Muffler review

[Bursonaw]

I was looking to put some new mufflers on my flathead powered 36 Ford. I was considering Porter or Smithy’s mufflers. Anyone have any feedback on either muffler, or possibly another brand?

Thank you for your input!


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[RalphM]

I have Smity’s on mine, bot I have heard good things about Brockman melowtones.

[19Fordy]

I'm the same as Ralph.

[Bursonaw]

Originally Posted by RalphM

I have Smity’s on mine, bot I have heard good things about Brockman melowtones.

What are your impressions of the noise level of the Smithy’s inside the car particularly on a long trip?


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[RalphM]

Not loud, but you can definitely hear them, especially on acceleration.

[Ricosan]

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I’ve had both smutty’s and brockmans. About six months ago I had Smittys installed on my stock ‘34. It was just noisey. To be honest, it may have been just a bad pipe job.

Anyhow. I had the exhaust done again by another shop and used Brockman Melotones this time. A little on the loud side but a very crisp and satisfying flathead V8 sound, especially at higher RPMs.

Richard

[RKS.PA]

I have 26" Smithy's on my '47 behind Red's Headers. I was/am surprised by how quite they are, but I still get to hear that great Flathead sound. Definitely not loud inside the car, with or without the top up. Also, considerably quieter than the Flowmasters I had on my '39 behind Fenton's, Those were loud inside the car.


Not to make fun of our "senior conditions", but according to my hearing test at Costco, I still can hear all sounds normally except the very high tones! Too much time on the AF flight line next to the jet turbines!

[oldford2]

I have Brockmans on our 46. Call them and the boss will talk to you and offer glass or steel insides and will make the inlet/outlet pipes to your specs.
John

[Seth Swoboda]

Brockmans are far better than Smittys. I have had both.

[RalphM]

I believe I will be going with Brockman’s on my 35.

[Tim Ayers]

If duals, how about straight 1 3/4" pipe run all the way back? It sounds great and isn't that loud in the car, yet retains that crisp, rap sound of the flathead.

My buddy has this set up on his '35 Roadster and it sounds great.

[JSeery]

I like straight open pipes!

[RKS.PA]

So, like several other topics we discuss here from time to time, the "perfect flathead sound" in in the "ear" of the beholder!!!

[JM 35 Sedan]

I've been running single straight pipe on my 35 Avatar for over 10 years because I was not going to use anything but an original 35 muffler that I could afford. Thanks to Michael Driskell @ Third Generation Automotive, I now have an original muffler, but I hate to lose the sound of the straight pipe. Most folks love the sound of my car.....except my wife. She thinks the loud exhaust has caused my hearing loss

[chap52]

I ran Red's Headers and Heddon Turbo Mufflers and loved the sound. Not loud, just sweet. Chap

[RKS.PA]

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

I've been running single straight pipe on my 35 Avatar for over 10 years because I was not going to use anything but an original 35 muffler that I could afford. Thanks to Michael Driskell @ Third Generation Automotive, I now have an original muffler, but I hate to lose the sound of the straight pipe. Most folks love the sound of my car.....except my wife. She thinks the loud exhaust has caused my hearing loss

John, in the meantime, you could turn that "original 35 muffler" that you saved $$ up for as a wonderful piece of shop wall art until you get a chance and the motivation to install it!!

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

I've been running single straight pipe on my 35 Avatar for over 10 years because I was not going to use anything but an original 35 muffler that I could afford. Thanks to Michael Driskell @ Third Generation Automotive, I now have an original muffler, but I hate to lose the sound of the straight pipe. Most folks love the sound of my car.....except my wife. She thinks the loud exhaust has caused my hearing loss

It's not hearing loss, it's selective hearing. But don't tell Helen that!

[clo]

I have the shortest brockman steel packs with 1” 3/4 pipes and it’s still to quiet. Flatheads aren’t that loud.

[JSeery]

Flatheads have built in mufflers, the block is the muffler on a flathead. Dual water packed mufflers!

[petehoovie]

I like to hear this comment from people when I start my '34 > "Is the engine running? Can't hear it. Sweet!"....

[flatford8]

“She thinks the loud exhaust has caused my hearing loss“...... I hear fine.....I just don’t listen worth a shit!!!!......on my ‘51 I think I’m going with JSeery’s plan......start with straight pipes and can add mufflers if it’s too loud.....anybody use Waldron’s lately??...Mark

[bobH]

Ref. post #13... In the ear of the beholder.
I've got Smitty's on both my 47, and my 34. I've had them for several years, and I'm happy with them. Which is not to say that I wouldn't be happy with the various other choices mentioned here.

[flatheadmurre]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Flatheads have built in mufflers, the block is the muffler on a flathead. Dual water packed mufflers!

This is dual waterpacked flathead mufflers...

[PeterC]

Originally Posted by Bursonaw

I was looking to put some new mufflers on my flathead powered 36 Ford. I was considering Porter or Smithy’s mufflers. Anyone have any feedback on either muffler, or possibly another brand?

Thank you for your input!


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I started with straight pipes with my 48 Flathead powered 35 Coupe - lasted one day and proved insanely loud - and I do like loud - but that was ridiculous - so since the exhaust system was built with flanged section - was able to bolt up 26" mufflers (Smithy’s? need to check) and now happy with the result. Of course in my case I am running a slightly higher power than most so might be the reason for my experience. See picture - flanged exhaust so I can easily change out muffler options.

[petehoovie]

Nice job!

[slowforty]

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I used some generic Steel Bullet shaped Blanks with steel packing from the local muffler shop. After 30 years the packing is gone But the sound is still great

[RKS.PA]

Originally Posted by PeterC

I started with straight pipes with my 48 Flathead powered 35 Coupe - lasted one day and proved insanely loud - and I do like loud - but that was ridiculous - so since the exhaust system was built with flanged section - was able to bolt up 26" mufflers (Smithy’s? need to check) and now happy with the result. Of course in my case I am running a slightly higher power than most so might be the reason for my experience. See picture - flanged exhaust so I can easily change out muffler options.

PeterC, agree with petehoovie above!! That is one beautiful undercarriage and what an amazing job to get it looking that way!! Your 35 Coupe is awesome

[petehoovie]

PeterC's AWESOME COUPE!

[Ricosan]

Wow, Peter that’s a beautiful job you’re doing. If I were 40 years younger, it’s what I would be trying to do.


Richard

[JM 35 Sedan]

PeterC's entire car is a Masterpiece. THE best built '35 3w coupe that I've ever seen.

[cederholm]

That car is beautiful!

As for mufflers, I used Porters before on a Chevy 235, great mufflers, very well built. I might use them again on my Ford.

~ Carl

[Tim Ayers]

Agreed about Peter C's car. '35's are quickly becoming my favorite early Ford. Love them!

[JunkyJud]

I have a ‘36 21 stud engine with a stock style single exhaust in a Model A pickup. I put a Smithy’s on it with temporary installation for initial road testing. I was going up a hill and a connection before the muffler came apart and it felt like someone ran into the back of me. The thing had seemed to be weak on hills and after that muffler was eliminated it came alive. I ended up putting a 20” Summit glass pack on it and the hill climbing power is still good as well the sound. No Smithy’s for me in the future. The Smithy’s do have a pretty good choke in them due to the size of the baffles/louvers.

[GreenMonster48]

Smithy's are junk. Nothing like the originals. Mine rotted out to I put a pair of Thrush Cherry Bombs on it. A little louder, but sound ok. Not raspy like I remember them being on overheads.

[Tim Ayers]

If they still make them, Hush Thrush's sound great on my dad's '32 Tudor with a stock 59AB engine.

Edit: I just checked their site. Seems like they've change the Hush model. The ones my dad has is like a Smitty's (straight through and round).

Neat thing about Thrush's site is they have sound samples.

http://www.thrushexhaust.com/muffler...thrush-muffler

[Bursonaw]

Thank you everyone for your input!

For an update. I did call Porter and spoke with the sales tech. I asked some very pointed questions about there product and how it stacked up against other mufflers. He was very candid and helpful. Here are a few of my impressions.

1. The mufflers are packed with Stainless Steel not Fiberglass. Glass-packs tend to change tone over time as the fiberglass burns away, steel- packs keep their tone.

2. The muffler casing is made out of a heavy grade steel and the design and construction has not changed since 1931.

3. I was told that they have many customers that have been running the same porter mufflers for 20+ years.

4. The design does hot have a harmonic drone when driving on the highway.

5. They are still made in the USA!

6. On U-Tube there is a lot of videos on how they sound.

I am not trying to sell one muffler over another just sharing my impressions. I did end up purchasing a set for my Roadster.

Regards




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[GreenMonster48]

Originally Posted by Bursonaw

Thank you everyone for your input!

For an update. I did call Porter and spoke with the sales tech. I asked some very pointed questions about there product and how it stacked up against other mufflers. He was very candid and helpful. Here are a few of my impressions.

1. The mufflers are packed with Stainless Steel not Fiberglass. Glass-packs tend to change tone over time as the fiberglass burns away, steel- packs keep their tone.

2. The muffler casing is made out of a heavy grade steel and the design and construction has not changed since 1931.

3. I was told that they have many customers that have been running the same porter mufflers for 20+ years.

4. The design does hot have a harmonic drone when driving on the highway.

5. They are still made in the USA!

6. On U-Tube there is a lot of videos on how they sound.

I am not trying to sell one muffler over another just sharing my impressions. I did end up purchasing a set for my Roadster.

Regards




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I just noticed you live not far from me.

[cederholm]

Like i said above I'm very impressed with Porter for everything you mentioned above.

Which ones did you order? Were they for a flathead, sorry if I missed that part?

Love to hear what you think once installed.

~ Carl

Originally Posted by Bursonaw

Thank you everyone for your input!

For an update. I did call Porter and spoke with the sales tech. I asked some very pointed questions about there product and how it stacked up against other mufflers. He was very candid and helpful. Here are a few of my impressions.

1. The mufflers are packed with Stainless Steel not Fiberglass. Glass-packs tend to change tone over time as the fiberglass burns away, steel- packs keep their tone.

2. The muffler casing is made out of a heavy grade steel and the design and construction has not changed since 1931.

3. I was told that they have many customers that have been running the same porter mufflers for 20+ years.

4. The design does hot have a harmonic drone when driving on the highway.

5. They are still made in the USA!

6. On U-Tube there is a lot of videos on how they sound.

I am not trying to sell one muffler over another just sharing my impressions. I did end up purchasing a set for my Roadster.

Regards




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[Bursonaw]

I ended up with the 20” standard mufflers with 2” pipe.


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[40cpe]

Originally Posted by cederholm

Which ones did you order? Were they for a flathead, sorry if I missed that part?

Love to hear what you think once installed.

~ Carl

His first post said he has a '36 flathead.

[38bill]

Started running with Smithy's the sound was OK but I didn't like the shape. With the flat ends they didn't fit my Red's exhaust system very well and would knock on the X member. I then switched to Cherry Bombs brand. Great sound but a little louder, rounded ends so they fit very well (may be slightly shorter than the Smithy's?) and they were very inexpensive (about $50 for the pair). https://cherrybomb.com/project/glasspack/

[john in illinois]

I have Porters on my roadster and like the sound. Pleasant when driving.

John

[harleyjohn45]

Flatheads are quiet motors, so Smithy's or Brockmans are fine I bought the long ones. I have Brockmans. They sound beautiful.

I put Brockmans on my 56-292 Y block. I called and spoke to Mr. Brockman and he informed me that Y blocks are are very loud motors and advised me to buy the longest muffler they make. I did that and and the car sounded terrible. I then swapped to 30" Smithys, they are a little better, but still have a rapping sound. If you have a standard
shift you can play around with the RPM and get up to speed without making a spectacle of your self. With a ford-o-matic you have to get on the gas to move into traffic. A Y-block is a long stroke motor and is simply too loud for me. Here I am 1 year later planning on installing Walker Quiet tone mufflers. I've been all over Y-tube trying to hear a set of Walkers, no luck. I guess no one has ever used them.
Nothing sounds better than a Y-block with smithy's at idle, but when you stand on it, they become nauseaous.
My 2c

[19Fordy]

I like Smithy's.

[A bones]

Originally Posted by chap52

I ran Red's Headers and Heddon (Hedman?)Turbo Mufflers and loved the sound. Not loud, just sweet. Chap

There is my vote. Those old Spyders really sounded great. I put a set on a van.

[hook00pad]

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I have a pair of Walker Continentals on my 48, which I installed around 1978 (but who's counting). They are a little loud now. Not a flathead, tho.

Al Hook