Need Help! Need New Mufflers. Can't Decide

[04MRADR]

:cool: I recently reported a strange noise between 60-75 mph in my 2004 MM. My mechanic road tested with me in the passenger seat on major Interstate and confirmed the muffler was the problem. Did various test checks to confirm, including dropping out of overdrive and having the noise instantly disappear when doing between 60-75. Tried to check out what the members muffler preferences are but checking each member's profile is time consuming. Want to replace with something that will not require extensive modification to my exhaust system such as extening pipes or tips, something my mechanic can easily slip in and out. I will appreciate any comments members have as to what is relatively easy to install and the pros and cons of your mufflers, especially their sound (loudness, tone, stainless steel vs. aluminum etc.). Thanks everybody in advance. Brand name and model number would be greatly appreciated.

[whoskal]

Tons of options....really depends on what kind of sound you want.....I can't even count how many different kinds of set-ups I have seen on this site..



Me.....I have Super 40's, and I love them

[Mike]

I have the Flowmaster 40's and LOVE'EM!!

[fastblackmerc]

Magnaflows... only way to go.

[Advancedautosec]

i did magnaflow mufflers and took out the second set of cats and i love it!

[DEFYANT]

Go listen to what others are running, then decide what you would like.

[Raudermaster]

Flowmaster Flugger's.

[Herco23]

I would suggest to go with Borla Mufflers, I've had many experience with Flowmaster and after a while they start to rust. Now with magnaflow the neck starts to crack after a couple year usage, but with Borla Mufllers I have never had any problems.

[ckadiddle]

Two muffler experts I trust both recommended magnaflows for longevity. Any freer flowing muffler will improve the way your car breathes over stock. If you don't already have them, add a xcal2 with tune and CAI. The three things really work together to give your car a whole new personality.

[04MRADR]

:cool: Thanks ckadiddle but what on earth is an "xcal2" with "tune" and "CAI"? Need the translation. Please forgive me but I'm a guy who didn't know DTR meant dark toreador red. Please accept my apology but I just don't understand some of the terms the members use. Also I went on the Magnaflow web site and put in Marauder and got the message there is no muffler specifically for a Marauder. Would anyone have the part number for the Magnaflows they put on and is it a fairly straight forward installation?



Two muffler experts I trust both recommended magnaflows for longevity. Any freer flowing muffler will improve the way your car breathes over stock. If you don't already have them, add a xcal2 with tune and CAI. The three things really work together to give your car a whole new personality.

[04MRADR]

:cool: Thanks Advancedautosec but what do you mean by "second set of cats"? I'm a geek when it comes to the terminology.



i did magnaflow mufflers and took out the second set of cats and i love it!

[fastblackmerc]

:cool: Thanks Advancedautosec but what do you mean by "second set of cats"? I'm a geek when it comes to the terminology.

Our MM's have a total of 4 cats, 2 per side. You really only need 2 cats / 1 per side. I'd replace the 4 factory cats with 2 hi-flow cats and go with ?Magnaflow mufflers. I these polished stainless steel ones.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Exhaust/NewMagnaflow.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Here is a view thru them.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Exhaust/LookinthruaMagnaflow.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

If You Don't Want To Upgrade, And Your Mileage Isn't Too High, You Might Be Able To Get Them Replaced For Free By The Dealer Under The Federal Emission Warranty.

[Cobra25]

I Just re-did my whole exhaust system. I got the SW Headers, I had them Cermic coated at a Local shop near me. I put in a pair of MagnaFlow 2 1/2 inch High flow cats, I also ran 2 1/2 inch pipes into a Custom made H- pipe ( I had put in a X Pipe Prior but the pitch was too high for me) the H- Pipe in my system gives it a more like 50's sound, and a pair of Delta Flow 3 chamber 50 series Flowmaster mufflers. As far as sound in your system it depends what your looking for.

[SilverSport]

If You Don't Want To Upgrade, And Your Mileage Isn't Too High, You Might Be Able To Get Them Replaced For Free By The Dealer Under The Federal Emission Warranty.

Nope, mufflers have nothing to do with emissions and are not covered by 8/80 emissions warranty. I recently had the mufflers replaced on my 03 CV Sport with Magnaflows and couldn't be happier. Its nice to make the right choice the first time.

[ckadiddle]

Sorry... xcal2 refers to Xcalibrator2. It is a handheld gizmo that connects to your car's computer via the onboard diagnostic port. It saves the factory tune(computer instructions that tell your car how to operate) onto the handheld unit and uploads (flashes) a customized tune into your car's computer in place of the factory tune. Your xcal2 will also read and clear trouble codes/check engine lights from most later model ford vehicles. It als has some data logging (while you drive) capabilities that I have not ventured to explore yet.

Custom tune from one of our fine vendors will perk up your Marauder and fix that constant transmission hunting for gears behavior that you expericne in city traffic at lower speeds. It'll also firm up and crispen up the shifts between gears so they are not slow and mushy.

[ckadiddle]

CAI=Cold(er) Air Intake.....really, a less restrictive air intake than the stock one..it is also positioned to try and take in air from a less hot section of the engine compartment, may include heat shield of some sort.

If you increase the amount of air your can can suck in and the amount of exhaust you can blow out the back end you can improve horsepower. Adding the tune with improved intake and exhaust they all three work together to pep up a stock MM.

[RCSignals]

[quote=fastblackmerc;489572]Our MM's have a total of 4 cats, 2 per side. You really only need 2 cats / 1 per side. I'd replace the 4 factory cats with 2 hi-flow cats and go with ?Magnaflow mufflers. I these polished stainless steel ones.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Exhaust/NewMagnaflow.jpg (http://photobucket.com)


Is that your Station Wagon in the background?

[CanadaMarauder]

Super 40's with Resonator delete tips! And xcal2 and CAI....

[1stMerc]

I just took off a set of Magnaflow 18 inchers about a week ago. Now running with a set of Aero Turbine 2525 mufflers and Wes's res delete tips and love the sound.

[theone]

there are tons of muffler choices.. there is magnaflow, flowmaster mufflers (http://www.flowpowerexhaust.com/muffler%7Eflowmaster.html), borla and others.. it would really depend on what kind you want and the budget you have. I got a flowmaster installed, its great! :)

[OneBADLsE]

Magna's all the way!! Has a straightpipe sound to it. Very natural and deep

[OneBADLsE]

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/wm/159f58ef-bb9f-4dbf-9875-98ac000bb356.htm

Here is a link of what they sound like on the GM (Marquis)

[Marauderjack]

I like these.....:beer: :bows: :D

http://www.supload.com/sound_confirm.php?get=51160734 5.wav

[Raudermaster]

I want to take my Flow's off and thinking about Borla XR1's....

[MM_BKK]

Is there any muffler choice that is quieter than stock? I'm running stock exhaust and it's just a little loud for me. May be I'm getting old (39) but I've already had my days of loud exhaust with a 69 GTO, 455ci, 12.5:1 CR, RA-IV Cam, headers and flowmaster. IF the new Mercedes and BMWs can get 450+ hp from their cars from the factory and you could barely hear them running, I'm sure it's possible with our cars? May be I need to install their mufflers?

[lucenti]

:woohoo: i found that by removing the front clamp disconnecting the pipe, and running a 22'' nail through the stock muffler several times give a nice tone, and you can change tone by adding more holes. just be-careful not to come out the other side. :neener:

[Raudermaster]

MM BKK, maybe Walker has a replacement muffler for our cars. If so, theirs are pretty quiet.

[usafsniper]

Personal experience here...if you want typical muscle car sound with slight drone go with the Flowmaster 40's and res delete tips. If you have the tips extended by an inch or so farther past the bumper than stock it'll reduce drone a bit. Also, if you keep stock tips you'll have almost no drone, but still have respectable muscle car sound.

[ckadiddle]

Is there any muffler choice that is quieter than stock? I'm running stock exhaust and it's just a little loud for me. May be I'm getting old (39) but I've already had my days of loud exhaust with a 69 GTO, 455ci, 12.5:1 CR, RA-IV Cam, headers and flowmaster. IF the new Mercedes and BMWs can get 450+ hp from their cars from the factory and you could barely hear them running, I'm sure it's possible with our cars? May be I need to install their mufflers?

Grand Marquis Handling and Performance Package mufflers? Or two stock regular Grand Marquis/Crown vic mufflers? Quieter may mean losing a few horses, though. I have no idea as to what will fit correctly. Just guessing.

[04MRADR]

Sounds good. Do you know the part number? Is it a straight hookup or were modifications needed to the pipes or anything else special had to be done to install? Mind if I ask what mufflers cost and how much to install?

Magna's all the way!! Has a straightpipe sound to it. Very natural and deep

[arejayesss]

I say the bigger the better!!!
11222

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Is there any muffler choice that is quieter than stock? I'm running stock exhaust and it's just a little loud for me. May be I'm getting old (39) but I've already had my days of loud exhaust with a 69 GTO, 455ci, 12.5:1 CR, RA-IV Cam, headers and flowmaster. IF the new Mercedes and BMWs can get 450+ hp from their cars from the factory and you could barely hear them running, I'm sure it's possible with our cars? May be I need to install their mufflers?

It is pretty funny that the Marauder only has 2" intermediate pipes (pinch bent, at that) but the stock exhaust is tuned to make the car sound "loud" for stock. I agree on looking for stock mufflers off something high end like a Mercedes/Beemer if you can get the right inlet/outlet size and configuration.

However, those system probably have multiple tuned resonators that are specific to the engine/exhaust they came off of, and won't be as effective on the Marauder.

[oldekid]

Is there any muffler choice that is quieter than stock? I'm running stock exhaust and it's just a little loud for me. May be I'm getting old (39) but I've already had my days of loud exhaust with a 69 GTO, 455ci, 12.5:1 CR, RA-IV Cam, headers and flowmaster. IF the new Mercedes and BMWs can get 450+ hp from their cars from the factory and you could barely hear them running, I'm sure it's possible with our cars? May be I need to install their mufflers?You're getting old? I'm 60, and I have tried several exhaust systems, but found that straight pipes really worked for me.

This car is called a Marauder. . . . . . and you want it to be quiet?

If stock is too loud for you, then I think you bought the wrong car.

But then again, maybe that is why the State of Florida recognizes me as the "OLDE-KID".

:banana:

[MM_BKK]

You're getting old? I'm 60, and I have tried several exhaust systems, but found that straight pipes really worked for me.

This car is called a Marauder. . . . . . and you want it to be quiet?

If stock is too loud for you, then I think you bought the wrong car.

But then again, maybe that is why the State of Florida recognizes me as the "OLDE-KID".

:banana:

When I had my 69 GTO back twelve years ago, I would get pulled over for loud exhaust about once every 3 months and everytime they would ask me if I had mufflers on my car. I told them yes, two of them. Then they would ask why is it still so loud. I told them "I dunno". :dunno: I just don't need to be hassled ever for loud exhaust anymore. Don't get me wrong, I do like to hear the engine & exhaust working, but I don't need them to be the only thing I'm hearing all of the time. I like to be able to have a conversation in the car, listen to the radio, etc.

I didn't know that just because the car is called a Marauder that it should have straight pipes loud exhaust. If that works for you, then more power to you. I like to have my car quiet but goes like bat out of hell. I don't need to be announcing to the world that I'm coming down the street. I'm waaayyy pass that. I like to walk quietly, but carry a BIG stick. I guess it just a matter of preference. I'm VERY sure I bought the right car. I've had cars before that was louder than a stock Marauder.

I just got a 2.5" custom exhaust put on a month ago from the manifolds with 22" Magnaflow mufflers to the original res-tips = Not deleted. At idle, I can barely hear it running. All I can hear is the Procharger whistling. I don't mind losing a few horses to have a quiet car. I can make it back up in other area. If I'm on the car for more than a 1/2 throttle, then you could definitely hear the deep authoritive exhaust sound. I have no drone at any speed and I think it might be a tad quieter than stock. Works for me. :)
I guess we all have different objective. :beer:

[Shora]

When I had my 69 GTO back twelve years ago, I would get pulled over for loud exhaust about once every 3 months and everytime they would ask me if I had mufflers on my car. I told them yes, two of them. Then they would ask why is it still so loud. I told them "I dunno". :dunno: I just don't need to be hassled ever for loud exhaust anymore. Don't get me wrong, I do like to hear the engine & exhaust working, but I don't need them to be the only thing I'm hearing all of the time. I like to be able to have a conversation in the car, listen to the radio, etc.

I didn't know that just because the car is called a Marauder that it should have straight pipes loud exhaust. If that works for you, then more power to you. I like to have my car quiet but goes like bat out of hell. I don't need to be announcing to the world that I'm coming down the street. I'm waaayyy pass that. I like to walk quietly, but carry a BIG stick. I guess it just a matter of preference. I'm VERY sure I bought the right car. I've had cars before that was louder than a stock Marauder.

I just got a 2.5" custom exhaust put on a month ago from the manifolds with 22" Magnaflow mufflers to the original res-tips = Not deleted. At idle, I can barely hear it running. All I can hear is the Procharger whistling. I don't mind losing a few horses to have a quiet car. I can make it back up in other area. If I'm on the car for more than a 1/2 throttle, then you could definitely hear the deep authoritive exhaust sound. I have no drone at any speed and I think it might be a tad quieter than stock. Works for me. :)
I guess we all have different objective. :beer:

I agree with you 100%!

I had my Camaro with straight y pipes back in the day and loved it. As I became a bit older I grew out of it.

I had the Flowmaster 40 Series Delta Flow in Stainless Steel on the car along with the Megs Delete Tips for only 1 oil change (3K miles) before i had them taken off.

The Marauder does NOT need to be louder than stock to be bad a$$.


Are you using the 5X11 oval mufflers? I think that those are the only ones in 22".
If not, are you using the 4X9 oval or 5X8 oval?

On second thought, how bouts more detail?

Did you stay with the stock cats? (hard to do that if you have a custom exhaust from manifolds).

If not, what did you use for cats?

X pipe or H?

Care to share some pics?

[cyclopsram]

I have a set of Borla Mufflers which are about to be put on a 4th car.. They are indestructible and the Stainless Flat Band clamps keep on working...This time they are going on a 99 Crown Vic PI with the 3.56 gears....and a real goer for stock...

[MM_BKK]

I agree with you 100%!

I had my Camaro with straight y pipes back in the day and loved it. As I became a bit older I grew out of it.

I had the Flowmaster 40 Series Delta Flow in Stainless Steel on the car along with the Megs Delete Tips for only 1 oil change (3K miles) before i had them taken off.

The Marauder does NOT need to be louder than stock to be bad a$$.


Are you using the 5X11 oval mufflers? I think that those are the only ones in 22".
If not, are you using the 4X9 oval or 5X8 oval?

On second thought, how bouts more detail?

Did you stay with the stock cats? (hard to do that if you have a custom exhaust from manifolds).

If not, what did you use for cats?

X pipe or H?

Care to share some pics?

I'm using a pair of 5x11 oval pn#12586. The only parts to the stock system I'm still using are the manifolds and the rear tips, unmodified. For cats, I'm running a pair Magnaflow hi-flow, rear cats are deleted. I have the H-pipe set up, custom made. I'll try to take some pics this week.

[MM_BKK]

I finally got a chance to take some pics. As you can see the 22" Big-Bodied fit with no problems.


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/5/4/6/6/IMG_4567.JPG

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/5/4/6/6/IMG_4575.JPG

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/5/4/6/6/IMG_4570.JPG

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/5/4/6/6/IMG_4574.JPG

[Shora]

I finally got a chance to take some pics. As you can see the 22" Big-Bodied fit with no problems.

Seem to fit great. I thank you for taking the time to share this with us. Does your digital camera have a way of recording a sound clip?

Would really like to hear it.

[ts-pa]

mm_bkk....I too would like to hear how your exhaust set up sounds.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

When I had my 69 GTO back twelve years ago, I would get pulled over for loud exhaust about once every 3 months and everytime they would ask me if I had mufflers on my car. I told them yes, two of them. Then they would ask why is it still so loud. I told them "I dunno". :dunno: I just don't need to be hassled ever for loud exhaust anymore. Don't get me wrong, I do like to hear the engine & exhaust working, but I don't need them to be the only thing I'm hearing all of the time. I like to be able to have a conversation in the car, listen to the radio, etc.

I didn't know that just because the car is called a Marauder that it should have straight pipes loud exhaust. If that works for you, then more power to you. I like to have my car quiet but goes like bat out of hell. I don't need to be announcing to the world that I'm coming down the street. I'm waaayyy pass that. I like to walk quietly, but carry a BIG stick. I guess it just a matter of preference. I'm VERY sure I bought the right car. I've had cars before that was louder than a stock Marauder.

I just got a 2.5" custom exhaust put on a month ago from the manifolds with 22" Magnaflow mufflers to the original res-tips = Not deleted. At idle, I can barely hear it running. All I can hear is the Procharger whistling. I don't mind losing a few horses to have a quiet car. I can make it back up in other area. If I'm on the car for more than a 1/2 throttle, then you could definitely hear the deep authoritive exhaust sound. I have no drone at any speed and I think it might be a tad quieter than stock. Works for me. :)
I guess we all have different objective. :beer:

Three cheers to you good sir. There are too many slow stock cars on the road with loud exhausts. It's nice to see someone with a performance mission want quiet. There's a guy who lives in my apt. with a really loud exhaust on a Grand Marquis that is stock. I'm not sure what he thinks he is proving except that there are a lot of quiet cars that will destroy him.

[Bigdough]

Im going the same route as MM_BKK, custom 2.5" from headers to tailpipes, with an H-pipe and high flow cats. Except Im going with something different for mufflers, Borla Stingers. Ive been cruising around with the Magnaflow mufflers that come in the Magnapack catback (previous owner, custom made I imagine) and I love the way it sounds but I want it to be LOUD and MEAN. The Stingers with non-resonated 4" tips should sound plenty mean. I'll post up a clip when I get it done. Here are some clips of how it is now.


http://smg.photobucket.com<WBR>/albums/v705/V8KillinSupra/<WBR>?action=view&current=MOV01211<WBR>.flv (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v705/V8KillinSupra/?action=view&current=MOV01211.flv)

http://smg.photobucket.com<WBR>/albums/v705/V8KillinSupra/<WBR>?action=view&current=MOV01214<WBR>.flv (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v705/V8KillinSupra/?action=view&current=MOV01214.flv)

http://smg.photobucket.com<WBR>/albums/v705/V8KillinSupra/<WBR>?action=view&current=MOV01212<WBR>.flv (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v705/V8KillinSupra/?action=view&current=MOV01212.flv)

[ts-pa]

MM-BKK---

Here (http://pasig.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=a lbum08&id=MM_BKK_s2004MM_2_5inch_exha ust_22inch_magnaflows_single_p air_highflow_cats_oem_tips) is the video clip of your exhaust.
Camera's mic altered the sound a little. It was more "mellow" sounding in person. He also took me for a quick spin. The lack of drone was amazing! It was almost dead quite at idle & crusing, but it still had a great sound when he got on it. I'm sold, 22" inch Magnaflows if I chose this brand!

Very clean car! Trans seemed really nice in it's shifting.

[jonroe]

I would suggest to go with Borla Mufflers, I've had many experience with Flowmaster and after a while they start to rust. Now with magnaflow the neck starts to crack after a couple year usage, but with Borla Mufllers I have never had any problems.

I just bought a pair of Borlas last week. Unfortuately, they're still in my trunk waiting to go on - don't sound too good yet in the trunk! I've had Borlas on my TBird for 5.5 years and love them. There was no question that is what I was doing for the MM too. Jon

[cyclopsram]

The Borla set up on my CVPI is wonderful

[ts-pa]

You guys with Borlas, got any sound/video links?

[Bigdough]

My Borla Stingers shoud come in today. If they do, the exhaust will be done tomorrow and I will have sound clips up immediately. Stay tuned.

[ImpalaSlayer]

im probly just gona leave it stock. not to loud not to quiet. i got a 76 f250 with headers and straight pipes if i want to drive something loud.

[oldekid]

Gee guys, I guess I struck a nerve with some of you on this thread. As Reba would say, "I never said that the Marauder had to be loud to be bad a$$, you mo-rons!"
:banana:

I will take back the part that I said to MM_BKK about buying the wrong car if he wanted it to be quieter than stock. That is his choice, and I respect the reasons he has for wanting it that way. Sorry about that MM_BKK. :bows:

No car has to be loud to be fast. Hell, the fast ones just whine. . . :beer:

[ts-pa]

Here (http://pasig.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=a lbum08&id=MM_BKK_s2004MM_2_5inch_exha ust_22inch_magnaflows_single_p air_highflow_cats_oem_tips) is the video clip of your exhaust.

I guess I need to reload it. I'll do it tonight.

[MM_BKK]

MM-BKK---

Here (http://pasig.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=a lbum08&id=MM_BKK_s2004MM_2_5inch_exha ust_22inch_magnaflows_single_p air_highflow_cats_oem_tips) is the video clip of your exhaust.
Camera's mic altered the sound a little. It was more "mellow" sounding in person. He also took me for a quick spin. The lack of drone was amazing! It was almost dead quite at idle & crusing, but it still had a great sound when he got on it. I'm sold, 22" inch Magnaflows if I chose this brand!

Very clean car! Trans seemed really nice in it's shifting.

Thanks for coming out of your way to take the video clip. I'm glad it was worth it for you. I enjoyed our little meeting.
I guess I'm not the only one having problem with the video link.

[MM_BKK]

Gee guys, I guess I struck a nerve with some of you on this thread. As Reba would say, "I never said that the Marauder had to be loud to be bad a$$, you mo-rons!"
:banana:

I will take back the part that I said to MM_BKK about buying the wrong car if he wanted it to be quieter than stock. That is his choice, and I respect the reasons he has for wanting it that way. Sorry about that MM_BKK. :bows:

No car has to be loud to be fast. Hell, the fast ones just whine. . . :beer:

No harm no foul. Everyone has a different perspective. :beer:

[Blackened300a]

Cherry bomb vortex mufflers with res-delete tips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMFOlBLQgno

[ts-pa]

Finally... the corrected video link for MM_BKK's exhaust is here (http://pasig.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=a lbum08&id=MM_BKK_s2004MM).

[ts-pa]

Finally... the corrected video link for MM_BKK's exhaust is here (http://pasig.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=a lbum08&id=MM_BKK_s2004MM).

To give you an idea how quiet this is, listen for the bird chirp in the tree behind me around the 7 second mark.

[jonroe]

I got my Borla Turbos (#40652) put on yesterday. Just a straight swap with the stock mufflers and I still have the original Megs resonator tips. the exhaust did not get louder but went a little deeper in tone. I like the deeper tone but would have liked it to be just a wee bit louder.

[martyo]

I would contact Zack at Grand Mufflers! He will always hook you up!

[magindat]

I got my Borla Turbos (#40652) put on yesterday. Just a straight swap with the stock mufflers and I still have the original Megs resonator tips. the exhaust did not get louder but went a little deeper in tone. I like the deeper tone but would have liked it to be just a wee bit louder.
Get rid of the second cats.

[jonroe]

I'm a little leery of messing with the cats in regard to smog testing here in Northern VA. I've had trouble with my Thunderbird when moving the cats farther back. I may take a look at it though. What would I achieve by going with delete tips instead?

[fastblackmerc]

I'm a little leery of messing with the cats in regard to smog testing here in Northern VA. I've had trouble with my Thunderbird when moving the cats farther back. I may take a look at it though. What would I achieve by going with delete tips instead?

Do they actually stick the probe up the tailpipe in VA.? In NC they do a visual inspection (as long as they see 2 cats your OK) and read the OBDI for any codes.

You'll get a little more noise if you go with the delete tips.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I live in Northern VA (springfield) and they do not do a sniffer test. All they do here is plug the OBDII cars into a code scanner and look for fault codes.

[ts-pa]

I live in Northern VA (springfield) and they do not do a sniffer test. All they do here is plug the OBDII cars into a code scanner and look for fault codes.

This what they do in PA also, except that if you fail, you get the sniffer test and much more involved visual check.

[jonroe]

Right, just recently (last year or two) VA gave up the sniffer on OBD2 cars. I took the MM in this summer for only the OBD2 plug in with no problem. My trusted mechanic (and buddy) does these now so the visual was not an issue but maybe next time he won't be doing them. On the MM do they look for 2 or all 4 cats? I would expect most would only care about seeing 2. There could still be some eager beavers who do homework and look for 4.

[jonroe]

Do they actually stick the probe up the tailpipe in VA.? In NC they do a visual inspection (as long as they see 2 cats your OK) and read the OBDI for any codes.

You'll get a little more noise if you go with the delete tips.

I was thinking maybe a little gain but the upstream double cats seem to be the limiting factor so the Borlas don't get quite as much chance to growl.