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Removing the muffler: Good, Bad, Illegal?!

8K views 41 replies 26 participants last post by  r3m3mb3r 
#1 ·
In the process of having my lift installed and the tech suggested removing the muffler; basically said it would run better, sound better and help a little with mpg. I don't know that I believe all that but since I was thinking about swapping it anyway because it's so damn ugly I told him to go ahead and do it. Anybody have any experience with this? It's a 13 JK by the way and I don't live in a state where they do emissions checks but I don't really see how the muffler would affect that anyway. We're not changing anything in the exhaust system; just removing the muffler.
 
#8 ·
better no. louder yes. the back pressure the muffler creates helps with MPG and engine performance. and emissions.

that said - my muffler is gone also. has been for about two years. it's been replaced with a dynomax race bullet and an aluminum turn down. i can say without question it hasn't done a thing for performance. but i like the sound. especially out in the woods.
 
#9 ·
I had a strong feeling this would be the feedback I would get on this; it really didn't sound like the best idea to me either. I'm obviously getting the muffler back so I'll either get an aftermarket or just put the OEM back on myself. I wouldn't think running it without the muffler on a temporary basis would hurt anything would it? It's not my DD so it can basically sit there until I get it back on there. I'm gonna go over this thing with a fine toothed comb when I get it back today; these guys have me worried too and you don't know the half of it. Thanks for the input guys!
 
#18 ·
Many States require a vehicle to have a muffler. Some even define a muffler as a series of chambers with baffles, which would exclude glass-packs and some other advertised "performance" mufflers.
With that said, you are just drawing attention to your self from law enforcement that I am certain you would rather not have.
Get the muffler and put it back on.
 
#19 ·
I pulled mine and run a dynomax EVO comp that dumps forward of the rear axle. Loved getting rid of the big eyesore.
 
#20 ·
In the process of having my lift installed and the tech suggested removing the muffler; basically said it would run better, sound better and help a little with mpg. I don't know that I believe all that but since I was thinking about swapping it anyway because it's so damn ugly I told him to go ahead and do it. Anybody have any experience with this? It's a 13 JK by the way and I don't live in a state where they do emissions checks but I don't really see how the muffler would affect that anyway. We're not changing anything in the exhaust system; just removing the muffler.
Your Tech, must think that you are driving a Harley...........:facepalm:
 
#24 ·
Even my HD has baffles... get something on there pronto.
The new engines need the backpressure for mufflers or whatever....
Way back when I wanted to put a can ( Magnaflow) on my 2002... the head mech at the dealer said no problem. But in 2 or 3 years I'd be back for a new computer. The puter adjusts for the muffler/lack of... and basically wears itself out.
It's programmed within certain parameters and can adjust, but pbly will just wear out sooner. Same thing with bikes. Loud mufflers = quicker rebuilds.
Take care.
 
#25 ·
Even my HD has baffles... get something on there pronto. The new engines need the backpressure for mufflers or whatever.... Way back when I wanted to put a can ( Magnaflow) on my 2002... the head mech at the dealer said no problem. But in 2 or 3 years I'd be back for a new computer. The puter adjusts for the muffler/lack of... and basically wears itself out. It's programmed within certain parameters and can adjust, but pbly will just wear out sooner. Same thing with bikes. Loud mufflers = quicker rebuilds. Take care.
This doesn't make sense to me. What exactly would wear the computer out?????
 
#31 ·
I'm going to pick it up now so I'll report back on what it sounds like; I'm more worried of potential issues with the lift that they installed at this point. The muffler is going to be a non issue; I went ahead and ordered an AFE axle back yesterday so that should solve all that.
 
#33 ·
If your going to do any rock crawling have a muffler shop relocate a new smaller muffler forward on the drivers side and the tail pipe dumping out just before the rear axle.

I did this after I bent my tail pipe then a couple weeks later tore up the muffler in Disney OK.

One shop was going to install a magna flow SS catback for $675. :jawdrop:
I know its good stuff (I had it on a corvette and mustang). But for wheeling that's a lot. I found a local shop that welded up a new muffler and pipe dumping out right in front of the rear axle for $150.

Just depends on what you want. The previous poster with the SS catback system and chrome tip looks nice but not practical for rock crawling (and probably not a concern for them). Just make sure you think about your application before you proceed. It will save you money in the long run.

GL.
 
#34 ·
The biggest problem with the stock exhaust is that the tip hangs below the bumper. This can catch on stuff depending on the wheeling you do.
I have aftermarket exhaust on my 2010. the pipes sit about as low as the factory did and I have already caught one dragging myself over the rocks and it bent it backwards.
Easy enough to fix but, if I had to do it over again, I would have the exhaust tips as high as possible and then pointed down.
As long as your muffler is off, see about going aftermarket and tucked up high.
 
#35 ·
OK, I just picked it up and drove it home and the verdict is in: DO NOT DO THIS! Just like everybody said it sounds horrible although sitting there at idle it really sounds great. When it's revving up and then shifts it sounds like a Civic and it's just flat out terrible. Can't wait till my AFE gets here next week. Looks like they did a really great job on the lift though; it drives really nice.
 
#38 ·
Stay out late and find the kids on the street with their mufflers choped off they will love it and maybe tell you about how you should put a spoiler on the back because it will make you go faster and dont forget the multicolor lights underneath
 
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