3800 SC- muffler question (Page 1/2)
cam-a-lot AUG 06, 06:26 AM
Hello

I have reviewed old posts on various exhausts available for 3800 swaps.

I currently have WCF headers on my 3800 that seem to be fine, but would like to put one muffler in the stock Fiero location. My current setup has 2 mufflers in the tailpipe location and looks/sounds terrible.

I do not want to cut my trunk, and hope to have minimal drone.

This is my current setup, which I want to replace with a single muffler.

Please post some pics or link to an old thread if you can show me the most common way to achieve this.

[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 08-06-2024).]

Matthew_Fiero AUG 06, 09:01 AM
You may have to re-do your exhaust from the headers back. See if you can fit a cat in the stock location at the front and run to a stock type Fiero muffler like a Spin Tech muffler or similar. It's tough to quiet these engines down. I just re-did mine a few weeks ago in SS with 4 resonators. Still loud. I also do not want to cut the trunk.
Dennis LaGrua AUG 06, 11:59 AM
X 2 Spintech will have anything that you specify. Give them the overall muffler size, input and output tube connections and they will do the rest. Of all the free flow mufflers that we have tried Spintech is the quietest per size.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 08-07-2024).]

cam-a-lot AUG 06, 09:22 PM
Thanks guys

The plan is to replace everything back from the headers

Just looking for photos and part number for muffiler
87GT3800SC5SPD AUG 07, 02:44 AM

These are pictures of my exhaust with West Coast Fiero headers with 3" collector and 3" exhaust into a Flow-master Camaro crossflow muffler. The muffler has a 3" inlet and two 2 1/2" outlets.. The exhaust tips are stainless steel megaphones that are 2 1/2" inlets and much larger than stock megaphones.

I don't have part numbers, but all parts should all be available today. The exhaust tips were sourced from a motorcycle supply company in Florida. This installation was done in March of 2003 and is still being enjoyed by me 20 years later. It still looks similar to stock, but has a distinctly different sound, like something that breathes better, while not being too loud.
cam-a-lot AUG 07, 05:40 AM
Great info! Thank you

Drone isn't too bad at highway speeds?

Anyone else have similar photos to share?

87GT3800SC5SPD AUG 09, 01:47 PM
I'm not sure how to describe "drone" accurately, The goal was to duplicate my stock exhaust in a 3" version with 2 1/2" outlets into stock looking, but larger megaphone tips. It looks normal to me after 20+ years, but those who are familiar with a Fiero will notice that the exhaust tips are larger and the sound is definitely different. Those not familiar with a Fiero ask what kind of car is that? I stopped at the Harrah's car display in Reno years ago and when I walked in, the security guard asked if I would park next to him so he could listen to it idle while I was inside. To some it is music.

The tone is definitely lower and reflects the fact that the 3800 just sounds different than a 2.8. If I keep the rpms low in a residential area, the sound is way quieter than a motorcycle, but louder than most current gas cars, and far from the creepy whining sound that EVs make as they creep up on you in parking lots.

On the highway, it's a different story. If you ask the supercharger to help you merge into traffic, it makes enough noise to help others know you are merging. At cruising speeds, I don't find it to be too loud to listen to music or carry on a conversation at normal volume, combined with other road noise.

I found this setup met the expectations of my exhaust system goal. For a larger displacement engine that is boosted, I wanted a larger, free flowing exhaust system. I expected it to have a lower tone, more trombone than trumpet.

My headers were the first ones that Chris West sold with a 3" collector, after a long conversation where he resisted, but did agree to build as I requested. I have recently noticed that this option is now listed on West Coast Fiero.
Dennis LaGrua AUG 09, 06:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by 87GT3800SC5SPD:

I'm not sure how to describe "drone" accurately, The goal was to duplicate my stock exhaust in a 3" version with 2 1/2" outlets into stock looking, but larger megaphone tips. It looks normal to me after 20+ years, but those who are familiar with a Fiero will notice that the exhaust tips are larger and the sound is definitely different. Those not familiar with a Fiero ask what kind of car is that? I stopped at the Harrah's car display in Reno years ago and when I walked in, the security guard asked if I would park next to him so he could listen to it idle while I was inside. To some it is music.

The tone is definitely lower and reflects the fact that the 3800 just sounds different than a 2.8. If I keep the rpms low in a residential area, the sound is way quieter than a motorcycle, but louder than most current gas cars, and far from the creepy whining sound that EVs make as they creep up on you in parking lots.

On the highway, it's a different story. If you ask the supercharger to help you merge into traffic, it makes enough noise to help others know you are merging. At cruising speeds, I don't find it to be too loud to listen to music or carry on a conversation at normal volume, combined with other road noise.

I found this setup met the expectations of my exhaust system goal. For a larger displacement engine that is boosted, I wanted a larger, free flowing exhaust system. I expected it to have a lower tone, more trombone than trumpet.

My headers were the first ones that Chris West sold with a 3" collector, after a long conversation where he resisted, but did agree to build as I requested. I have recently noticed that this option is now listed on West Coast Fiero.



DRONE= Loud hum. We have heard that the gen 1 headers with the smaller pipes hindered horsepower. The 3" collector headers probably flow better but we don't have any dyno info to support that.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

jelly2m8 AUG 09, 07:22 PM
I'm certainly no expert in fluid dynamics, but exhaust drones are a result of resonate frequencies building / being trapped in a component. Too long of an uninterrupted flow, poorly designed mufflers will result in a 'Drone'.
jelly2m8 AUG 09, 07:30 PM

quote



The tone is definitely lower and reflects the fact that the 3800 just sounds different than a 2.8.



A 3800 will never sound as smooth, crisp, raspy as the 2.8, won't happen. This is because the 3800 is a 90° engine and the 2.8 is a 60° engine. One is inherently rough, the other inherently smooth.