The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Muffler Selection

I am now finally to the stage of installing the exhaust system on my 1953 Chevy 1/2 ton. I have a 235 w/Fentons and have decided to enlist the skill and expertise of a highly recommended local muffler dude. I know that these are a matter of personal preferences, But other than using Stainless Steel or Aluminized tubing, What kind of muffler(s) are available? I favor the stock Chevy Truck Muffler (last one I bought was $8), but I want something that will last an occasional driver (and sound good too). Thanks in advance for your responses.
Cheers

Well, there will probably be many opinons offered on this. Here's mine. In another post today on this same topic, Geoff from Michigan asked about the same thing and Tony M replied, recommending Smithys mufflers. I believe I made this same suggestion on the list a while back. Tony's reply to Geoff's post lists the Web site for Red's Headers in California. They are one of the few places still selling Smithys brand. I based my recommendation on nostalgia more than technology. When I was 16 (about 48 years ago), Smithys were the only brand we'd ever consider, except maybe for a Mellow Tone or Cherry Bomb. My 53 Chev 3100 has the original engine with original Fenton headers, and it just wouldn't have been right to throw on a couple of standard cans that would maybe have run quiet, but restricted the flow and wouldn't evoke the same memories I have now whenever I drive it. Last week a 20-something female in my office asked me when I was going to get my muffler fixed. The same day, the 55-year-old female in the next office said, "Your truck sounds so cool!".

I'm listing a Web site here that links to a number of muffler makers. You can spend a lot for a stainless steel Borlund, or something like that, but give me an ol' glaspak anytime. The rule of thumb is: the shorter the louder. I got the 26" Smitty and I'd recommend it for most folks. My neighbor has Flowmasters on his three (Yes, 3) vintage Corvettes, and they also sound great, but are relatively pricey. http://dmoz.org/Business/Industries/Manufacturing/Automotive/Parts_and_Accessories/Exhaust/

I bought Walker truck mufflers for my dual exhaust system (Fenton headers) and they sound nice enough to cause the local police to make remarks.

However, I did not know about the Smithys when I bought replacement mufflers. The price of the Smithys is much better than what I paid.

The original truck muffler was a straight-through design with baffle (as is the design of the Walker truck muffler). Were the original car mufflers a straight-through design?

Tim

Fastest 261 I ever rode had straight pipes. Tube headers feeding dual 2-1/2 inch pipes out to the back. A little loud, but not bad. You really knew it when he backed off the pedal. His blapper was loud.