Serious question - how long do SS mufflers last

[rfuerst911sc]

So I am looking for some aftermarket SS mufflers for my 996 C4 project . You can find new from 750.00 up to 5k . Used seem to run 600.00 to around 1800.00 . My goal is to save some weight and get a better sound than stock .

I typed in a Google search " how long does a 304 SS muffler last " and many of the replies said 8-10 years and some said 40k-80k . I believe most aftermarket mufflers are a simple u-tube that has holes in it and maybe some packing material .

So as long as welds don't crack how long should they really last ? I don't drive my P cars in bad weather . I am considering some used mufflers. The seller states no rattles or loose sounds . But you will never know how old they are . Does that matter ? What criteria do you guys use when buying aftermarket mufflers or exhaust ?

[stevej37]

I have an M&K 2in/2out on my 78 for 20 years now....still looks and sounds like new.
Same on the 84 but 1in/2out. 15 years on that one...just like new yet.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

So I am looking for some aftermarket SS mufflers for my 996 C4 project . You can find new from 750.00 up to 5k . Used seem to run 600.00 to around 1800.00 . My goal is to save some weight and get a better sound than stock .

I typed in a Google search " how long does a 304 SS muffler last " and many of the replies said 8-10 years and some said 40k-80k . I believe most aftermarket mufflers are a simple u-tube that has holes in it and maybe some packing material .

So as long as welds don't crack how long should they really last ? I don't drive my P cars in bad weather . I am considering some used mufflers. The seller states no rattles or loose sounds . But you will never know how old they are . Does that matter ? What criteria do you guys use when buying aftermarket mufflers or exhaust ?

Just blew out mine
20yrs and ~60k mi
lots of shorter trims likely lead to an early demise


mine didn't used f/g or ss wrapping which tends to go far earlier

[rfuerst911sc]

Bill what specifically " blew out " on yours ? Did the muffler body crack ? Internals came loose ? Stock or aftermarket ? Thanks

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by stevej37

I have an M&K 2in/2out on my 78 for 20 years now....still looks and sounds like new.
Same on the 84 but 1in/2out. 15 years on that one...just like new yet.

Your examples don't count 😁 , Ben's muffler quality is superior to anything else available . I know I had two of them also . I don't know if any muffler manufacturer is using 321 SS . They briefly made M&K mufflers for the 996 , I would love to find a pair of them .