Best Straight through Muffler [2020 Buying Guide]

A straight through muffler, also known as a glasspack muffler, is a performance muffler that is used when you want to create maximum flow and horsepower to improve the overall performance of your car, all while keeping the exhaust flow as quiet as possible. Gone are the days of loud exhaust pipes when you use a straight through muffler.

There are many straight through quiet mufflers you can choose from today that will reduce noise to create a quieter performance, and we have comprised a list of the best ones to choose from.

Model	Flowmaster 71419 3.00"In(C)/Out(C) Flow Fx Muffler	MAGNAFLOW PERFORMANCE EXHAUST 10416	Borla 40842S S-Type Muffler
Category	Best Overall	Best Value Option	Best Premier Option
Size/weight	6.2 lbs.	8 lbs.	6.15 lbs.
Construction	409 Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	T-304 Stainless Steel
Color	Chrome	Chrome	Chrome
Fit type	Universal	Universal	Universal
	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

How We Tested and Compared These Products

Straight through mufflers are generally all made with the same design in mind. They are a straight pipe that is perforated and wrapped in fiberglass packing to muffle the noise that comes along with having a straight pipe. It’s the materials used in the straight through car muffler that sets them apart from one another.

We chose straight through mufflers that created the quietest performance without foregoing maximum flow or horsepower.

One of the considerations we looked at was the weight of the straight through muffler. The average weight of straight flow mufflers is around 6 pounds, but we included three options on our list that weigh less than 5. We wanted to make sure you had options to choose from if you prefer a lighter straight through muffler.

Another feature that we considered was universal fit. We tried to include as many universal fit options as possible to give you the greatest number of options for adding to your car’s exhaust system. With a universal fit straight through muffler, you will need to cut and weld the performance muffler to the exhaust system for it to fit properly. Our top picks are all universal fit.

Finally, we chose straight through mufflers that were only made of a durable material like stainless steel. Any other material simply wouldn’t be able to last.

Best Overall

Our Pick: FLOWMASTER 71419 3.00″IN(C)/OUT(C) FLOW FX MUFFLER

 

 

Features:

• Size/weight: 2 lbs.
• Construction: 409 stainless steel
• Color: Chrome
• Fit type: Universal

 

It was no difficult decision to choose this Flowmaster straight through muffler as our top overall pick.

First, it’s made of 409 stainless steel, which is made of mostly iron and very little nickel. This makes the performance muffler resistant to corrosion which is a feature that is high on our list. A performance muffler that will corrode or rust can significantly reduce its overall performance and cause you to have to replace the muffler.

The sound reduction is moderate, which is ideal for those who want their exhaust to be heard but not overpowered by noise. It’s not too loud and not too muffled.

The final feature that made the Flowmaster our best overall pick is the universal fitting. It’s made to fit your car’s exhaust system once it has been cut and welded, giving you the maximum amount of horsepower and performance.

Best Alternatives

MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust 10416 – Best Value Option

 

Features:

• Size/weight: 8 lbs.
• Construction: Stainless steel
• Color: Chrome
• Fit type: Universal

 

The MagnaFlow straight through muffler is our pick for the best value, not just because it’s affordable but because it doesn’t lack any quality features that some affordable options lack.

For example, it is constructed of stainless steel to ensure that the turbo muffler stays free from corrosion and rust. The turbo muffler should essentially last a lifetime without ever needing to be replaced. We also like that it has a universal fitting as well. It should fit any exhaust you want to connect it to with some cutting and welding.

The sound wave created from the MagnaFlow straight through muffler is deep and resonates. It’s muffled but also holds its deep signature sound when exhaust gas passes through the muffler.

Borla 40824S S-Type Muffler – Best Premier Option

 

Features:

• Size/weight: 5 lbs.
• Construction: T-304 stainless steel
• Color: Chrome
• Fit type: Universal

 

If you’re looking for a quiet straight through muffler that is made of top-quality materials that you don’t mind spending a little extra money on, then you’ll want to choose the Borlan 40824S S-type muffler.

We chose the Borla straight through muffler as our top premier option because of its durable and quality design. It is made of T-304 stainless steel, the most durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel available.

Some car owners think that T-304 stainless steel is overkill for a straight through muffler, and they may be right, but you don’t have to worry about your glasspack muffler corroding or rusting when it’s designed with T-304 stainless steel.

Another great feature that we like about the Borla muffler is the multi-core technology that creates a quiet sound coming from the exhaust tip. If you’re looking for a quieter option that doesn’t have an aggressive sound coming from the pipe, you should choose the Borla muffler.

How to Choose the Best Straight Through Muffler – Buying Guide

 

There are a lot of features you should consider when choosing the best straight through muffler. These are the most important features to consider before you decide.

Sound

How quiet do you want the straight through muffler to be? How much noise reduction is enough noise reduction? There are straight through muffler options at both ends of the spectrum on our list.

We included straight through mufflers with moderate noise reduction that can still be somewhat loud to some car owners. We have also included straight through mufflers with significant noise reduction to make them as quiet as possible.

Make sure you pay attention to how much noise the muffler reduces so that you won’t be disappointed or surprised if it has too aggressive a sound.

Fitting

There are advantages of both universal and direct fit mufflers. We included as many universal fits on our list as possible because we feel that car owners have more options with a universal fit. In contrast, direct fit mufflers are designed to fit the exact specifications of the car.

However, direct fit mufflers typically require no cutting or welding to make the muffler fit the car. Simply bolt the muffler on without any modifications, and you’ll be good to go.

Universal fit mufflers are often more affordable than direct fit because they require some modification to the muffler for it to fit correctly. You can also typically use any universal fit muffler to attach to any car type.

Direct fit mufflers will generally cost more because they are designed to perfectly attach to the car they are designed for. While this may cost more upfront, you don’t have to worry about making modifications to the muffler for it to fit.

Material

The final feature you need to consider when choosing the best straight through muffler is the material it’s made of. We recommend choosing stainless steel, preferably T-304 stainless steel, as it is the most corrosion and rust-resistant. Durable material is important in a muffler because it ensures that the muffler won’t corrode or rust quickly, causing you to have to replace it.

FAQ

What are the three types of muffler designs?

There are three types of muffler designs: chambered muffler, straight flow muffler, and turbo muffler.

• A chambered muffler consists of different chambers inside which absorb the sound waves from the engine and bounce them back against each other, canceling out the effect. This way, you see a visible decrease in the exhaust noise while hearing a throaty kind of sound being produced.
• A straight flow muffler is also known as a glasspack muffler. A straight flow muffler is ideally designed with a straight pipe encapsulated in a heavy-duty material with the interiors covered in fiberglass. Unlike other mufflers, straight flow mufflers allow the gas to completely flow through, reduce the noise, and enhance the performance of the vehicle. If you have a chance to see racing cars from up close, most of them are embedded with this powerful muffler.
• A turbo muffler consists of s-shaped tubes that allow better movement of gases from the exhaust pipe. This leads to less noise coming from the engine. This design is more restrictive, proving to be an ideal choice for cars that are driven regularly.

Can I install a muffler at home?

If you have a direct fit muffler, installing at home should be relatively easy; however, even a direct fit can require welding. If you’re unfamiliar or inexperienced in welding, you should have a professional install your muffler.

Additionally, if you have chosen a universal muffler for your car, you will need to cut and weld the muffler to make it fit. You should have a professional install your muffler if you’re not comfortable making cuts and welds on your own.

How much sound will be reduced when using a straight through muffler?

There are different options to choose from for noise reduction. When you add straight pipes to your exhaust system, the sound will be extremely loud and aggressive. That’s why you need a straight through muffler. It gives you the option of having a muffled sound that won’t hurt the ears.

Some straight through mufflers will only provide moderate noise reduction while other options will provide a significant amount of noise reduction. You will need to review the straight through muffler to see just how much noise reduction is offered and if that will be enough reduction for you.

Conclusion

A straight through muffler is necessary if you want to reduce the noise level that can accompany your car’s straight pipe exhaust system, and the Flowmaster 71419 is our pick for the best overall straight through muffler. We hope this review and buying guide has helped you understand which best straight through muffler you should choose for your exhaust system.