for 2. *1* Could be overkill on a stock 380 , but we'll find out in due course. *2* I'd love to see some of these 380s (dual exhausts, extractors, different mufflers, etc) in the flesh to see the difference first hand rather than on a video... but we're all over the country.
But anyway, for rgoldsmith I can say having an auto and Berklee I can recommend it. It should give you an noticeable power increase (like most straight-through mufflers I guess), and will sound better. Although it gets louder as it ages, from the start it has a pretty good sound as kj380 said (ie, idle, open throttle, etc), but the question is: what are you after? If you're after something with reasonable volume and character (ie burble) but no drone, and good price, then this is good value. But if you want even louder, then you may not be happy with this. I had a smaller Lukey on my previous Magna which was way louder than the Berklee and had a real beefy sound on open throttle, but it droned and had no "stealth mode" (much desired if driving past cop cars etc).
For me, I'm happy with the Berklee. At almost 40, I'm over the hoonish too-louder muffler thing, so the Berklee has a good note with no drone (and can be driven quietly too). My only problem is if I ever go for duals, I'll need a different brand muffler x2... but I'll cross that bridge later.
1. I went for two solely because i wanted the wank factor dual exhaust. however im hoping that the two will be quieter than the equivalent single system on a magna as that is still quite loud (based off my obsevations of T_double_Us magna even with the valve fully closed)
2. ill be at magna meet adelaide, already booked flights, paid for accom and booking my car on the train next week...

some HSVs and Audi RS cars have variable exhaust systems from factory

Also so do all modern Ferrari's

pretty sure its illegal everywhere, as anything that variable in the exhaust system is illegal (asd far asi can tell) however i was was looking at it like - i intend to leave it on the quietest setting like 95% of the time so one would assume i hopefully wont have to deal with the coppers looking at the muffler in the first place. - plus with the removal of the precats, and the changing of the last cat im pretty sure the whole lot is illegal anyway so putting legal mufflers on isnt going to help any.
yeah were quite expensive. cheap rates 350 each so 700 for the two, and have yet to pay the freight to WA and the install -> which will be expensive as the extractors going in simultaneously

1. I went for two solely because i wanted the wank factor dual exhaust. however im hoping that the two will be quieter than the equivalent single system on a magna as that is still quite loud (based off my obsevations of T_double_Us magna even with the valve fully closed)
2. ill be at magna meet adelaide, already booked flights, paid for accom and booking my car on the train next week...

Nothing wrong with the "wank factor". If I go with dual exhausts, its purely for show and not for any performance gain.
You should be okay with the cops, regarding the Varex mufflers, as long as you keep them quiet as they basically look like any other muffler from a distance. And you right that once you touch any part of the standard exhaust system (particularly the 3 cats) you're already in illegal territory. But provided you're sensible with it you should be okay.

Firstly I guess that I will have to wave the flag for the Redback, but again it depends which one you are talking about. Mine is the big straight through sucker, and yes get them to get rid of the factory flange at the rear(towards the centre of the car) of the OEM muffler as it stages down the exhaust from a 2/12 " to a 2 1/4 "!! They can weld a new flange on as they did on mine. I also bought a stainless oval tip as well. All up around $200 from memory. Performance and noise?
Nice and quiet at highway travel speeds (which it primarily why I went for it) absolutely NO DRONE and a nice sporty yet subtle note under acceleration esp WOT. Sorry but I think Chris V had a different one unless he had it combine with other alterations to the exhaust. WOT you can certainly feel it rev freer in the top of the rev range. Bottom end, well buggered if I can pick any difference there. As for the Varex I would be careful running it shut too far down for too long as this could give you a lot of back pressure and heat build up especially at higher revs.
The Redback is also a heavier gauge metal than the Berkelee meaning it should last longer and not resonate as much. I really depends on what you are after. I haven't done a Youtube clip on mine as yet

Firstly I guess that I will have to wave the flag for the Redback, but again it depends which one you are talking about. Mine is the big straight through sucker, and yes get them to get rid of the factory flange at the rear(towards the centre of the car) of the OEM muffler as it stages down the exhaust from a 2/12 " to a 2 1/4 "!! They can weld a new flange on as they did on mine. I also bought a stainless oval tip as well. All up around $200 from memory. Performance and noise?
Nice and quiet at highway travel speeds (which it primarily why I went for it) absolutely NO DRONE and a nice sporty yet subtle note under acceleration esp WOT. Sorry but I think Chris V had a different one unless he had it combine with other alterations to the exhaust. WOT you can certainly feel it rev freer in the top of the rev range. Bottom end, well buggered if I can pick any difference there. As for the Varex I would be careful running it shut too far down for too long as this could give you a lot of back pressure and heat build up especially at higher revs.
The Redback is also a heavier gauge metal than the Berkelee meaning it should last longer and not resonate as much. I really depends on what you are after. I haven't done a Youtube clip on mine as yet

Mate, what model number was that exhaust. Did they need to put a mandrel bend between the flange and box as well to reach the factory pipe end, or was it already roughly the right shape? i.e Could I just buy the exhaust and 2.5 inch flange and weld the flange on then bolt it on myself, or am I gonna need to cut and weld pipes and fiddle with the dangle angle?

EDIT: actually just realised , it probably doesn't come with any pipe after the muffler at all, does it? unless it's one of their catback systems.

BTW , has anybody explored the merits/non-merits of a Magna VRX Exhaust that has been discussed by folks like Alan and Dave as producing a fair bit more measured power on the 380 in the factory tests. I've never seen these up close, are they straight through?

BTW , has anybody explored the merits/non-merits of a Magna VRX Exhaust that has been discussed by folks like Alan and Dave as producing a fair bit more measured power on the 380 in the factory tests. I've never seen these up close, are they straight through?

Yep, been there done that.
The muffler in question is the Lukey LR2779, it's 22" long, and it's too long to fit a 380.
Max that will fit a 380 is 20" long, like the Berklee BS0655.
The Lukey LR2779 is a true straight through design, pity it won't fit on a 380.

KJ.

Just thought I'd mention I had my quad tips trimmed to follow the profile of the rear bumper. Looks quite good to my eyes. I'll post some pics when I get home.

Yep, been there done that.
The muffler in question is the Lukey LR2779, it's 22" long, and it's too long to fit a 380.
Max that will fit a 380 is 20" long, like the Berklee BS0655.
The Lukey LR2779 is a true straight through design, pity it won't fit on a 380.

KJ.

If you want to use a "Lukey Race" muffler as per the LR2779 on a 380, then use a LR2790. It is the same design and construction, but is only 18" long and so is short enough to fit on a 380.
The only issue is that the inlet is offset to the left side of the muffler, whereas the stock muffler has the inlet offset to the right side, meaning a bit more complex piping.

If you want to use a "Lukey Race" muffler as per the LR2779 on a 380, then use a LR2790. It is the same design and construction, but is only 18" long and so is short enough to fit on a 380.
The only issue is that the inlet is offset to the left side of the muffler, whereas the stock muffler has the inlet offset to the right side, meaning a bit more complex piping.

At the risk of sounding stupid, is there any reason why you couldn't just turn the muffler over so that the inlet is on the right side instead ? (might need to cut and re-weld the bracket of course) If not then I suspect this would be a PITA to fit as there is not a lot of distance between the muffler and the flange (I didn't even want to try a centre pipe muffler, cos I thought it would be too hard, let alone one offset to the other side)

At the risk of sounding stupid, is there any reason why you couldn't just turn the muffler over so that the inlet is on the right side instead ? (might need to cut and re-weld the bracket of course) If not then I suspect this would be a PITA to fit as there is not a lot of distance between the muffler and the flange (I didn't even want to try a centre pipe muffler, cos I thought it would be too hard, let alone one offset to the other side)

No, not a stupid question. The outlet of the LR2790 is located in the centre of the muffler (left to right) but is offset to the bottom (as per the factory muffler) so turning the muffler over so that the inlet is on the right hand side results in the muffler hanging down very low when the tip clears the cutout in the rear bar. Joining the flange to the inlet on the right hand side is possible with a bit of cutting and shutting of mandrel bends of various angles :)

MAGNA-FLOW-SPORTS-MUFFLER (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/MAGNA-FLOW-SPORTS-MUFFLER-/250676906037?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5d820835)...Will this suit the 380 ?????????????

MAGNA-FLOW-SPORTS-MUFFLER (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/MAGNA-FLOW-SPORTS-MUFFLER-/250676906037?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5d820835)...Will this suit the 380 ?????????????

Just put the Berklee on Mike lol. I think one of the members used a Magnaflow, not sure.

Just put the Berklee on Mike lol. I think one of the members used a Magnaflow, not sure.

lol back at ya....but this is cheaper....

MAGNA-FLOW-SPORTS-MUFFLER (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/MAGNA-FLOW-SPORTS-MUFFLER-/250676906037?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5d820835)...Will this suit the 380 ?????????????

WAAAAAY too small mate, it'll be loud as hell and drone like crazy.

Just go the Berklee.

The members with the Powerflow muflers fitted, are they straight through, or baffled as I have been looking at part numbers on the Powerflow site and they seem to have a listing for freeflow, baffled and chambered??

Had no idea that they are a South African company.

The members with the Powerflow muflers fitted, are they straight through, or baffled as I have been looking at part numbers on the Powerflow site and they seem to have a listing for freeflow, baffled and chambered??

Had no idea that they are a South African company.

http://www.bestmufflers.com/bshop/product_info.php?cPath=0_579_581&products_id=2210&osCsid=da17dea9fdc731f7b518f2d9f7f1f8ec

This is the one I have. It isn't completely straight through. The pipe is offset, but not chambered...well at least not like the standard muffler. If this one was proper straight through I think drone would be an issue as a few guys have pointed out the overall dimensions of it isnt that big.

So far I have found two powerflow sites on the net. One being RSA and one being Britain, not sure if they are different or just branches of the same company.

EDIT: http://www.bestmufflers.com/bshop/product_info.php?cPath=0_579_589&products_id=2320&osCsid=da17dea9fdc731f7b518f2d9f7f1f8ec

I'd suggest this muffler if your going poweflow, its the biggest possible muffler that will fit under the 380. Should have virtually no drone.

Thanks for that Mikey380SX. I'm thinking of one for my Magna VRX AWD as the youtube videos sound awesome. Was looking at a Magnaflow.

H All ,
After practically a lifetime of stuffing around over this, I've decided to go with the much vaunted berklee bs0655. I'd like to try the Redback catback bolt-on but seems very confusing as to whether it really can be bolted on (a 380) at all (I think not)

So... have had no luck in Melbourne finding a shop who will source and fit this in the Eastern burbs. Rang Daalder in Box Hill , as they seemed to be popular here, only to be openly ridiculed by the guy there for wasting my time (and apparently his) for changing the exhaust on a 380 at all. Ended up quoting something ridiculous like $300-$400 if I sourced the Muffler... nuff said really.
Can anyone give a recommendation for the Eastern , South Eastern Burbs?
Cheers,
RG

Just to give you an idea of price, I paid $148 supply & fitted for my Berklee but they re-used the chrome tip off my old muffler.

I can vouch for that as I got the same muffler from same shop. And also, these mufflers get louder as they older. Mine has now evolved to the volume and note I wanted it to have at new - so I can recommend this one too.

I can vouch for that as I got the same muffler from same shop. And also, these mufflers get louder as they older. Mine has now evolved to the volume and note I wanted it to have at new - so I can recommend this one too.

:cry: yeh you guys have done well there. I have had three rough quotes to source and fit the berklee, including cutting and replacing the flange with a 2.5inch and refitting the tailpipe. the cheapest is about $260 (and they don't sound like they particularly know what they're doing) the worst was Daalder above, the middle was $290 from Performance Exhausts Ringwood.

Glad to hear the tone changes , because to be honest, soundwise I much prefer the Powerflow, but it seems to have disappeared from the best mufflers site, and all the muffler fitters want about an extra $200 to source and fit one (even though it was only about $60 more on the net.
btw $148 fitted for the Berklee is incredible given that the cheapest I found it for sale was $138!!

No-one got a fitter mate near Melbourne south to eastern suburbs they want to give a shout out to?

ive been checking on how much it would cost here in the west to fit the Birklee and they all seem to say about $350 which i think is a bit rich.
any one know of somehwere cheaper near mandurah?

cheers in advance.

:cry: yeh you guys have done well there. I have had three rough quotes to source and fit the berklee, including cutting and replacing the flange with a 2.5inch and refitting the tailpipe. the cheapest is about $260 (and they don't sound like they particularly know what they're doing) the worst was Daalder above, the middle was $290 from Performance Exhausts Ringwood.

Glad to hear the tone changes , because to be honest, soundwise I much prefer the Powerflow, but it seems to have disappeared from the best mufflers site, and all the muffler fitters want about an extra $200 to source and fit one (even though it was only about $60 more on the net.
btw $148 fitted for the Berklee is incredible given that the cheapest I found it for sale was $138!!

No-one got a fitter mate near Melbourne south to eastern suburbs they want to give a shout out to?

Mine was done 3 or 4 years ago, but I wouldn't have thought they'd be so expensive now.

Mine was about $250 fitted, from D&T Performance in the Adelaide CBD - about 6 months ago.

Sounds like they are trying to rip you off.

Mine was done 3 or 4 years ago, but I wouldn't have thought they'd be so expensive now.

I probably should have mentioned mine was also purchased a few years back but I wouldnt have thought the price would have doubled in that time. And also like Grubco, mine is def louder & deeper than when first purchased but still no drone which is good.

Just letting ya know as well, I got quoted 330$ for the berklee. Supplied and fitted.. Can't do anything now cause I have to pay 500$ excess and 300$ for renting a car for 9 days.. :(

Just letting ya know as well, I got quoted 330$ for the berklee. Supplied and fitted.. Can't do anything now cause I have to pay 500$ excess and 300$ for renting a car for 9 days.. :(

ouch!

Booked in for the Berklee to be fitted, rear 2 1/4 flange cut off and replaced with 2 1/2 flange, tail pipe re-fitted and Mandrel bend between the flange and the Berklee = $280 :disgusted
Ah well

So by the sounds of it $350 is not so bad after reading some of the threads.

Ive managed to get the galant air intake ($54 ebay) and a k&N filter ($69 ebay) havent found the berklee on ebay yet :)

<sigh> it's never simple.
Had to re-shedule my exhaust fit for another two weeks due to children's sporting commitments.
While I was on the phone to the guy, I asked him about removing the white cat and replacing it with a variable backpressure system of soem sort. inevitably led to a discussion about Varex. Now I'm thinking I might get a Varex single tip (VMK6-300) fitted ($590), remove the white cat and replace with straight pipe, then use the Varex to provide backpressure if I get CELs,
Anyone thought about/tried this?
Cheers,
RG

Stormie has used Varex mufflers, and no offense to Stormie. But when he had his car over for MMX, they sounded like crap. Very raspy, very loud, not worth it tbh.

Stormie has used Varex mufflers, and no offense to Stormie. But when he had his car over for MMX, they sounded like crap. Very raspy, very loud, not worth it tbh.

Hmm , thanks for the feedback mate.
You said "mufflers" above, so I assume this was a twin system? I wonder if there was just not enough air being pushed out of a 380 to make these resonate at a nice note?
Did you hear him adjust them at all?

Hmm , thanks for the feedback mate.
You said "mufflers" above, so I assume this was a twin system? I wonder if there was just not enough air being pushed out of a 380 to make these resonate at a nice note?
Did you hear him adjust them at all?

I followed Stormie on a couple of the MMX cruises and I can vouch for what Braedz says.

When in open mode they didn't sound good, too loud and too raspy.

When in closed mode you couldn't hear them at all, quiet as a mouse just like a stocker.

No 'in between mode', they were either fully open or fully closed.

But I've read elsewhere about adjustable Varex, just dial in how open you want it/them to be.

Maybe Stormie didn't have this type?

Maybe it's just twin Varex like Stormie's that don't sound so flash?

Dunno, and this from a man who has so far tried six different mufflers on his 380!

I followed Stormie on a couple of the MMX cruises and I can vouch for what Braedz says.

When in open mode they didn't sound good, too loud and too raspy.

When in closed mode you couldn't hear them at all, quiet as a mouse just like a stocker.

No 'in between mode', they were either fully open or fully closed.

But I've read elsewhere about adjustable Varex, just dial in how open you want it/them to be.

Maybe Stormie didn't have this type?

Maybe it's just twin Varex like Stormie's that don't sound so flash?

Dunno, and this from a man who has so far tried six different mufflers on his 380!

Interesting, I didn't know they made one that wasn't fully variable. All the ones I'm looking at are fully variable.
I am wondering what you guys mean by "raspy" TBH, do you mean like "Tinny" or just too ""blatty" (gotta love our standard auditory definitions here :D)? I think I know what you mean , but not sure. Does Stormie have a youtube clip up by any chance?

Raspy, as in that tinny sound :).

I think there are a few clips up from MMX at the Tailem Bend Motorsport Park. Just do a youtube search for MMX and you might come across Stormie's car.

Raspy, as in that tinny sound :).

I think there are a few clips up from MMX at the Tailem Bend Motorsport Park. Just do a youtube search for MMX and you might come across Stormie's car.

bleh!, Not a fan of tinny at all, you guys are frightening me off. I might search on Stormie's ride to see what size hae got. I'm looking at getting the large 10 X 6 inch which are the same size as the Berklee, and hopefully not tinny

Edit: I just PM'd Stormie, as I saw he was online. With a bit of luck he can add some words on this......

i pretty much had them open for all of mmx. i think.
also that was with no reso, and upscaled pipe the whole way down. after talking to more exhaust people the concensus also seems to be it might not be so bad if i went back to mild instead of the stainless the whole way.
braedz no offense taken i dont like them either! last gasp attempt at fixing the system is move my post mmx reso back in the system, install a second larger resonator earlier on and see how that goes.
as it is now its barely louder than stock (some rpm quieter) when the system is closed. but all hell breaks loose when i open it.
my exhaust system was a fairly expensive exercise $3000+ :( so dont want to have to ditch.

i pretty much had them open for all of mmx. i think.
also that was with no reso, and upscaled pipe the whole way down. after talking to more exhaust people the concensus also seems to be it might not be so bad if i went back to mild instead of the stainless the whole way.
braedz no offense taken i dont like them either! last gasp attempt at fixing the system is move my post mmx reso back in the system, install a second larger resonator earlier on and see how that goes.
as it is now its barely louder than stock (some rpm quieter) when the system is closed. but all hell breaks loose when i open it.
my exhaust system was a fairly expensive exercise $3000+ :( so dont want to have to ditch.

Thanks mate,
What size/model mufflers did you put on?

Ok... spoke the guys at Ringwood Performance and all of them don't believe that my grand plan is going to work (deleting the White cat and using the Varex to adjust the back pressure). They also reckon that the quality of the Varex electronics is questionable and thier warranty process leaves much to be desired. Add to this the dubious legal risks, and extra $200, and I have decided to scratch it.
I've booked the car in tomorrow morning to have the Berklee fitted. Bit disappointed, as I don't really like the sound of the Berklee (although many here have asserted that it improves with age), but given the number of people who've got one and recommend it, I'm bowing to the experience of others here.
Just wish to god there was a simple way of getting an 02 sensor bung onto the top of the headers without spending as much as the muffler again

You won't regret it. The Berklee has to be installed before you know what it sounds like - you can't just hold it up in place at the shop or look at a youtube video. I was concerned too, but once installed, you'll be impressed.
1. Quiet or even a fraction quieter than stock when cruising <2000rpm
2. accelerating around town or idling, nice deep burble,
3. at high RPM under load - sounds glorious.

You won't regret it. The Berklee has to be installed before you know what it sounds like - you can't just hold it up in place at the shop or look at a youtube video. I was concerned too, but once installed, you'll be impressed.
1. Quiet or even a fraction quieter than stock when cruising <2000rpm
2. accelerating around town or idling, nice deep burble,
3. at high RPM under load - sounds glorious.

Thanks for the assurance mate,
that does sound exactly like what I'm after .. and a performance gain I hope!

For the smallest outlay I think the Berklee is the best option for sound and performance gain. It did seem quiet to me when I got it, but many people told me that the 380 engine is notorious for droning if you put a too-small muffler on it, and would sound terrible. Aparently Berklee is the only muffler specifically designed & tested for the 380 (I read somewhere here). I think for a better sound and more gain, you'd be better to replace the standard header pipes - with their inbuilt cats - with the RPW non-cat headers (made by Liverpool Exhaust) and replace the white-brick with a good quality normal cat (thus going from 3 cats to 1). That plus the rear muffler would surely give better results and sound awesome!

For the smallest outlay I think the Berklee is the best option for sound and performance gain. It did seem quiet to me when I got it, but many people told me that the 380 engine is notorious for droning if you put a too-small muffler on it, and would sound terrible. Aparently Berklee is the only muffler specifically designed & tested for the 380 (I read somewhere here). I think for a better sound and more gain, you'd be better to replace the standard header pipes - with their inbuilt cats - with the RPW non-cat headers (made by Liverpool Exhaust) and replace the white-brick with a good quality normal cat (thus going from 3 cats to 1). That plus the rear muffler would surely give better results and sound awesome!

Yep, that should do the trick!

Pretty much what I have done 'cept I didn't fit the RPW extractors and 200CPI third cat until after I swapped the single Berklee for a dual system.

Even better sound (no change to performance) if you remove the lower intake resonator to add some wicked induction roar at WOT.

KJ.

Yep, that should do the trick!

Pretty much what I have done 'cept I didn't fit the RPW extractors and 200CPI third cat until after I swapped the single Berklee for a dual system.

Even better sound (no change to performance) if you remove the lower intake resonator to add some wicked induction roar at WOT.

KJ.

Oh yeah, I forgot that mod too. A good free one if you want to throw in some extra induction noise. I drove Blue380's manual VRX with that mod and it sounded nice - discreet at normal driving, and louder when you push it.

in my opinion. adding the rpw headers negatively affects the note produced by the 380 engine regardless of what else is done at the same time.
this is based on my experience with my exhaust initially - i wasnt able to draw the conclusion from mine as i change quite a few things simultaneously.
also looking at the huge negative Chris 380FTW had when he fitted his. had a brilliant note with a pair of supercat mufflers (not what he had at MMX for those playing at home) would rate 9/10 then added the extractors and would say it ruined the sound a little would now rate 6/10?
realise all only personal opinion.
i see it as a trade off power vs sound?

Fair enough. I've not seen, heard, or driven a 380 with extractors so I wouldn't know. I only recall from my previous Magna when I added Pacemaker extractors to a Lukey sports exhaust, the power and sound were both slightly increased - and I assumed the same would be felt on the 380. I haven't done the extractor mod as it seems too expensive for the tiny gain (and also the fact that its illegal to remove the front 2 cats, despite people/places happily doing so).

A guy on here a few years ago called BloodASP posted a video of his with extractors. I appreciate recordings dont always do an exhaust justice but I must agree with Stormie, it sounded very tinny/raspy to me.

in my opinion. adding the rpw headers negatively affects the note produced by the 380 engine regardless of what else is done at the same time.
this is based on my experience with my exhaust initially - i wasnt able to draw the conclusion from mine as i change quite a few things simultaneously.
also looking at the huge negative Chris 380FTW had when he fitted his. had a brilliant note with a pair of supercat mufflers (not what he had at MMX for those playing at home) would rate 9/10 then added the extractors and would say it ruined the sound a little would now rate 6/10?
realise all only personal opinion.
i see it as a trade off power vs sound?
I disagree ..... you havent heard mine ;)

I've commented on other threads that my extractors contribute to a slightly raspy exhaust note, but in my view it's a 'good' raspy sound and not a tinny one. It has notes of classic Alfa exhaust rasp, just a lot more subdued than an Alfa. And most of the rasp sounds like it's coming directly from the extractors instead of the rear mufflers.

Plus the extractors added a tiny bit of harshness and vibration. But it's tiny and only under certain conditions and throttle openings and engine loads. At cruise it's perfectly smooth and quiet.

KJ.

I disagree ..... you havent heard mine ;)

put your standard header back on. it will sound better. :P maybe not much but it will :D

Reviewing my OBD logs today, the berklee has added about 4 kw or about 5g/s of mass airflow
The sound on my car is hardly any different at all from inside the cabin, slightly deeper under low load, tiny bit of sports rasp creeps in at WOT that wasn't ther before, but not much
I also think the shop welded my 02 bung too deep into the pipe, causing potential obstruction

put your standard header back on. it will sound better. :P maybe not much but it will :D

Ummm no it won't lol ..... I don't get any raspy sound as KJ called it, mine just sounds ballsy & deep with the overlay of a screaming supercharger it sounds pretty fn awesome :D

Have to agree with Foozr. It sounds deep and bassy, very similiar to mine :P - probably because we both run Supercat mufflers.

Hey guys, I'm on the same boat now too, after my car gets repaired on the 25th I'll be FINALLY getting my exhausts done and not quite sure what to get.. I like the sound of mikeys power flow, howmuch did it cost ya and was it just a swap? What are the downsides of it? Berklee seems like the smart option here but I'm 18 and still a growin boy so I need something louder! lol

Got quoted on Berklees here 330$, luke straightthrus at around the same price..
Any suggestions for me?

If you just want loud, run with no muffler at all like MYTSGT95/White did with his TMR-alike 380. (Of course illegal, but the choice is yours). Otherwise I'd recommend Berklee for good sound and no drone.

Hey guys, I'm on the same boat now too, after my car gets repaired on the 25th I'll be FINALLY getting my exhausts done and not quite sure what to get.. I like the sound of mikeys power flow, howmuch did it cost ya and was it just a swap? What are the downsides of it? Berklee seems like the smart option here but I'm 18 and still a growin boy so I need something louder! lol

Got quoted on Berklees here 330$, luke straightthrus at around the same price..
Any suggestions for me?

I would have to say that I don't think you'll like the Berklee, it is very quiet. From the cabin I actually can't hear any difference over the stock muffler at any load, with the window down I can hear a little deeper note at low load, and a very slight change at medium load, but that's really it soundwise (the car has always screamed like a maniac at WOT, that hasn't changed). The main thing is that I'm getting a consistent power increase of about 4-5 Kw. Which might not seem like much, but this is AFTER fitting the Galant intake and lower res intake, so the big gains have already been realised by those. Therefore another 5 on top by the muffler is pretty fair for $300, and no warranty issues.

I would have to say that I don't think you'll like the Berklee, it is very quiet. From the cabin I actually can't hear any difference over the stock muffler at any load, with the window down I can hear a little deeper note at low load, and a very slight change at medium load, but that's really it soundwise (the car has always screamed like a maniac at WOT, that hasn't changed). The main thing is that I'm getting a consistent power increase of about 4-5 Kw. Which might not seem like much, but this is AFTER fitting the Galant intake and lower res intake, so the big gains have already been realised by those. Therefore another 5 on top by the muffler is pretty fair for $300, and no warranty issues.

Put a few ks on the new muffler, and it will start to get louder. My berklee is definitely not quiet.

If you just want loud, run with no muffler at all like MYTSGT95/White did with his TMR-alike 380. (Of course illegal, but the choice is yours). Otherwise I'd recommend Berklee for good sound and no drone.

What did he do? I do care about the drone but a little is ok I guess.

I would have to say that I don't think you'll like the Berklee, it is very quiet. From the cabin I actually can't hear any difference over the stock muffler at any load, with the window down I can hear a little deeper note at low load, and a very slight change at medium load, but that's really it soundwise (the car has always screamed like a maniac at WOT, that hasn't changed). The main thing is that I'm getting a consistent power increase of about 4-5 Kw. Which might not seem like much, but this is AFTER fitting the Galant intake and lower res intake, so the big gains have already been realised by those. Therefore another 5 on top by the muffler is pretty fair for $300, and no warranty issues.

Thanks for that and congrats on another mod onto your car. yeah i guess in all terms its worth the 300$ish, but im looking for sound wise and really like the sound of the powerflow....yeah. was thinking about the berklee but again, more sound than performance for me at this stage.

What did he do? I do care about the drone but a little is ok I guess.

He did a lot of mods to his car himself, making it look like the original TMR prototype (with some parts from the actual car too). Anyway, he had a dual system and took the mufflers off. There was a video of the car at idle and it sounded good, loud with a rumble. Can't remember if he put the mufflers back on or not, 'cos that is illegal etc.
But back to your muffler again... if you wanted louder, I guess a Lukey could be better but I don't know about the drone - as I had a Lukey on my Magna and it sounded very good, but was often too loud and could not be driven quietly. The Berklee did disappoint me at first, for its lack of volume, but I stuck with it as I couldn't find an alternative for just a little more noise. But in time it got louder anyway; now with a nice rumble and easily heardfrom inside the car whilst driving with all the windows closed. A coworker spotted me once and confirmed its heaps loud.

Hmmm alright thanks for that and oh, ive never seen it anywhere on the forums i dont think, nah i wouldnt want it with no mufflers since i drive to work early mornings and there are lots of coppa's around.

I just came back from my local exhaust shop and got quoted for a straight thru megaflow? he said he can't keep my tip on it so offered a twin one, apparently 100$ lol. but total was 350$ for everything.
never heard of megaflow so im not sure. anyone know about this brand?
Ill definantly think about the berklee, it's second on the list.

I have 2 'powerflow' mufflers. No drone to speak of.
Do not go with Redback. They drone like crazy

Yeah there are no powerflows in tassie. such a shame. been to 4 exhaust shops and none to avail. one will try and source one out for me.. apparently.

Yeah there are no powerflows in tassie. such a shame. been to 4 exhaust shops and none to avail. one will try and source one out for me.. apparently.

I wouldn't bother. I wanted the same and found a place here who could get and install them......... for an extra $250 on top of the Berklee price! I Don't care about the sound THAT badly

I don't get it, a muffler is a muffler. They are all similar shape, made from similar material and all have a hole in the middle. I just got a random muffler (i don't even know what it is), fitted it to the ralliart and very happy with the sound. sounds better then most magna's on this forum.

I don't get it, a muffler is a muffler. They are all similar shape, made from similar material and all have a hole in the middle. I just got a random muffler (i don't even know what it is), fitted it to the ralliart and very happy with the sound. sounds better then most magna's on this forum.

Nope! do some research!

I wouldn't bother. I wanted the same and found a place here who could get and install them......... for an extra $250 on top of the Berklee price! I Don't care about the sound THAT badly
....... i told the fella' i could order it online for 140$ and he said that cheap?! and he told me he had some reds and i said apparently they drone alot, " read from someone on this thread" and he said they are the similar shape etc/strait thru so it'll be similar. but according to owners of powerflows, it doesnt.. and ill see how much he offers me. IF he finds it that is.

I don't get it, a muffler is a muffler. They are all similar shape, made from similar material and all have a hole in the middle. I just got a random muffler (i don't even know what it is), fitted it to the ralliart and very happy with the sound. sounds better then most magna's on this forum.
different brands/shapes/sizes/sounds and performance? i dont even know........ hahah

Okay I just heard my car take off ( mum drove ) and I listened and it sounds nice.. Honestly dont know why I can't hear it in the cabin..

380s are made to be quieter in the cabin I think, ie less road noise. I've experienced the same thing when I thought my muffler was "so-so", then a coworker (on the road after road) heard my car and said it was SO loud.

Yeah I let my mate take it for a spin so i could hear it from the outside and it is surprisingly loud. Almost to loud for my taste but i cant hear it much inside so it doesn't worry me

Yeah my thoughts exacty but I'm talking stock here. Really deep. Suprisingly. But mind you's this was at 6am at around 6 degrees. Big diff IMO.

And mikey, you have a powerflow lol! Was loud on utube. Irl must be insane.

Finaly got the berkly fitted ($300) it dosent sound to bad can hardly hear it in the cabin.
This might be of interest ive noticed a fuel consumtion drop since ive fitted the berkly, i travel about 100kms to and from work each day about 80% on the freeway and i drive conservativly.
When i bought the car with no modifications it's fuel consumtion was about 10.2L/100kms, then i fitted the galant intake it was about 9.4L/100kms with the K&N filter it went to 9.0L/100kms now with the Berkly fitted its about 8.3L/100kms.
This is not a scentific test its just my observation.
I'm happy with the results the car sound better and is more responsive now.

Awesome to hear mate! Almost 2 litres off and mods worth less than 500 bux!

Really makes you wonder why the 380 didn't come this way from the factory (except maybe the K&N which makes very little difference). 2l/100k improvement in fuel economy is huge.

I think it can only have been for noise reasons, and the stock 380 motor is strangled at both ends to keep the noise down.

Hi guys,

I have a Varex Twin tip installed for about a week now. And god i love it. Sounds like every other v6 engine but with more or a roar. While driving at a steady speed, there are no drones. I got it and installed for $400 aud, pricey yes, but i prefer the twin tip look and noise of a 3" rather then the preferred Berklee muffler. As we all know, we also benefit from the control of the muffler.

To conclude, if you have abit more to spend, you can't go wrong with a Varex.

- TN

Hi guys,

I have a Varex Twin tip installed for about a week now. And god i love it. Sounds like every other v6 engine but with more or a roar. While driving at a steady speed, there are no drones. I got it and installed for $400 aud, pricey yes, but i prefer the twin tip look and noise of a 3" rather then the preferred Berklee muffler. As we all know, we also benefit from the control of the muffler.

To conclude, if you have abit more to spend, you can't go wrong with a Varex.

- TN

It's funny you mention that because there is another 380 getting around here (stormie i think????) with a dual varex and everybody thinks it sounds like crap lol. Might be a different setup?

It's funny you mention that because there is another 380 getting around here (stormie i think????) with a dual varex and everybody thinks it sounds like crap lol. Might be a different setup?

haha mikey i sent him here to post! :P i still think mine is a group of negative factors rather than just the varexs. (ie no resonators, stainless steel system, and possibly too large pipe diameter after the split at rear axle) not saying the varex are good necessarily but im not sure they should be discounted purely off my experience

haha mikey i sent him here to post! :P i still think mine is a group of negative factors rather than just the varexs. (ie no resonators, stainless steel system, and possibly too large pipe diameter after the split at rear axle) not saying the varex are good necessarily but im not sure they should be discounted purely off my experience

Not quiet sure what there is to diss about these exhausts. I have no problems with mine, i think they look great and sound great compared to the Berklee. To be honest i rather keep my stock oval exhaust then putting a small one on.


It's funny you mention that because there is another 380 getting around here (stormie i think????) with a dual varex and everybody thinks it sounds like crap lol. Might be a different setup?

I've seen your exhaust on youtube to get an idea of exhausts on the 380s. To be honest, hearing and seeing your exhaust completely put me off getting it.


To conclude everybody has their own tastes and opinions on this exhaust topic. For me I'm happy with my full exhaust. Not dissing anyone, its our cars and we do what we want to it :)

-TN

Not quiet sure what there is to diss about these exhausts. I have no problems with mine, i think they look great and sound great compared to the Berklee. To be honest i rather keep my stock oval exhaust then putting a small one on.



I've seen your exhaust on youtube to get an idea of exhausts on the 380s. To be honest, hearing and seeing your exhaust completely put me off getting it.


To conclude everybody has their own tastes and opinions on this exhaust topic. For me I'm happy with my full exhaust. Not dissing anyone, its our cars and we do what we want to it :)

-TN

lol I wasn't having a shot at you, get a vid up on youtube so we can all have a peek! Is yours purely a muffler change?

I couldn't be happier with my exhaust, although it does sound different on camera as most exhaust clips do.

You said it mate, its what makes US happy when doing things to our cars.

haha mikey i sent him here to post! :P i still think mine is a group of negative factors rather than just the varexs. (ie no resonators, stainless steel system, and possibly too large pipe diameter after the split at rear axle) not saying the varex are good necessarily but im not sure they should be discounted purely off my experience

Yeah makes sense mate, I've heard a few different cars with just Varex mufflers and they do sound rather nice. I didn't realise stainless would make a difference to the note??

Yeah makes sense mate, I've heard a few different cars with just Varex mufflers and they do sound rather nice. I didn't realise stainless would make a difference to the note??

isnt urs stainless too? the first thing ill be doing when i get my car back is getting powerflow.

isnt urs stainless too? the first thing ill be doing when i get my car back is getting powerflow.

Just the muffler mate. Stormie was talking about his piping being stainless too...I think?

Just the muffler mate. Stormie was talking about his piping being stainless too...I think?

yeah i was talking about the piping from extractors back being stainless including the resonator. few exhaust shops ive taken the car to since the initial fit up have said thatbecause of the different properties of stainless vs mild they give different sound.
all the varex mufflers are stainless.

Sorry to bring this up again but got my car back from the repairers and went to order the powerflow from the ONLY exhaust shop that'll source one for me but they decided to charge an extra $100 for twin tips ? I then said i'll just use my current tip and said no can do.

So just looking on ebay, what size/part of varex would I need to buy? 2.5 inch or 3inch? differences? And any varex owners got clips on youtube?

Let us know !

cheers

kevin

Found this?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Varex-Muffler-Mitsubishi-Mirrage-Fto-Ralliart-Mivec-/220830997497?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item336a8d9bf9#ht_2643wt_804

Sorry to bring this up again but got my car back from the repairers and went to order the powerflow from the ONLY exhaust shop that'll source one for me but they decided to charge an extra $100 for twin tips ? I then said i'll just use my current tip and said no can do.

So just looking on ebay, what size/part of varex would I need to buy? 2.5 inch or 3inch? differences? And any varex owners got clips on youtube?

Let us know !

cheers

kevin

Found this?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Varex-Muffler-Mitsubishi-Mirrage-Fto-Ralliart-Mivec-/220830997497?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item336a8d9bf9#ht_2643wt_804

This is mine


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nam1sjosLsA

I'm going to be honest, i've got the berklee on and i think i should have bumped up to the powerflow; the boy racer in me feels i just want a little more growl in lower revs.
i now have to accelerate harder to get desired sound :P

How long have you had the muffler for? It will get louder over time.

I have had mine on for a while now, and it sounds great.

Put it on yesterday haha
Yeah i've read that, and i do a fair few k's to hopefully i'll get that nice note sooner rather than later.

How long is a 'while' for you, and what's changed? i.e. is it a deeper note at lower revs?

Yea, deeper note at lower revs. It will take a few months for it to get louder.

I have had mine on for around 2 years now.

following on from my posting earlier in this thread.
those that saw my car at mmx and got a negative will be pleasantly surprised. Ill try to organise a vid soon but since then have a had a small resonator installed that barely changed the note. after that have since had a 5" magnaflow muffler installed in the tunnel this has made a huge difference. most of the raspy-ness of the system is gone and id say the volume is abour 30-40%? what it was when you guys saw it. id say that for an auto it sounds quite good now.

I'm going to be honest, i've got the berklee on and i think i should have bumped up to the powerflow; the boy racer in me feels i just want a little more growl in lower revs.
i now have to accelerate harder to get desired sound :P

If you want more growl at lower revs look at the induction side.
Remove the resonator (under the airbox) or cut the end off it. Cut end = a bit of induction roar, removed altogether = a lot of induction roar.
Or else you can go the whole hog a la Michael (maggie3.5) and remove both the resonator & the intake snorkel = massive induction roar.

Yea, deeper note at lower revs. It will take a few months for it to get louder.

I have had mine on for around 2 years now.

I'm pretty happy with these mods, what you get out of them for what you put into them is amazing. I'm gonna try and not go too over-board though, can't have the cost of mods done exceed the value of the car

If you want more growl at lower revs look at the induction side.
Remove the resonator (under the airbox) or cut the end off it. Cut end = a bit of induction roar, removed altogether = a lot of induction roar.
Or else you can go the whole hog a la Michael (maggie3.5) and remove both the resonator & the intake snorkel = massive induction roar.

Currently i've just got the one bolt off for the resonator, i really wasn't game to take the bumper off on the first weekend of ownership, so it's sticking kind of askew with a few openings.

Does removing the snorkel changed throttle response?

i haven't thrown the k & n panel filter in there yet either

Ive got a ultra flow 3" lukey and it sounds great, just a tad bit boomy in the back..

Currently i've just got the one bolt off for the resonator, i really wasn't game to take the bumper off on the first weekend of ownership, so it's sticking kind of askew with a few openings.

Does removing the snorkel changed throttle response?

i haven't thrown the k & n panel filter in there yet either

No need to take the bumper off to remove the lower resonator.

Just take off the plastic splash tray under the front passenger side, then you can get at the other two bolts holding the resonator on. You'll need a long extender bar for your socket though, and good light or a torch to spot the little blighters.

Removing the snorkel doesn't change the throttle response. It definitely doesn't improve it, if anything it degrades it a tiny amount. It's all about the noise!

Sticking a K&N in won't make any difference either. A K&N can make a decent difference on some cars (Falcadores etc) but the stock Mitsu v6 filter is pretty good and not all that restrictive.

Ive got a ultra flow 3" lukey and it sounds great, just a tad bit boomy in the back..
how much did that set you back? I'm amazed at how cheap exhaust upgrades are. Now if only we could keep them off gli lancers, mirages and excels...


No need to take the bumper off to remove the lower resonator.

Just take off the plastic splash tray under the front passenger side, then you can get at the other two bolts holding the resonator on. You'll need a long extender bar for your socket though, and good light or a torch to spot the little blighters.

Removing the snorkel doesn't change the throttle response. It definitely doesn't improve it, if anything it degrades it a tiny amount. It's all about the noise!

Sticking a K&N in won't make any difference either. A K&N can make a decent difference on some cars (Falcadores etc) but the stock Mitsu v6 filter is pretty good and not all that restrictive.

i was more than tempted to just start tearing at the thing and snapping it off :P

You didn't need to jack it or elevate the car in any way did you?

Amen to the noise! We're classy b**ches in our 380's

How much for replacement filters? I understand the k & n filters merits lie in it's longevity i.e. my work colleague has had one for more than 10 years

how much did that set you back? I'm amazed at how cheap exhaust upgrades are. Now if only we could keep them off gli lancers, mirages and excels...



i was more than tempted to just start tearing at the thing and snapping it off :P

You didn't need to jack it or elevate the car in any way did you?

Amen to the noise! We're classy b**ches in our 380's

How much for replacement filters? I understand the k & n filters merits lie in it's longevity i.e. my work colleague has had one for more than 10 years

If you're still on stock springs you can get at the plastic undertray & resonator bolts without jacking up the front end.

But if you're on superlows (like me & plenty others) it's a bit diffcult without jacking it up. Just remember to use axle stands as well, and not a jack by itself.

IIRC a stock air filter is around the $40 mark, and the K&N goes for $90 to $110, depending on where you get it, eBay deals etc.

Yep, a K&N will last the life of the car with regular cleaning & re-oiling, that's the only real advantage over a stock air filter.

Haha yeah, set me $300 with a chrome tip man. Search lukey mufflers on magnas on YouTube. I did that and decided to go the lukey. You should just get a x force one since they are stainless steel. Only $50 more. Just couldn't be assed waiting 2weeks for delivery.

Tasmania. Enough said haha

I was also quite disappointed with the sound of the Berklee when I first put it on. It appeared to make no extra sound down low, but was better under more acceleration. I also came from a background of noisey mufflers (ie hotdogs, etc) that were all noise and drone. The Berklee will improve over time, but I can't remember how much time. Mine has a quite awesome idle note to it now, and under normal driving I have been told it sounds very loud. Years ago my wife would complain at the racket it made on my 5am garage start-up as I liked to let it warm up for a few minutes. Also - if you want more noise from the airbox, taking off the top snorkel will make HEAPS of noise, an awesome growling induction roar. No performance change though. I had mine off for a few days and was turning heads in the local back streets... but a 5am CEL convinced me to put it back on and leave it on. Lower resonator chop/removal doesn't sound as loud, but more reasonable, and I think won't throw a CEL.

Tasmania. Enough said haha

I went to a chop shop in Richmond and had to wait a while for the part, gotta love living in the sticks!


No need to take the bumper off to remove the lower resonator.

Just take off the plastic splash tray under the front passenger side, then you can get at the other two bolts holding the resonator on. You'll need a long extender bar for your socket though, and good light or a torch to spot the little blighters.

Now I'm not quite sure what you mean by the plastic splash tray, could i please trouble you for a photo with a big red circle around the part in question? cheers!

I haven't gotten round to removing the resonator or the snorkel, but i'll give it a crack and get back to you. not keen for the CEL though..

Thanks guys

Jack up the car and put it on some jack stands. Then lie directly underneath where the airbox is and look up. That's the plastic splash tray.

Jack up the car and put it on some jack stands. Then lie directly underneath where the airbox is and look up. That's the plastic splash tray.

Many thanks! Is it hard to get off?

Many thanks! Is it hard to get off?

The only hard bit is getting those effing scrivets undone, about 10 of them. Don't treat them like screws, instead stick a small flat blade screwdriver between the edge of the 'screw' part and the plug/surround, and lever the 'screw' bit out far enough to grab it with pliers & pull it out. Be carefull or you'll destroy the little ****ers. Then just push them back in to replace.

I'd recommend buying some before you take them out, chances are you might ruin a few if you haven't dealt with them before :D of if they have been scraped away by a previous owner who somehow managed to scrape the bottom of the car despite it being stock height :/

I'd recommend buying some before you take them out, chances are you might ruin a few if you haven't dealt with them before :D of if they have been scraped away by a previous owner who somehow managed to scrape the bottom of the car despite it being stock height :/


The only hard bit is getting those effing scrivets undone, about 10 of them. Don't treat them like screws, instead stick a small flat blade screwdriver between the edge of the 'screw' part and the plug/surround, and lever the 'screw' bit out far enough to grab it with pliers & pull it out. Be carefull or you'll destroy the little ****ers. Then just push them back in to replace.

Might just buy some replacements straight away so i can go gung-ho from the get-go; i'd probably end up breaking them all regardless.

That is because they run thinner metal , read cheaper quality and wont last as long, but what the heck if you like it. Just make sure you get that stupid flange cut off where the original muffler bolts on as it reduces it from a 2 1/2 to 2 1/4 in system. Damn stupid design imho
Yea, deeper note at lower revs. It will take a few months for it to get louder.

I have had mine on for around 2 years now.

Gonna be honest yet, haven't tackled it yet lol. It's been made hard with the weather and not having a garage or sealed/flat driveway...

Yeah flange is off, i don't think i've really heard any difference myself yet

Update: resonator went off today, honestly couldn't hear any difference. I think the berklee has gotten a slightly deeper note also. went under the car using just the spare wheel jack and the spare tyre as security on my gravel driveway, gonna be honest was a little scary haha

Are people installing the Berklee BS6055 still?

I'm looking for a beefier tone on my 380 now, but I don't want too much drone, just a beefier sound on take off/heavy acceleration, but not too much difference say cruising on a freeway at 100.

Are people installing the Berklee BS6055 still?

I'm looking for a beefier tone on my 380 now, but I don't want too much drone, just a beefier sound on take off/heavy acceleration, but not too much difference say cruising on a freeway at 100.

I would get the Berklee, mine still sounds great after a couple years. It's exactly what you are after.

:yeahthat:

Please keep discussion related to muffllers that a suitable to the 380. What works on a Magna, does not mean it works on a 380.

That's why your post was deleted HaydenVRX.

I would get the Berklee, mine still sounds great after a couple years. It's exactly what you are after.

Model number still being BS6055? I'll call around and get a price. What should I be paying roughly installed? $2-300?

Model number still being BS6055? I'll call around and get a price. What should I be paying roughly installed? $2-300?

I got mine installed for $210 with the flange removed, you shouldn't really pay any more than that

Model number still being BS6055? I'll call around and get a price. What should I be paying roughly installed? $2-300?

Leigh,

The model number is BS0655, not BS6055.

Have a look here:

http://www.bestmufflers.com/bshop/product_info.php?cPath=343_344_500&products_id=602&osCsid=9477d17ff4a6ea772e57bef6e0b42929

KJ.

Leigh,

The model number is BS0655, not BS6055.

Have a look here:

http://www.bestmufflers.com/bshop/product_info.php?cPath=343_344_500&products_id=602&osCsid=9477d17ff4a6ea772e57bef6e0b42929

KJ.

Cheers for that! Would have looked stupid asking for a part number that didn't exist :P.

That's a pretty decent price too, I'll ask around the exhaust shops how much it'll be fitted. I know some can be abit funny with warranty etc. if I supply the parts.

I would get the Berklee, mine still sounds great after a couple years. It's exactly what you are after.

Completely agree, it bloody sounds awesome when you give it a little boot, especially down the freeway with the noise bouncing off the concrete retaining walls, tunnels ect... No droning and doesn't sound tinny like some mufflers I've heard on some auto's.

Completely agree, it bloody sounds awesome when you give it a little boot, especially down the freeway with the noise bouncing off the concrete retaining walls, tunnels ect... No droning and doesn't sound tinny like some mufflers I've heard on some auto's.

I've found this to be true also, the tone is definately improving. I didn't like it at all when I first got it, and everyone said the tone would "mature" and it actually has! nice and stealthy at low revs and sporty at higher revs/load but without the hideous "4-banger-oversized muffler" flatulence.
Just goin to put it out there tho and say that I have had no measurable performance increase since fitting it, in fact I think it may have even gone very slighty backwards, even after fitting an interceptor and leaning the fuel a little (not a proper tune tho' I must admit). I fitted it after the lower res mod, 90mm intake upgrade, and throttle intake pipe upgrade and I think the new muffler might be affecting the helmholtz resonance/tuned length of the overall airflow system (intake+exhaust) etc, negatively
I know others have demonstrated a small power increase on the dyno after fitting, but I guage my performance from logging the airflow rates/revs/load during driving and analysing the curves later, and I'm not seeing an on-road improvment throughout the rev/power curve. Not looking to start an argument with anyone, just sharing my experience if your interested
Cheers,
RG

I've found this to be true also, the tone is definately improving. I didn't like it at all when I first got it, and everyone said the tone would "mature" and it actually has! nice and stealthy at low revs and sporty at higher revs/load but without the hideous "4-banger-oversized muffler" flatulence.
Just goin to put it out there tho and say that I have had no measurable performance increase since fitting it, in fact I think it may have even gone very slighty backwards, even after fitting an interceptor and leaning the fuel a little (not a proper tune tho' I must admit). I fitted it after the lower res mod, 90mm intake upgrade, and throttle intake pipe upgrade and I think the new muffler might be affecting the helmholtz resonance/tuned length of the overall airflow system (intake+exhaust) etc, negatively
I know others have demonstrated a small power increase on the dyno after fitting, but I guage my performance from logging the airflow rates/revs/load during driving and analysing the curves later, and I'm not seeing an on-road improvment throughout the rev/power curve. Not looking to start an argument with anyone, just sharing my experience if your interested
Cheers,
RG

Just curious, did they replace the flange to the muffler?

Just curious, did they replace the flange to the muffler?

Yes.. sorry, I should have mentioned that I had it cut off and a larger diameter welded back in it's place

Getting the berklee put on tomorrow arvo hopefully, any able to tell me whether twin tips will fit in the cut out that's already there? And with removing the flange is there any other parts the exhaust guy needs? As I forgot to ask about it when I booked it in...

Thanks guys

Twin tips should fit but I'd get your exhaust guy to cut off and re attatched your existing tip (if it's the GT/VRX tip) as they look really good

Berklee is now on.. Don't know why people are saying its quiet? To me it sounds pretty loud, well loud enough anyway (first car and first muffler change ever so maybe it's just that I don't have anything to compare it to) but honestly I don't think Id want it much louder. Sexy note when you boot it and no drone.

Paid $200 fitted with flange removed and kept stock oval tip. Was done at Kleenflo Exhaust in Cranbourne after reading that another member on here got there's done there.. Definitely recommend them as from what I've been reading on here is that other members in Melbourne are being ripped off.

Good to hear you went to KleenFlo as well!