Swap muffler ideas (no deletes or ctabacks)

[MikeLynnHaven]

Looking at the Borla website I can’t find a crate muffler that fits the 5.3 liter. It just lists one for the 6.2 liter. ??

Yes, it says its for the 6.2. It sounds just fine.

 

[MikeLynnHaven]

Borla tech support told me that they are only available in the cat-back systems and not sold separately for the 5.3L. didn't get a good answer why. He mentioned using the ones designed for V8 small block but Mike (above) installed the muffler designed for a 6.2 on his 5.3 (I think, if i read the other thread correctly).

Yes mine is installed on the 5.3

 

[Stormin08]

i really dont think people understand HOW MUCH research goes into a muffler (one of good quality)...many copies, but a well designed and overly engineered exhaust can do wonders...or do more harm.

i know a brand that was wildly popular in the 90's, still available today...that offered ZERO in performance gains, yet sounded awesome.

if you are wanting a note, but not willing to pay for a system or part designed for he application, you are inherently taking a risk that may loose power or create a tone you dont like. that cannot be fault of the manufacturer.

i personally like trying options, mainly for sound...as i am not going to dyno every combo.

i pondered wat exhaust i was going to do, settled on the Borla S-Type Dual system (6.2)...this truck wakes up at mid range and above !

 

[bknickol]

Just got off the phone with the Borla tech support asking about installing the ATAK for a 6.2L (part 400958) on a 5.3 and he said that they recommend not doing that as it wasn't designed for that flow and will have negative impacts on performance and sound. ?? Would have thought he was trying to upsell me to the catback system designed for the 5.3 but when I suggested a catback isn't in the budget he recommended looking into other manufacturers that can provide the muffler only for a 5.3.

 

[FOX_2.5DSC_'25TB]

Hey guys.

Doing some research on keeping everything stock on my exhaust except the muffler. Looking to see what muffler everyone loves the most thats mostly quiet at idle, unless you step on it then moderate, with great all around rumble, tone and sound with no droning on the hwy.

Everyone been telling me magnaflow so far...

Anyone seen any in direct fit 2.75"? Anyone got part numbers? Closest I found was a 3" to 3" magnaflow:

MagnaFlow 5 X 11in. Oval Straight-Through Performance Exhaust Muffler 12589​

But with this one Ill need to get flanges or get muffler shop to expand/stretch the tips of the exhaust pipes on either side to fit the muffler.

Went to a few parts places but this is the best they could come up with...

Hoping someone has a direct fit muffler swap idea They might have already tried and had success with. Maybe one I can clamp on myself even ideally.

Mine is a 2020 chevy silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss crew cab 4x4.

Please make suggestions for muffler only. Im not going to do a cat back system or full replacement. Not going to cut out cats or flap. Im planning on muffler swap only.

I just went with a Flowmaster 40 Series Original for about $100. Sounds loud enough for me and does not have a drone.

 

[Stormin08]

I just went with a Flowmaster 40 Series Original for about $100. Sounds loud enough for me and does not have a drone.

i hate to say it, as i love the flowmaster note....i have yet to see one make any power gains on a dyno.
but that said...loud is fast....??

 

[FOX_2.5DSC_'25TB]

i hate to say it, as i love the flowmaster note....i have yet to see one make any power gains on a dyno.
but that said...loud is fast....??

If I wanted fast, I would bought a Vette! Lol!

 

[MikeLynnHaven]

Just got off the phone with the Borla tech support asking about installing the ATAK for a 6.2L (part 400958) on a 5.3 and he said that they recommend not doing that as it wasn't designed for that flow and will have negative impacts on performance and sound. ?? Would have thought he was trying to upsell me to the catback system designed for the 5.3 but when I suggested a catback isn't in the budget he recommended looking into other manufacturers that can provide the muffler only for a 5.3.

So far, the truck sounds great in my opinion, and there has been no loss in performance. If anything changes, I will be sure to let the group know. I am very happy with it on my 5.3

 

[I'm_Ron_Burgundy?]

My son has a 2019 Trail Boss and wants a more aggressive sound than the stock he has on it now. We've watched tons of videos of the Borla ATAK and S-Series (my preference). Being new to exhaust upgrades and a bit overwhelmed, I called Borla today and the tech guy was super helpful but let me know that none of the Cratemuffler (muffler only) options were designed for the 5.3. The ones designed for the 5.3 only come with the entire catback systems. He went on to say that he's heard the small block ATAKs on the 5.3 and they appeared to work and sound great but we would be paying for a lot of design to reduce drone in older model vehicles that isn't required for newer models. Don't mind spending the money for a great product but also don't want to overpay for something we don't need. Any thoughts?

Flowmaster has a few good options. I replaced the factory muffler on my '22 which I think was some sort of Borla/GM product with a Flowmaster 40 or Super 40 series muffler and then dumped the pipes after the axle. Didn't do anything other than that. There's a bit of a drone on the highway because it'll compete with the tires' frequency...or maybe it's a beautiful harmony? There's a muffler shop guy on IG who posts tons of videos of the exhaust setups he installs along with a clip of the driver leaving the shop and getting on the gas: https://www.instagram.com/theexhaustaddicts/

 

[Bchev]

This is what I installed https://www.flowmastermufflers.com/products/exhaust/mufflers/flowfx_mufflers/parts/71229