Muffler Replacement ?

[jlhog]

Can someone tell me what diameter the pipe is before the muffler? I am considering getting a different muffler (better sounding). 2004 3.4 Thanks

[leroBob]

Usually 2.5 fairly standard.

[Babyblue]

I believe it's 2 inch.

[jlhog]

I am leaning more towards 2". Hard to tell for sure, but it's not very big.I just want to get the right size muffler.

[AleroCzak]

Pretty sure the stock pipe is only 2 inch.

[Redog]

Stock on the Alero is 2.25 inches

[falloutboy]

Link to Walker exhaust (http://catalog.walkerexhaust.com/catalog/resultsDiagramDisplay.do?diagramNumber=13_03431&catalogCode=walkerexhaustasset&locale=en&loadStatus=ACTIVE)

this way, u should get a fitting muffler and exhaust clamps, as most manufacturers and sales guys can x-reference the walker part-#

[jlhog]

I found this on the Walker site. It says 2" in and 2" out. This muffler is a direct replacement for the 2004 Alero. Has anyone tried this? Just wondering how it sounds.

http://www.walkerexhaust.com/catalog/walker-exhaust-systems/e-catalog-lookup/18557

Muffler Inlet Count 1
Muffler Inlet Diameter 1 2.000"
Muffler Inlet Diameter Designation Outside Diameter
Muffler Inlet Connection Type Pipe Connection
Muffler Outlet Configuration Offset
Muffler Outlet Count 2
Muffler Outlet Diameter 2.000"

[Papa Rad17]

Stock on the Alero is 2.25 inches

I do believe so. Doesn't vary with motor does it?

[jlhog]

Looking at the Walker link falloutboy posted above the same size is used on both 4 and 6 cylinder models 1999-2004
http://www.walkerexhaust.com/catalog/walker-exhaust-systems/e-catalog-lookup

[falloutboy]

Hope the Walker site is correct, as my intermediate pipe looks more like rust bucket, than exhaust.
And this month I have my tech inspection, soo knowing what pipe fits would be awesome.

Good luck with finding a muffler that suits you

[jlhog]

Hardest part of finding the muffler I want is not being able to hear what it sounds like before buying it. If it sounds like crap, I just threw that money down the drain.

[jlhog]

I just put the calipers on my pipe just before the muffler. 1.94xxx inches. Pretty close to 2" OD. I also emailed Walker about what type of sound to expect from the 18557. Now for a new question. I am looking at Manzo strut braces. Any good? 2004 Grand Am will fit the Alero? This forum will cost me $$$$$$$$$$$

[1970cs]

That brace will fit! They both were built on the same assembly line in Lansing.

Pat

[jlhog]

Thanks neighbor!!

[jlhog]

After more research on the Walker Sound Fx muffler it appears it is not much louder than stock. My son has a Borla in his garage that may fit or I will go with the Thrush Turbo. I also ordered new headlight assemblies and Xenon HID bulbs. And Xenon HID fog light bulbs. Also coming will be the Manzo front and rear upper strut bars.Scheduling Friday to get the windows tinted. My Little Red Hot Rod is coming together...

[Bahlzeron]

Go for the redneck ultra coolness glass pack, O'Reilly sells Thrush glass packs for 'bout $22 right now. I plan on going catless (possibly a high flow cat), and no resonator with glass pack with my 2.4l, nice free flowing exhaust (even better after I get my header on).

[01OhioAlero]

I went with a catless downpipe on my 3500/3400 never again. It sounds awful. Raspy and very annoying. Flowmaster 40s sound good on a 3400

[Papa Rad17]

my 2.2 is currently catless. 4-2-1 header into a summit 18" glass pack, clean 2.25 pipe back a vibrant ultra quite resonator. It's not bad sometimes, but while the car is down I'm cutting the glass pack out. It smooths out the crackle but gives you a distinctive rice rocket sound. Get a high flow cat, worth it. The motor needs some back pressure anyway.

[jlhog]

I'm not getting all crazy with the exhaust. I just want a nice low rumble. I am hoping just a muffler swap will do this. I may have to try a couple different ones before I get the sound I want.If not I will put the stock muffler back on.

[Bahlzeron]

To get the sound you are looking for you may need to swap out the resonator with a glasspack, or delete it totally. Try different combinations, you'll get the sound you want. My old alero (2.4l), someone had deleted the resonator and catalytic but left the stock muffler in place.. sounded pretty good, much deeper than the one I have now.

[jlhog]

To get the sound you are looking for you may need to swap out the resonator with a glasspack, or delete it totally. Try different combinations, you'll get the sound you want. My old alero (2.4l), someone had deleted the resonator and catalytic but left the stock muffler in place.. sounded pretty good, much deeper than the one I have now.

I will get what I want or put the stock muffler back on. Not a big deal.

[Valley olds]

Go for the redneck ultra coolness glass pack, O'Reilly sells Thrush glass packs for 'bout $22 right now. I plan on going catless (possibly a high flow cat), and no resonator with glass pack with my 2.4l, nice free flowing exhaust (even better after I get my header on).

I tried going catless, due to a clogged cat. I did not even last 10 minutes. Terrible rasp. And I kind of felt a bit of bogging. Once I installed a Magnaflow cat though, problem solved.

I believe a member here would run two mufflers. One where it goes, and one in place of the resonator. He said sound was pretty good, and flow was great as well.

[jlhog]

Making a little progress. New headlight assemblies and HID bulbs are installed. The front strut tower brace is installed. The windows are all tinted 35% now. My son went camping this weekend so the muffler and probably the HID fog light bulbs will wait until next weekend. I may try the fog lights tomorrow, but this old guy hates laying on the ground. can anyone tell me what number the bulb is that is directly in front of the shifter in the console? I want to get an led and do not see it listed in the manual...

[jlhog]

Well I did change the fog light bulbs also. It was easier to remove the headlight and do it from above. I am disappointed with the cheap HID bulbs I bought. I may go with the Phillips CrystalVision Ultra. Something is not right with the headlight assemblies either, but I hope to get that sorted also. Can the fog lights be taken apart to clean them up?

[falloutboy]

U may want to start dedicated threads about these issues ;) much more change someone answers, and provide pics to help aid you.

and yes, the foglights can be taken apart, BUT be careful the reflective part in all light housing is just steamed on chrome, so even a finger smear or wipe with a towel will remove the chrome
(don't ask me how I know)

[jlhog]

Sounds pretty good with no muffler. I had my son put the Thrush Turbo 2.25" muffler on . No video of that yet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKD9hTvFRWg&sns=emjl

[jlhog]

I got the car back from my son yesterday. He cut the muffler off and installed a Thrush Welded muffler 2.25" in and 2.25" out. He used an adapter to go from 2" to 2.25". My thought was better sound from the 2.25" and better selection of exhaust tips. Well it does sound pretty good. Nice rumble to it. I can see my mpg's going down as I like to hit the throttle a little harder now. I will post a video after I get the tip on....