exhaust questions

I've a 72 Duster myself, a 408 stroker, lots of play-parts on there, dyno'd 543 hp / 572 tq. TTI headers, 2.5" exhaust with an X pipe...etc...etc. I've been running Flowmaster 40s dumped at the axle for about 2 years. They're louder than hell dumped like that, stunk the car full of exhaust if the windows are open.... sounds like a drag car. It's a long story and don't drive the car that much anyway, so I tolerated it. Can we say DRONE... nuff said. This was not what I wanted, nor have I ever cared for the Flowmaster chambered sound that much, although I do recall when the tailpipes were on there (when I first got the project 3 yrs ago), it didn't sound that 'bad'..... juss not my thing. They came with the project car so I hung with them until yesterday.

Yesterday I finally installed a set of Dynomax Ultraflo Welded on there (pn: 17219). I've read & heard a lot about them, so I thought I'd give them a shake. The tailpipes go over the axle (2.5" pipe) dumped behind the tires. Holy crap... now THAT is a sweet sound of performance, not loud inside the car "at all", just a nice rhythmic muffled rumble...BUT step behind the car and you're met with PLENTY of mother-thumpy-rumble back there!:shock: Sounds like a really hot muscle car from back in the day, just great. Actually they sound spooky-close to the Flowmasters without that annoying metal-can sound. The Ultraflo's are much deeper, more rounded rumble sound. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for loud, just not aaaall the time... and I'm not trashing the Flowmaster lovers where ever they may be.

Further - What I did not expect at all was the 'dramatic' increase in power and throttle response these muffs have made. It pulls a LOT harder than it ever has... which was very unexpected as it's always pulled great. I had heard/read that the Flowmaster's chambered design is a power robber, but I thought it was BS. HA! Those 40's were choking-back a lot of power... yes I'm very surprised. I've even had to adjust the fuel/air screws to get the idle back in-line...as it went sideways with the new muffs, plus the engine starts easier now too. Crazy crap from just changing muffs.... what can I say. :D Oh.. and the sound this thing makes NOW between 4000 at 6400 is in a word... "exquisite!" I've also realized I can now finish the install I began 2 years ago of my new stereo/CD unit, now that I can finally hear it. :cheers:

SO... I've a set of Flowmaster 40s with about 2300 miles on them if anyone needs a couple door stops, ha, ha...