What Is a Muffler Delete?

A muffler delete is a process that removes the muffler component from your exhaust system and, in most cases, replaces it with a muffler delete pipe. It's a simple definition, but it gets technical quite quickly.

What does a muffler do?

The muffler helps to contain noise from car engines. The sound it reduces comes from vibrations and heat, which are caused by combustion in internal-combustion engine vehicles.

What does a muffler delete do?

There are many reasons why you might want to remove your muffler. Here are just a few advantages of a muffler delete:

Improve sound and appearance

If you're like us–an unwavering fan of the aggressive roar and growl that comes from the engine–then a muffler delete could be your next project. Also – a better look! Both newer and older vehicles without a muffler sticking out look much better than those with them prominently visible. Sleeker and more put together.

Performance

Note: Muffler delete power gains are most noticeable on older vehicles with a more restrictive muffler. Power gains are minimal at best in modern vehicles.

Mufflers on most vehicles act like a restrictor plate, which limits the amount of air that gets into the engine and increases back pressure to force it out through narrow pipes; this means less power for you. On older vehicles, a muffler delete can improve the car’s exhaust flow, thus increasing the horsepower delivered by your engine.

Shed some weight on your car

As a performance driver, you know what you can do with a little vehicle weight loss. Removing your muffler can make your car more agile and improve speed because there are fewer parts working in tandem. The overall weight reduction can help out on long track runs or in the hills.

Potential Downsides of a Muffler Delete

Insignificant power gain on modern vehicles

The main reason for a muffler delete is audible enhancement. It's possible some cars could gain power, but it's typically not much more than a couple horsepower. If you have a performance vehicle modified for power, then you may have more gain. Nothing is guaranteed, though. If you are looking to upgrade your exhaust for more power, consider upgrading to a complete aftermarket exhaust system.

Poor idling without additional modifications

Though rare, the lack of backpressure with a muffler delete can cause idling issues if installed wrong. The low-end torque meter can go out of calibration and you may notice your RPMs go up by 200 or so. When you cut out mufflers or pipes, it changes the fit of the exhaust, potentially contributing to high idle and vibration.

esidue Buildup

When you delete your muffler, there are fewer parts to catch soot and residue buildup. It won’t affect the way your car runs, but make sure to clean it off the exit pipe every couple of weeks, especially if it’s a solo exhaust.

Emissions standards

A muffler delete doesn't increase emissions, so there won't be any emission standards violations. However, some local, territory, or country laws and regulations worldwide have laws that control vehicle noise and forbid an exhaust modification or an aftermarket exhaust system for emission issues. Check your local laws to be sure.

Is it Bad to do a Muffler Delete?

If you’re thinking about performing a muffler delete, it's best to have it done professionally in a shop or truly know what you're doing. A muffler delete could potentially do more harm than good. You won't damage your engine without a muffler, but if you don't know what you're cutting or removing you could damage internals or other important components. An exhaust leak or rusting may happen if a poor welding job is done, pipes up against the cosmetic body can cause vibrations, and a bad pipe cut could cause your car's ECU to go out of wack.

Past the work itself, you could also receive citations from law enforcement. It is illegal to modify a car's exhaust (in both newer and older cars) to a noise level that's above the legal noise permittance. Though it's not likely you'll get pulled over for deleting your muffler, it's highly likely you could get pulled over for violating a noise ordinance.

How Much Does a Muffler Delete Cost?

If you're looking at a muffler delete, the costs may surprise you. The parts themselves only cost between $50 and $350 for this type of modification, while mechanics charge around $100-200 extra for labor

There is a growing amount of muffler delete tutorials on YouTube if you're wondering how to do a muffler delete, so a muffler delete project may just be one of the easiest endeavors you take on. And if you’re looking to save money on your muffler delete project, we have the highest quality selection of products we’re proud to share with you.

Note: We have many muffler delete products for many applications. Be sure to check out all of our muffler delete products here.

WRX Muffler Delete - $319.99

For us, it’s obvious why the WRX ranks high on performance awards time and time again. They’re just plain fun to drive. When you combine that with reliability and interchangeability, they become even more attractive. If you’re looking to get more noise and aggressive performance out of your 2015+ WRX, this MAP WRX muffler delete kit has you covered. Simply disconnect the clamp connections on your catback, remove both mufflers, and attach this beauty –  it really is that simple!

Camaro Muffler Delete - $394.99

The Camaro’s a beast. It’s a perfect balance of style, comfort, and aggressiveness. The sleek body combined with its powerful engine make it one of the top performance choices on the market today. They’re incredibly flexible with aftermarket changes and swaps, which means that installing a Camaro muffler delete kit is as easy as “123.”

With our 2010-2015 Camaro muffler delete kit, installation only takes minutes if you’re willing to get your hands dirty.

Types of Mufflers: Turbo Mufflers vs Straight Pipes

On the outside looking in, the terms “muffler delete”, “turbo muffler”, and “straight pipe” can be confusing. These two procedures can be the exact same thing or not at all related. Basically, a straight pipe exhaust can be part of a muffler delete project, but you can straight pipe other components as well, not just the muffler. We go more into what both these terms mean below.

Turbo Muffler

Turbo mufflers are a great choice for those looking to tone down their car’s exhaust note and keep it more contained. They use three or fewer tubes, so exhaust flow doesn’t change direction often. As a result, sound waves bounce into each other to eliminate unwanted tones, while producing excellent exhaust flow and a mild exhaust note.

Straight Pipes

If you want to get really technical, straight pipe exhaust procedures refer to anything that’s an integral part of the exhaust system, like resonators, manifolds, and catalytic converters. A straight pipe exhaust bypasses any mufflers or catalytic converters to produce louder sounds and potentially higher performance. Being that they're incredibly loud, these types of exhaust systems are typically found in performance cars and race vehicles.

Muffler Delete

A muffler delete completely strips the muffler and replaces it with aftermarket kits. A muffler delete could be the perfect addition for any car enthusiast who wants to hear their engines roar. The increased exhaust flow will give you more horsepower too, so it's like getting two free upgrades!

Related products

Muffler delete products - Muffler delete inventory for your vehicle's exhaust system

Straight pipe products - For noise and clear flowing exhaust

Aftermarket performance mufflers - Vehicle muffler products

Performance exhaust system - Advanced exhaust systems

Is a Muffler Delete Illegal?

As mufflers are not part of emissions, it's legal to remove them as long as your exhaust noise stays under sound ordinances–the most critical thing in noise regulations. So a muffler delete in most US states is not illegal, but you will have to have at least one noise reduction component for the ensuing growly, loud sound with your car's exhaust flow. Because most vehicles, newer and older cars, have mufflers and resonators (sound-dampening function components), you can legally remove one of the two and still be within legal limits.

It’s best to check your state and local laws beforehand, even if you’re based out of the United States. Other territories, regions, and countries, in general, may have different regulations.