B&B muffler or GHL muffler: Which to choose?

[R22tech]

I'm looking to enhance the sound of my 3.2 Carrera. Don't care about performance gain, DO CARE about lost performance. I've seen and heard a B&B muffler and it sounded nice. The GHL, according to Pelican's tech article, seems like a good choice as well. I'd like to here from anyone who has done this, and only this as my car is 100% stock right now, so I can get a feel for the pros and cons.

[campbellcj]

This is all "heresay" but on the various BMW & Porsche lists I have frequented over the last 3-4 years, I have seen very few really positive statements about B&B. I have seen tons of comments about being "too loud" and having annoying resonances; worse, quality seems spotty. Broken welds, perforations and so forth. If I spent $900 on an exhaust and it lasted 2 years, I would not be pleased.

I have not heard many negatives at all about GHL, as well as Dansk. Personally I think the Dansk SS units might be the best bet.

Again, just what I've seen, take it for a grain of salt.

[930slant]

I have an 88 930 that had a B&B muffler installed prior to my purchasing the car three years ago. I love the sound and it certainly is a head turner. It is loud by virtually any standard but I can't say how it compares to the other muffler you are considering. I don't drive the car that often and usually only for relatively short trips. My only complaint is that on long trips the sound can become somewhat of an annoyance.

[KTL]

Just read here (yesterday?) that somebody needed their GHL fixed. GHL sent them a new one no questions asked:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52966&perpage=20&pagenumber=2

B&B said the same of my muffler with end cap leaks. $400 for a new can.

You decide.

[jkcrewsn]

I have been looking at upgrading my exhaust as well. I have a turbo, so it may be different for you, especially since performance is all I care about. From what I have heard from various mechanics with experience with both systems, the common recommendation is go with B&B headers and either GHL or Mille Miglia muffler. The resonance is too much to bear on the B&B muffler. That is what I have been told anyway, for what it is worth.

[JDaniel]

I've got a GHL single in, Dual 3" out with a cat pipe on my 3.2. The sound is MUCH louder than stock. It's not a bad loud, but it's definately noticeable (to other people) when I drive down the street.
There is an annoying droning sound from about 2,500 to 3,500 rpm (usual driving range).

The quality of the muffler is excellent, and the fit was perfect.

Would I buy it again? I doubt it. I notice no power gains, just more noise. I wonder if the Dansk might be less loud...

[Bill Verburg]

I've had quite a few B&B 2 in 2 out mufflers over the years. Early ones were loud and resonated, they got better over the years, the last 2 were actually resonance free and sounded great. The problem and reason why I had so many of their mufflers is that every one of them cracked due to the nature of ss and due to a design defect. Early on they were very good about replacing defective cans, as the years progressed they became increasingly reluctant to stand behind their product. The last I heard they would warrenty for 2 yrs and no more. To me this is totaly unacceptable given the price and my experience.

The design defect is shared by GHL, the cans are short with long exit arms coming out the ends of the cans, these arms were unsupported in all but the last B&B which I had. The length and weight of the arms caused them to vibrate causing the ends of the cans to crack at the already suseptible welds.

When I put the B&B headers on my car (nice product by the way) I refused to buy another B&B . Instead I used a Fabiani muffler, not as visually appealing, but much sturdier in construction. The sound is very nice, if a bit hotroddy. The custom nature of the Fabiani pipes makes for an outstanding fit. You can also try to make your own with a Flowmaster twin in and twin out. But you will need to scrounge up some tips(the Fabianis are terrific in this respect also!!) and flanges. The 2.5" mandrel bent ss tube is cheap and readily available.

[carnut169]

Doug- I am sure you remember that my car has a B&B. It is my second B&B- the first being a single in dual out on my 86... it was much louder than the single- single on the car now, but I really like the way my car sounds. I have never had any problems with either, but unless you can find a deal I think $900+ is a bunch of green for a bit of sound (rather put in into the stereo!). I paid $250 for mine (including shipping)- it was used, but like new.

Another option would be a cat test pipe, which with a stock muffler should work very well. It will give you the added sound you are seeking, but you will need to replace the cat for your annual inspection. Plus side is that the best one (GHL stainless) can be had new for around $250- and since I just tried it I would be happy to help you with the swap.

[rstoll]

My wife did goooood! She went with the Bursch Carrera. Merry Christmas to me. Now she wants to wrap it up!!!!

[FrdzRed]

I've never really heard too many talk about "Monty mufflers". How are they compared to the others?

[JuiceMan]

A friend of mine has a GHL and it sounds awesome! However thats all I know about it

[pwd72s]

"Monty"? Don't know about other models, but don't buy one if your car runs MFI....the word among the early 911S registry people is you will actually be slower than stock with a Monty...something about MFI being tuned to a specific back pressure, the monty giving less back pressure causing the car to develop flat spots under acceleration.

[Early_S_Man]

Pelican has this nice little shiny, dual-outlet SS Dansk that gets my vote:

[tobluforu]

I'm with s man. That's the best looking, sounding muffler on the mkt.

[Doug Zielke]

I posted the same questions as R22 several months ago.
I'm pleased with everything about my choice of the GHL. They have addressed the problems Bill Verburg mentions with the outlet pipes. GHL never had as many complaints/problems as did B&B.
As posted recently, GHL has a lifetime (to the original purchaser) warranty, and they stick by it. That is the best sport muffler warranty on the market as far as I know.

My particular model is 1in-1out. The sound is wonderful, with *no resonance* at any rpm. You can expect any muffler with 2 outlets to be louder, so pick your muffler outlet plumbing with that in mind.

Note to RSTOLL:
I thought you were holding your new saxophone
But if you say it's a Bursch muffler, I'll take your word for it.

[rstoll]

Yeah Doug, a beritone bursch.

[R22tech]

I don't want to put a dual out and have to cut rear valence. Does Dansk have a single out? And also, the GHL gives a choice of a 3" or 4" tip. Is there any difference other than appearance?

[Early_S_Man]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/por_911M_exhaus_main.htm

The 'regular' Dansk:

[Doug Zielke]

I saw a GHL with the 4" tip, and thought it a bit too much like Ricer hardware. However, be aware that the tips are nicely made clamp-ons, and you can order both (@ $25 ea) and see which one you like.
It's strictly an appearance thing.

[scca_ita]

I am having a similar struggle with which mufflers to buy. I am installing a 3.6L 993 and most of the stuff out there is hype. With most mufflers, unless they open them up and change the baffles, adding the second side pipe is just for noise. The older sport mufflers which exit the middle work because the eliminate the number of baffles (thus louder) that the exhaust goes through. Depending on where the pipes are installed you can almost align the exist with the input pipes for a straight through effect.

Here is some good info on all mufflers.

http://www.fabspeed.com/993mufflers.html