V8 trucks look good. They are masculine, rugged, and built to go where other cars would cower. Everything about them exudes raw power. One way to amp up your truck’s cool factor a couple of notches higher would be to install a nice-sounding muffler. Don’t get us wrong – mufflers do more beyond making your vehicle look and sound good; they form an integral part of your truck’s combustion process.
A V8 engine is powerful, and with that power comes a tremendous amount of noise. A muffler – which comes from the word “muffle” meaning, “to silence” – controls the level of noise emitted by the exhaust system. That doesn’t mean it can’t inject a bit of fun while doing it. We’ve ranked the best sounding mufflers for V8 truck engines to bring you our top picks for 2021.
How We Tested and Compared These Products
This was arguably one of the most fun projects we’ve embarked on this year. It was almost like making music, only that, in this case, the mufflers were our instruments.
When testing and comparing the different mufflers, we were only interested in products from reputable manufacturers. The reason for this was simple: They stock mufflers that have a proven track record of durability, even when subjected to constant abuse from tough terrains and harsh climates. Flowmaster, Thrush, and Cherry Bomb were the brands we decided to go with.
We also ranked them based on color, design, performance, and, most importantly, the exhaust sound generated by the muffler tip.
| Flowmaster Super 40 | Flowmaster Super 10 | Thrush Exhaust Muffler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best for Loud, Aggressive Sound | Best for Vintage Sound | |
Weight | 10 lbs. | 6.5 lbs. | 5.5 lbs. |
Shape | Oval | Oval | Round |
Construction | Alloy steel | Stainless steel | Heavy-gauge steel |
Sound | Deep and aggressive | Loud and aggressive | Vintage |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
1. Our Pick: Flowmaster Super 40 Muffler – Best Overall
Features:
- Weight: 10 lbs.
- Shape: Oval
- Construction: Alloy steel
- Sound: Deep and aggressive
Holley is no stranger to the automotive space. The company has built quite a standard for excellence that’s hard to beat. Its 100+ years of experience in performance technology is evident in its line of Flowmaster Super 40 mufflers. One look at them, and you can tell they were built for rugged performance.
The Super 40 is designed with proprietary, race-proven Delta Flow technology and adopts a large case profile to deliver superior sound and performance. The deep aggressive sound and the accompanying low interior resonance were unlike any other muffler notes we’d heard before. It is rich and powerful, almost as though it was specifically designed for a V8 engine.
It’s not too loud and sounds like a rough, little growl, reminiscent of the original 40 series mufflers, but with all the performance enhancements that come with the new technology.
This metal-inert-gas (MIG) welded muffler is made from 16-gauge aluminized steel, making it one of the most durable mufflers on the market right now. The Flowmaster muffler is made for high-horsepower vehicles such as those with a V8 engine to ensure optimal performance.
At just 10 pounds, the Super 40 is lightweight and super easy to install. Those kinds of specs are hard to beat. It’s a definite winner in our books.
- Delivers rich, deep, and aggressive sound
- The accompanying interior resonance is a nice touch
- Built for high horsepower engines
- Made with proprietary, race-proven Delta Flow technology
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Not ideal if you want an ultra-loud muffler sound
- Deep aggressive to moderate exhaust note
- Moderate interior resonance
- Excellent performance on high horsepower vehicles
Best Alternatives
2. Flowmaster Super 10 Muffler – Best for Loud, Aggressive Sound
Features:
- Weight: 5 lbs.
- Shape: Oval
- Construction: Stainless steel
- Sound: Loud and aggressive
If the Flowmaster Super 40 muffler is a little too tame for your taste, you will like what the Super 10 Series brings to the table. This dual exhaust pipe beauty is made of 16-gauge 409S stainless steel, making it super lightweight at a measly 6.5 pounds. It is MIG-welded to give it a level of durability you just don’t get with other mufflers on the market.
The installation process was quite easy, so once we had it all set up, we turned on our V8 truck and revved the engine. The sound that came from this small-looking muffler startled us at first. It was super loud and aggressive, the type of sound designed to let the world know that you’re in the neighborhood.
We gave it a bit of a drive around the block, and, based on the number of heads we turned, the Super 10 muffler is quite the show stopper. We would not recommend it for street-driven vehicles, but if you typically use your V8 engine truck off-highway, this would be perfect for that.
It is designed using the same Delta Flow technology you get with the Super 40 range of mufflers and proprietary Chambered Technology for maximum performance on and off-road. All in all, if you want all eyes on you as you cruise the open road, this is the muffler you need.
- Sleek stainless steel construction.
- It is a MIG-welded muffler for enhanced durability.
- Delivers a loud and aggressive sound.
- Made with proprietary Flowmaster Chambered Technology for maximum durability.
- Lightweight and easy to install.
- Loud, aggressive exhaust sounds might be outlawed in some States.
- 409SS Stainless Steel Construction
- Aggressive Sound
- Flowmaster Chambered Technology
3. Thrush Exhaust Muffler – Best for Vintage Sound
Features:
- Weight: 5 lbs.
- Shape: Round
- Construction: Heavy gauge steel
- Sound: Vintage
Since its establishment in 1966, Thrush mufflers have been a staple for hot rod enthusiasts looking to infuse that all-elusive vintage sound into their vehicles. The company has built its reputation on manufacturing race-engineered combustion chambers that deliver maximum performance in V8 engines.
First impressions – the Thrush 24214 is a beauty. It is made of polished stainless steel with a glossy, red powder coat finish. It is hands down the sleekest muffler we have come across. It boasts proprietary Straight-Through Technology to deliver maximum power and flow.
Unlike the chambered Flowmaster mufflers we’ve seen so far, Thrush is glass-packed. It contains fiberglass, which is responsible for the distinct popping sound you just don’t get with the chambered variety. It delivers a powerful vintage tone, ideal for a V8 engine truck, muscle cars, and classic vehicles alike.
One of the features that stood out to us was the Continuous Roving Fiberglass Technology it is built with. It offers unmatched acoustic control, eliminating any unwanted interior resonance. The muffler we tested had a 2-inch inlet and outlet, although it is available in 1.75, 2.25, 2.5, and 3-inch variants.
All in all, we were pretty impressed with the Thrush muffler. Every aspect of its design was well thought-out and functional. The fact that it retails for a little under $23 is the cherry on the cake.
- Glass packed straight pipes deliver a powerful vintage sound.
- No unwanted interior resonance.
- Made of durable heavy-gauge steel.
- Available in different inlet/outlet sizes and configurations.
- Ultra-lightweight and easy to install.
- Not as loud as you might expect.
- VINTAGE SOUND -- Delivers a powerful tone that is ideal for muscle...
- PREMIUM ACOUSTIC CONTROL -- Exclusive Continuous Roving Fiberglass...
- ENGINEERED TO LAST -- Durable heavy-gauge steel shell with high-gloss...
4. Cherry Bomb Extreme Muffler – Best for Disturbing the Peace
Features:
- Weight: 17 lbs.
- Shape: Oval
- Construction: Aluminized steel
- Sound: Loud, aggressive roar
If you consider yourself a bold person who doesn’t mind disturbing the peace every once in a while then, you’ll love the Cherry Bomb 7427 Extreme muffler as much as we do. Cherry Bomb has been making performance muffler systems and car accessories since its establishment in 1968.
Its product line features a wide range of turbo, performance, and glass-pack mufflers, all designed to boost the sound and performance of any V8 engine truck, vintage car, or contemporary vehicle like a Chevy.
The short body size of the 7427 Extreme adopts a unique wing-plate design with no internal baffles. This optimizes exhaust flow through the welded muffler while reducing engine backpressure to deliver an ultra-loud, aggressive roar that turns your truck into a race vehicle.
If you crave next-level sound and performance, the 7427 Extreme will deliver just that. We were pretty happy disturbing the peace as we gave it a test run – perhaps a little too happy.
- Durable, welded construction
- Proprietary Custom Tuned Flow design for enhanced sound and performance
- Ultra-loud, aggressive sound
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Designed for high horsepower engines
- The loud, aggressive sound might be illegal in some states
- Oval shape
- Body: 6 inch; overall length: 12 inch; size: 4 inch x 9.75 inch
- Inlet: 3 inch; inlet position: center
How to Choose the Best Sounding Mufflers for V8 Truck – Buying Guide
Exhaust emission from a muffler
Choosing the right muffler for your V8 engine truck goes beyond the way it sounds, although it is a pretty important aspect to consider. You need to keep in mind other factors to ensure you get more bang for your buck.
Muffler Type
There are several types of mufflers on the market. Each of them delivers different sound levels, depending on what you want. Here’s a brief overview of them and how they work on a standard v8 or V6 engine.
Multiple Baffle Mufflers
These are the universal muffler variants that come pre-installed in the factory model of a vehicle. They are designed to produce a quieter sound by restricting airflow through the exhaust chambers. Car owners who prefer a bit more rumble typically switch them out for aftermarket mufflers.
Turbo Muffler Systems
A turbo muffler is a step up from the multiple baffle silencers. It is equally as restrictive as the factory variety, except that in this case, exhaust gas flow goes through a direct path to deliver a subtle, low-pitched rumble. A turbo muffler is more suited to the average driver who wants a slight upgrade to their factory silencer.
Straight-Through Mufflers
These have been around for decades and are popularly known as “cherry bombs” among car enthusiasts. They are glass-packed, making them the go-to choice for anyone looking for a classic, unique, and aggressive sound without breaking the bank to do it.
Performance Mufflers
These silencers are designed to not only produce an incredible-sounding growl but also improve the all-around performance and fuel economy of your vehicle. These are the varieties you see from companies like Flowmaster and Thrust, well-known for producing a deep, aggressive, and loud sound through the exhaust tip. This can be attributed to the resonating chamber in the silencer and reduced back pressure to the engine. Keep in mind that some States have local ordinances that outlaw loud, noisy mufflers.
Muffler Sound
The primary reason why a car owner would purchase a new car muffler is for the sound. The type of muffler you get ultimately boils down to the kind of sound you want. If you want your V8 to rumble silently, a chambered muffler would be your best bet. On the flip side, if you prefer a loud, aggressive roar with a crackling sound, a glass pack muffler will do the trick.
Construction
Mufflers bear the brunt of abuse that comes with driving on all kinds of terrain, in all kinds of weather conditions. The muffler material you opt for should be suited to your primary driving location.
For instance, if you live in a humid, salt-prone area, say, near an ocean, you’ll need to get a silencer made of heavy-gauge stainless steel. An aluminized steel muffler will be more susceptible to rusting and corrosion.
Exhaust System Configuration
Finally, you need to think about the car muffler design. Do you want a single exhaust pipe system, or do you prefer a dual-pipe system? Before you decide, you’ll need to check whether your car supports your desired exhaust configuration.
FAQ
How does a sound muffler work?
There are two types of mufflers: Glass-packed and chambered. Glass-packed silencers are filled with fiberglass that generates a loud and distinct popping sound when you rev the engine. Chambered silencers have a series of tubes through which air flows, creating a deep, rumbling sound while reducing backpressure to the engine.
Can I install a muffler on a V8 truck myself?
If you consider yourself a DIY mechanic, have a significant amount of experience in vehicle repair, and know your way around a welding tool, then yes, you can install it yourself. If this would be your first time attempting to do this, you’re better off going to the shop.
What is the loudest muffler for a V8 engine?
If a loud and aggressive tone is what you’re after, we recommend getting the Flowmaster Super 10 Muffler or the Cherry Bomb Extreme. These are guaranteed to disturb the peace.
Conclusion
For the best sounding muffler for V8, the Flowmaster Super 40 is an exceptional bargain as far as performance and durability go. Nonetheless, any of the other options we tested would also be an excellent choice. They bring something different to the table.
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