Muffler prices?

[shawnw]

So I think the muffler is finally gone on the car. It got really loud all of a sudden last week. All the pipes look to be in decent shape, the muffler is rusty but with no noticable holes so I think something inside gave out.

I called all the local shops and got quotes of $155-$175can (and one $255 quote) for the replacement of the muffler including all parts and labour.

I dont know if its just me but that seems pretty pricey for such a little simple muffler.

Does anybody know of a cheaper option? prehaps a interchangable, less expensive muffler from another car. The sound is getting to be a pain in the butt.

oh, and if possible, the quieter the better.

[MONSOON]

You should be able to get 1 at your local auto parts store for under $40 with the gasket.

[91blufestiva]

mechanic(or muffler) shops normally charge a lot for labor. The muffler itself isn't too much, because I got 2 cherry bombs for my '65 galaxie for $40.

[rto488]

napa

[mattswabb]

34.79 at www.rockauto.com

[jglutz]

I think I paid about $35 in '95....it's a Walker from Big-A (CarQuest)...It has a life time warranty....I've had to change it out three times since.

[mechanicaldj]

please note guys,
he lives in Canada

[FB71]

noted^^^

but still, I bought a direct-fit muffler at Advance Auto for $25...

[shawnw]

If I can fine a direct fit replacement, how hard would it be to do the install myself? I've always had cars with warrantys on the mufflers so I've yet to do any exhaust work?

[JoDan]

well if you know how to do some basic welding you can make it look all spiffy lol

[FB71]

the stock muffler is connected to the extention pipe by a two-bolt flange. If you can remove and install two bolts, you an change a Festiva muffler.

[shawnw]

Thanks for the response, I'll see how much Napa and Lordco are asking.

[mattswabb]

Buy 2 new bolts and nuts. Most likely you'll break the ones off when you remove them especially if you have any rust issues. Hang the new muffler in the rubber hangers, slip the gasket between the flanges and install 2 bolts/nuts then tighten. That's it.

[joebreck117]

check that mid-pipe closely for holes...i didnt notice anything on mine but it turned out it had rusted through on top where the pipe and the shielding touch...look for black areas... this could be soot coming from a hole

not sure if anyone else has ordered a mid-pipe, i mean i'm sure someone has, but when mine came in it was actually a larger diameter than stock...couldn't put the shielding back on but it fit perfect and i imagine it got slightly better air flow than before

[WmWatt]

I've had my muffler off. If the nuts aren't rusted is should come off. If the nuts are rusted they can be worked on with solvent and a wire brush. I dumped a lot of rust out of it and put it back on.