Gutting an OEM Lib GT muffler for maximum airflow - 2009

[cpitts]

I just might have to give this a try , anyone got a spare set of mufflers they want to off load......cheap

Might be willing to provide a set for exchange

Just be aware that the shape and size of the tips on the 3RB's is different to that on the GT Spec-B's.

Ideally you need to steal from the same facelift, engine type and model (ie: Spec B or GT or 3RB)

[BYE911]

I have just purchased my very first Turbo being a Liberty GT MY10 Manual and would like to get a little bit more noise (note) from the stock mufflers.
If I open them up and cut out all the inside (gut them)will this have any detrimental affect on the car?
Do you think that they would be quiet at idle with a little bit more noise on open throttle or noisier all the time.

[cpitts]

Gutting the mufflers gives you exactly the sound your talking about. Quiet at idle and low throttle, and (from in the car) even quiet at full throttle! You won't start amplifying noise until you fit a full 3" exhaust from the turbo back, but ultimately, the size and diameter of the tip on the mufflers is what will keep the sound at a reasonable level.

If all you want is a little better sounds and a smoother driving experience (eg: smoother power delivery, more rapid response), then this mod will do that.

Be warned, finding a company that will re-seal the mufflers for a cheap price isn't easy. However, if you're a welder, then go right ahead.

[BYE911]

Thank you for the reply
It all sounds good (pardon the pun)now I just need to decide if I have the guts too do it.
If it doesn't work out quite right i will be in the poo big time with my wife, not too mention the cost for new mufflers.
It was hard enough getting it lowered, far less this mod.
If i do it, I will let you know how it turned out.

[cpitts]

In all honesty, this is the most wife friendly mod I've done to the car. It's invisible, doesn't add in-cabin noise, doesn't make the car undrivable and even improves the fuel economy slightly. . . . . . . . what's not to love!

[Arith]

It all sounds good (pardon the pun)now I just need to decide if I have the guts too do it.

Wow, you want to do this to a brand new car? That is gutsy! Normally it's not too bad for a Gen IV where used parts are more readily available, thus cheaper. But MY10 is too new and if you don't like it or you have to sell the car sooner, it will cost an arm and a leg to replace the factory mufflers from the dealership. Good luck though! Personally I wouldn't go the $10 route on a $50k+ car. Some things are worth investing in.

[moggy]

I agree with Arith, spend some money on an aftermarket system and keep your standard muffs. That way if you need to change back for any reason (ie. warranty issues) then you can always sell off the aftermarket system.

Bob.

[cpitts]

It all sounds good (pardon the pun)now I just need to decide if I have the guts too do it.

<snpi>Personally I wouldn't go the $10 route on a $50k+ car. Some things are worth investing in.

$$'s doesn't always equate to good value or better results.

It's fit for purpose. If the request was for a huge airflow system and bigger turbo then yes, the full exhaust solution would be much better answer, but on a stock turbo............

[cruisn]

In all honesty, this is the most wife friendly mod I've done to the car.

My wife will be happy with what "I" decide for her car.

I can see the benefit of the mod, but for the original price outlayed, id rather have something shiny or with a name to justify the cost.

[cpitts]

In all honesty, this is the most wife friendly mod I've done to the car.

<snip>but for the original price outlayed, id rather have something shiny or with a name to justify the cost.

And those requirements mean $400 ebay polished cannons. Not my cup of tea, but it's not my car or money.

[moggy]

And those requirements mean $400 ebay polished cannons. Not my cup of tea, but it's not my car or money.

But if you had to resell them you would get most of your money back. If the car had warranty issues and Subaru saw that the mufflers had been welded they'd drop you like a hot potato.

Bob.

[cpitts]

If the car had warranty issues and Subaru saw that the mufflers had been welded they'd drop you like a hot potato.

Intererestingly No on both points

I've had many interesting conversations with STi Docklands (Vin specifically; they service all my turbo Subarus since they've existed) about my mod regime with the car and he has absolutely no issues with it. Yes, he suggests other areas for change (he loves dump pipe replacements ) but has never questioned the validity of change only its resultant purpose, which for me is throttle response and ability to rev more smoothly, which it completes on both fronts with ease.

As I've always stated, the mod is for pressure restriction removal. Any other positive side effect (noise, etc) is ust a bonus. The fact that the muffler is only costing 1.5kW @ 165kW ATW (compared to no muffler at all) then I'm more than happy to use it as a quality stealth solution. Because clearly, it's a factory muffler officer.

[blacknwhite]

If the car had warranty issues and Subaru saw that the mufflers had been welded they'd drop you like a hot potato.

Intererestingly No on both points

I've had many interesting conversations with STi Docklands (Vin specifically; they service all my turbo Subarus since they've existed) about my mod regime with the car and he has absolutely no issues with it. Yes, he suggests other areas for change (he loves dump pipe replacements ) but has never questioned the validity of change only its resultant purpose

Well I dont think that is going to cut much ice now, sounds like for whatever reason Vin is goooorne, for what reason we dont know, but if he was giving advice like that , no matter how correct or valid, as a representative of Subaru you could see why the head honcho's would not be best pleased

[Wasbxt]

Thank you for the reply
It all sounds good (pardon the pun)now I just need to decide if I have the guts too do it.
If it doesn't work out quite right i will be in the poo big time with my wife, not too mention the cost for new mufflers.
It was hard enough getting it lowered, far less this mod.
If i do it, I will let you know how it turned out.

Sorry to threadjack but what springs did you put in?
Have my wagon coming in the next few weeks and really want it lowered before delivery......BTW, is yours a wagon or sedan?

[cpitts]

Well I dont think that is going to cut much ice now, sounds like for whatever reason Vin is goooorne, for what reason we dont know, but if he was giving advice like that , no matter how correct or valid, as a representative of Subaru you could see why the head honcho's would not be best pleased

That's a rather biased comment based on nothing more than your imagination.

I work on the premis that if you modify your car, you take your warranty into your own hands. Personally, I'd be a LOT more concerend if I saw a full 3" exhaust on a Subaru rather than a set of custom OEM mufflers. Mufflers are so insignificant on Subaru's on their own that they rate of little concern on a service front. Combine them with other mods though and it's a different story, and then it's all about the diameter of the pipe going in and going out and the pressure chambers inside it that determines its performance. A modified OEM muffler is much closer to 'standard' in the eyes of service than an after market item.

The thing that people seem to be constantly missing with this mod is that it's a compromise mod. It's invisible to the naked eye (stock mufflers), it's quiet and it gives you maximum airflow from the stock mufflers. In fact, it'll let you easily max out the standard turbo and a VF52 without any issues, but ~200kW ATW will be the limit for these things and that's beyond most people's daily routine anyway.