Muffler Frustration

[shertex]

Finally found an exhaust shop that could source a muffler for my 91 300D. Was trying to avoid dropping $550 or so on a MB branded muffler. So, before I went ahead with the work, I made every effort to confirm and clarify that there would be no drone (I had previously deleted the resonator) and no degradation of performance with the single pipe muffler (the MB original has two pipes). He assured me there would be no issues.

Well, sure enough, as I drive away it's a bit sluggish. Not dramatic, but I can tell something is off. The muffler shop is being very accommodating and is happy to swap out the muffler for one with fewer baffles and a larger pipe.

The single pipe has an area of 3.3 inches. The original two pipes had an area of 5.5 inches. So that seems like an obvious, if partial, explanation. The muffler he's now recommending is 2.5 inches which translates into 4.9 inches of area. Hopefully that will be close enough.

[JHZR2]

Interesting.

My 93 300sd had an aftermarket final muffler. The rest is all stock.

I’ve found one or two of these online. For the 300sd/603, the two outlet OE muffler is the same as the 6 cyl gas engine. Not sure if there is some/better option from another model. Fortunately my 91 and 93 have dual outlet OE mufflers, but I can see the issues with sourcing the right things.

I guess my concern or issue is that if you removed the OE resonator, you can’t really expect the sound to be the same.

The lack of flow is an interesting point. I need to look into this for my 300sd.

[shertex]

They they swapped out the muffler...with one that's more of a direct pass (no baffles) and a 2.5" single pipe. Much improved but still feels a bit sluggish.

Stock 0-60 is about 13 seconds. They first muffler they put on I was at 26 seconds. Now I'm about 20. So it's still not right. Not sure what to do or how much of a fuss to make.

I've always been glad to have gotten rid of the resonator.

[t walgamuth]

I'd never put one on with less area than the factory. I have dropped one muff or res many times and the increase in sound was not bad and indeed I enjoy a bit of rumble. I'd never reduce the size of the pipes though.

Muff shops do this because smaller pipe is cheaper and most customers don't notice it.

[shertex]

The area is now at least that of the original...about 4.9 square inches.

[JHZR2]

Have you verified that boost levels are correct?