Bursch Carrera Muffler

Lucky · 01-15-2002, 07:06 PM

The recent threads on mufflers rekindled my primal urge for the "right" exhaust note for my car.

I currently have two exhausts for my car... stock 3.2 muffler & a custom single-in/out Flowmaster. The stock doesn't command any attention as I putt by quiety, while the Flowmaster forces people to cover their ears and hide their children! I'm looking for a happy middleground, but on a budget. So the best options seem to be 1) try to add a glasspack to the Flowmaster (not sure what would be better (before or after the muffler) or 2) spend ~$280 on the Bursch Carrera muffler.

I've been told the Bursch's are loud, which may have been the case in the past or may still be with some models. However, according to Performance Products the revised Bursch Carrera has a resonator after the muffler to quiet things down.

So my first set of questions are: Does anyone have one of these newer Bursches on a Carrera (with a cat bypass) and, if you do, how do you like the sound? Deep, throaty? Is it TOO loud?

And the second batch of questions are: Would a glasspack quiet down the Flowmaster to any decent degree? And are there any really compact glasspacks that would be effective (I've only got 8" of straight 3" pipe available for replacement without major rework to the custom system)? Would it be better to place the glasspack upstream or downstream of the Flowmaster?

APKhaos · 01-15-2002, 07:44 PM

John,
Most posts rate the Bursch as cruel and unusual punishment. The Dansk gets good reports as a happy medium at a decent price.
What model Flowmaster do you have? Jack O is using a Flowmaster for an 80s Camaro - 1in 2out - which wont pass the 90dB test at Laguna, so I guess its loud enough.

Another alternative is to tweak a second outlet on the stock Carrera muffler. Your ride looks nice, so you might want to take your valence off for this kind of test before making a decision. I have a spare 3.2 stock muffler you are welcome to play with - would be good to hear your Flowmaster as well. Looks liek you live close to me, so email if interested.

chuckr · 01-16-2002, 03:47 AM

I have the Bursch with cat bypass on my 83SC.I really like the sound ! I really do not understand the too loud crowd. I have heard the B&B on 911's and it is louder than mine, the GHL is also louder, I wish I had the money for the new GHL, I like loud !

rstoll · 01-16-2002, 03:54 AM

I just put the Bursch Carerra muffler on my SC, still waiting for it to get loud. It is deeper than stock, but not a lot louder. Good product for the money.

Thomas Owen · 01-16-2002, 05:05 AM

I am with Robert on this one - I have the same setup with a Cat bypass on my '88. Not really louder, just a deeper tone.
Regards

Lucky · 01-16-2002, 01:34 PM

Thanks, all, for the replies so far... glad that a few people that have a Bursch on their car were brave enough to admit it and on top of that actually claim to like the sound.

I'm leaning toward the Bursch... it looks like a nice piece of engineering at a great price. Just hope the sound is right.

If anyone in the DC area has one on a 3.2, I'd be glad to bring a sixpack and a couple of lawn chairs over... we can listen to your exhaust until the beer is gone.

On to individual replies...

Tony K... yes, I'm not too far from you (next town to your West). I'll think about the offer to experiment with your old stock muffler... a generous offer indeed!

Chuck, Robert, and Thomas... thanks for the firsthand impressions of the Bursch. Based on what you guys say, it sounds like the Bursch is exactly what I'm after... I want some deeper tones to the exhaust note (vs. stock) without things getting too loud.

Lucky · 01:57 PM

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Lucky · 02:02 PM

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Lucky · 01-16-2002, 05:58 PM

The PPBBS seems to have been a bit ill earlier today... my posts were timing out and then threads weren't properly updated on the main index pages. Figure I'd try again so my "thank you" post above would be seen by those I'm thanking!

chuckr · 01-16-2002, 06:03 PM

With the Bursch just remember to remove the paint that is on the exhaust and repaint with VHT High Temp, it is worth it !

Doug Zielke · 01-16-2002, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckr
......, the GHL is also louder, I wish I had the money for the new GHL, I like loud !

The GHL (1in/1out) on my SC is *not* that loud. But it is much deeper in tone than stock. I like it a lot. It occasionally sets off the rice-boys' car alarms. Bonus, not mentioned by GHL

Lucky · 01-17-2002, 05:19 AM

Just re-read this... saw Tony K asked which Flowmaster I have.

It is a 1-in/1-out, with the in & out on the same end of the muffler. It's plumbed such that the pipe from the back of the catalyst/testpipe slants up to go into the muffler, while the exit is a straight shot to the left side valence cut out. The tip is angled back at 45 degrees (or so) to match up nicely with the valance/bumper. Other than being damn loud, the thing is awesome... gobs of top-end HP!

When I swap in the stock muffler, I feel a slight bump in mid-range torque but a sizeable drop in top-end (5000 - 6500) power.

As a track exhaust, the Flowmaster is fantastic.

TonyK, you are welcome to borrow it if you want. I don't currently have it on my car.

VenezianBlau 87 · 01-17-2002, 05:34 AM

Hi guys:

FWIW, I just installed a Bursch cat bypass on my '87 Carrera. At around $127 from Pelican, it's a nicely made piece and the O2 sensor fits nicely in the threaded hole. It is painted black. The finish sort of burns in to a nice metallic gun metal color. I'm still running the original muffler. Funny how it has a "930" part number. I thought the 930's ran a different shape muffler. Maybe from a late '70's version of 930.

Interestingly, I noticed the motor revs up at a faster rate without the cat. After 15 years, the cat may be a little restrictive. Tailpipe sound is a little throatier and emphasizes the wonderful flat 6 music.
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Cheers to all
Bob Sauerteig
'87 Carrera "Venetian Blue"

kepperly · kepperly's Garage

bob,
I just replaced my b&b twin exit w/ a bursch on my 87 cabriolet,
and i am very pleased with the mellower sound. The b&b was
just too loud for a soft top car, at 60-70mph very distracting
noise and i had to almost yell to communicate with the significant
other. Sold the b&b for a nice chunk of change and bought the bursch from automation over christmas for about $220.00 if
memory serves. also I was able to reinstall my lower rear valance
which only was cut out for single exit. I sold Porsches in the late
70s and bursch was always the hot ticket, glad to see them comeing back even though the made in japan tag kind of upset me.
enjoy
keith