What are my muffler options

So I have been searching and have not seen a definitive list, only threads on individual brands, etc. My car has the real PSE but they are failing. On one side I have a broken weld on of the baffles and it makes my car sound like a lawnmower, on the other side there is some other kind of external rattle (actuator lever?). A new set is ~$1700 from Sunset. That is a lot of money to spend on an exhaust that only lasted 40,000 miles in dry, salt free California. Due to it's reported poor build quality, there have been lots of threads on this here, think stainless steel used, poor internal welds, etc. I have decided to not drop the money on another set. I do like the PSE sound but do not want to go louder. What are my current options? Factory standard? Fabspeed Tubi Sound After Hours Automotive GHL (are they still making mufflers for the 996?) BB (Billy Boat) Others? (edit) Cargraphics Gemballa Jic-cross Agency Power Thanks

cargraphics... There seems to be a lot of failures on PSE.... Im wondering if it is because people have it on all the time and dont cycle the internal chamber to the other once i awhile.... that is how its designed in the 1st place.

IMHO, Fabspeed blows. Get a used set of 3.6 cans and send them to Darren for modification.

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Why do you say that? Are you opposed to weight savings and handling improvements? Why not save 20lbs off the rear bumper with any brand of aftermarket? Andy -- I love my Fabspeed, which I picked up used for half price. You might search around if you can.

Too bad there is no easy way to test drive some of these. The soundclips don't help much at all. I am really happy with my Fabspeeds, but had little chance to try anything else.

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If you add headers, you will love it even more. It will sound like a proper Pcar.

I had the decision whittled down to Tubi or Cargraphic... I ended up getting a great deal on a set of Tubi's so I went with them (having never heard them live). The sound is perfect - low end burble and growl, and a proper snarl under full power. The best part is that they are OEM quiet under low throttle and on the freeway. Your in the SF area right? Isnt Sharkwerks close by -- they sell Cargraphic and Tubi... Im sure theyll have a car around to hear...

I'll give Sharkwerks a call and do some homework. Thanks! Keep the suggestions/comments coming. I've been listening to a lot of sound clips on youtube and they only help a little bit. AA

I went with the Afterhours and love them. I had the bypass pipes and they were too loud. The AH are a really nice product, lightweight and sound great. Check them out.

I was between doing the PSE hack or the fabspeed, and I think I'm going to go with the fabspeed. I haven't heard a ton of exhausts side by side, but the fabspeed had the deep low sound I wanted

Another vote for AH Mufflers......I had a problem with original set and they sent me a new set The new sets are just perfect sound wise - there is zero drone and I can hear a cell phone call. The car has a definitive sound that is aggressive and not too obnoxious Best part these are priced where they all should be......all the others are way over priced IMHO.

I'm am interested in the AH mufflers but am concerned that they are too loud. In their own video they show the mufflers setting off a car alarm, not something I want to do. Has anyone compared them side by side to the PSEs? Thanks

AH mufflers had complaints of droning. You may want to do a bit of research on 6 speed.

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Dave, B/c from what I hear, their stuff is made in China and their service when you buy over the internet is weak at best. I personally don't think they are worth the money. Now, used at half price is a different story. "Are you opposed to weight savings and handling improvements?" Now that's a silly question when it's so open ended. If they are free, then absolutely not, as long as they have no negative effects. (I could save u a ton of weight by removing ur engine) But when your paying for them then there has to be a "cost vs benefits" formula applied to it. For street driving 20lbs off the *** means very little to me, and I can think of better ways to save weight that cost little to nothing. IMO, Do those first, then spend $1500 to save 20lbs off the muffler. As far as sound goes (which is really all we are talking about here) I think you can get great results w/ the DIY mod for a fraction of the price. And, honestly I think the DIY Mod sounds BETTER than the stock Fabspeeds. Just my 2 cents.

Anyone here hear the pse/pse hack vs fabspeed in a cab? I like to hear my car (i cant hear it at all now unless I really get on it), but don't want it to be too loud where it will be annoying in a cab

I just realized the other day that I still have a set of 3.6 stock mufflers in my shop if anyone is looking for a set to do the PSE hack. JIM

^^ Jim you have PM

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I don't have a cab, but I can honestly say that it's very tame unless you WOT or get the RPMs past 5k. For such a simple mod it really is amazing. You really can't tell it's there when you are cruising or driving calmly (windows down and sunroof open). BUT jump on it, and it SUDDENLY comes to life. I HIGHLY recommend it. Personally, even if I had the Fabspeed cans, I would still do this mod, it's THAT good. Ps. "JBRipps" has a set for sale as well.

Another fan of the AH Sport muffler here, love the deep throaty sound and the attention (head turning stares, ooh's and ahh's from children to grown men) the car gets when you flick your wrist to start the ignition. My only quibble a minor one to me is the presence of droning between 2-3 RPM when accelerating. About a month ago I was fortunate enough to get a call from Brian asking me if I would be interested in swapping out the original AH mufflers with his new Gen 2 mufflers for a trial period. Not one to pass up on new products, I jumped at the opportunity. Brian did ask me for one thing, in addition to what my impressions were of the Gen 2- he was very much interested in what my wife thought about it. My initial impressions of the Gen 2 muffler were that the sound at idle and light acceleration was appreciably lower than the originals and at WOT the sound was similar but more controlled than the originals. As for my wife's impression she immediately noticed that we could carry on a conversation under light acceleration and cruising speed and more importantly her head didn't hurt from the constant rumble ( droning) of the originals. Well it's been about a month and 1,500 miles later ( which included a trip to NorCal- Stockton/San Jose area) and the sound is still the same, meanwhile my wife keeps telling ( not asking!) me- You are going to keep these new ones right?? I could go either way the originals or the Gen 2 but because the Gen 2 are now a WAP (Wife Approved Product)- it's a no brainer. These mufflers are well made and definitely worth the price of admission-IMHO. Although I have not had the opportunity to compare them side by side -the Gen 2 and the PSE, listening to all the examples of the PSE on Youtube, I can say the GEN 2 is quieter at idle and during light acceleration than the PSE. Too bad Kid this didn't happen two weeks earlier, I was actually with the wife at the Fry's Electronics in Campbell- could have met up with you for an exhibition. Good luck in whatever you decide, Sherm

Sherm, That's a great review of the Gen2 setup. AH just emailed me yesterday and told me they were coming. Definitely a good option. To bad I missed you up here, that would have been perfect. Best, Andy

I have a set of GHL mufflers for sale. I can't figure out how to link to the thread. do a search under my user name. $600 shipped.

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Are these the "loud" version?

I didn't know there was a loud version. I only thought there were mufflers and there were muffler bypass pipes.

We need a get-together of 996s with different exhaust setups. Then we could decide which ones sound the best. Personally, the winner would be the one that sounded the most like a GT3 w/ PSE on. Thats the sweetest sound ive driven yet. I just did the PSE hack where the cap at the corner of the can is opened up and 2.25" pipe is welded from there to the original out pipe. When i fired it up my shoulders sank as i looked at the driveway full of tools. I will probably give it one more try add another inbetween the orig in & out. Pray for me.....

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I have never heard the PSE hack. However, there is a member here with 200 cell cats and a PSE hack. There no drone which is great. This should give you extra power and deeper sound you are looking for without throwing the muffler away.

I love my Fabspeeds. On occasion though I do wish they where a bit louder (in th4e lower RPM), but on a daily or street driven car, they are darn near perfect. Quiet enough to not garnish attention from local law enforcement but nice when you get on it. Especially at around 4k to redline. I've heard PSE and they sound nice at low rpm and idle but aren't all that loud up top.

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Hey Andy, There's a good few that we've done but honestly not everyone wants the same one. Some want quieter vs louder etc... If there's any way you can swing by Santana Row on a Saturday and listen to some different types that might help too. I know on Friday we'll be doing a Tubi system on an NA 997 (sounds the same) if that helps? The PSE's sound really good as well but that's on the quieter side of the fence.