Question:

I have a 2000 explorer xls, and I am going to purchase a new muffler. I want a muffler that sounds goods, has good performance, and doesn’t dent the wallet. What is a good muffler for a reasonable amount? Thanks for any info. Joe — "This looks like a job for SUPERMAN!"                    ~Clark Kent~

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 2000 explorer xls, and I am going to purchase a new muffler. I want > a muffler that sounds goods, has good performance, and doesn’t dent the > wallet. What is a good muffler for a reasonable amount? Thanks for any info. > Joe > — > "This looks like a job for SUPERMAN!" >                    ~Clark Kent~

This leads to another question – do you need the mufler or just the resonator?  (I had to replace what I thought was the muffler lately on my Explorer  - previous vehicle – and found out it was the resonator which had failed.) And what is the resonator, exactly?  When did they get added, and what do they do, anyway?  (I hadn’t looked at exaust systems for about 20 years before then, so this resonator thing snuck up on me.) ? HR.

Response:

Resonators have been around for a zillion years….. usually found on "higher end" vehicles, they are used to "shape" the exhaust sound to make it more "pleasant". As for muffler price, if you buy a cheap muffler, you can expect a cheap muffler – EFI vehicles produce more water vapour than carburetted vehicles and this shows up in life of exhaust components. In general, I have found that exhaust "patch-ups" (trying to save money where it is un-wise) require repairs much sooner than factory or factory style replacements – even as high as a 4-1 ratio in my area, negating the effect of any apparent saving. YMMV….. — Jim Warman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a 2000 explorer xls, and I am going to purchase a new muffler. I want > a muffler that sounds goods, has good performance, and doesn’t dent the > wallet. What is a good muffler for a reasonable amount? Thanks for any info. > Joe > — > "This looks like a job for SUPERMAN!" >                    ~Clark Kent~ > This leads to another question – do you need the mufler or just the > resonator?  (I had to replace what I thought was the muffler lately on > my Explorer  - previous vehicle – and found out it was the resonator > which had failed.) > And what is the resonator, exactly?  When did they get added, and what > do they do, anyway?  (I hadn’t looked at exaust systems for about 20 > years before then, so this resonator thing snuck up on me.) > ? > HR.

Response:

> I have a 2000 explorer xls, and I am going to purchase a new muffler. I want > a muffler that sounds goods, has good performance, and doesn’t dent the > wallet. What is a good muffler for a reasonable amount? Thanks for any info. > Joe

What is your definition of "sounds good"?  I don’t know if they are available for your vehicle but a Walker Dynamax (not the stainless steel model) muffler is very free flowing but sounds virtually the same as stock and has a lifetime replacement guarantee. I installed one on an older pickup along with the  matching mandrel bent exhaust pipes and the operating temp dropped 20F immediately both when towing a trailer and when running empty. — Don Dickson

Response:

I think he ment "sounds good" as a deep-throated sound to make it sound a little more beefier. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a 2000 explorer xls, and I am going to purchase a new muffler. I want > a muffler that sounds goods, has good performance, and doesn’t dent the > wallet. What is a good muffler for a reasonable amount? Thanks for any info. > Joe > What is your definition of "sounds good"?  I don’t know if they are > available for your vehicle but a Walker Dynamax (not the stainless > steel model) muffler is very free flowing but sounds virtually the > same as stock and has a lifetime replacement guarantee. I installed > one on an older pickup along with the  matching mandrel bent exhaust > pipes and the operating temp dropped 20F immediately both when towing > a trailer and when running empty. > — > Don Dickson

Response:

Check out the Dynamax Super Turbos, I’m pretty sure they make them for the 4liter. I’ve seen them on aRangers and they sound pretty good. I had them on my mustang and they had more power (even at low RPMs) than the flowmasters I took off. The sound is great, deep and throaty but not too loud. I paid like $35 buck apiece.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a 2000 explorer xls, and I am going to purchase a new muffler. I want > a muffler that sounds goods, has good performance, and doesn’t dent the > wallet. What is a good muffler for a reasonable amount? Thanks for any info. > Joe > — > "This looks like a job for SUPERMAN!" >                    ~Clark Kent~

Response:

Please go to your local muffler shop (independent one) and ask about Magnaflow. Also look at www.magnaflow.com  They have quality construction with 16 ga aluminized steel – many others use just 18 ga.  Many styles, sizes, and shapes available. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 2000 explorer xls, and I am going to purchase a new muffler. I want > a muffler that sounds goods, has good performance, and doesn’t dent the > wallet. What is a good muffler for a reasonable amount? Thanks for any info. > Joe > — > "This looks like a job for SUPERMAN!" >                    ~Clark Kent~

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