I was wondering if someone could tell me the pro’s and con’s of the two muffler systems (JCW, Milltek, Stratmosphere, etc…) vs. the single muffler systems (Alta, GTT) It seems like most aftermarket companies make a two muffler systems….and only a few make a single muffler system. Why is that?

I’m assuming that the single muffler systems would definitely be lighter (one less muffler, less pipe)……..and should be cheaper for the same reasons, but they seem to be priced the same as the two muffler systems. I would also think that the single muffler systems would be easier to install. So why do most people companies focus on two muffler systems? Is it all about exhaust sound?

Which systems seem to make more power? I would think that the less amount of piping and bends you have, the more the exhaust would flow….so a single muffler system “should” flow better than a double muffler system.
What about sound…..are the single muffler systems louder? More “ricey” sounding? Does having two mufflers seem to “smooth” things out?

Looking and buying or building an exhaust soon…..just trying to figure out what each setup has going for it…and why.

 

The JCW exhaust is hella heavy and has a pinch in the piping just under the rear axle which is rather restrictive, not really a recommended mod unless you're sold on only using OE "performance parts", the Milltek & Stratmosphere are one in the same, both will perform the same, both have been the proven leaders in power production on these cars.

A few of the exhausts drone more than people would like, for example; the Alta and Magnaflow.

Save yourself the time and look into something along the lines of the Strat or Milltek, they are clean installs, look great, sound great, and the non resonated Strat sounds amazing!

 

What does any of that have to do with the pros and cons of a single muffler exhaust vs a two muffler exhaust??

 

Do you want drone?

Do you want loud?

Do you want backpressure? (which contrary to popular belief is required)

Different muffler setups: baffled, horse hair, fiberglass, etc.

All of this comes into play when you're shopping the idea of an exhaust.

A lack of back pressure will reduce low end torque, which these cars aren't all too big on to start, so an engineered system will gain low end torque while increasing top end and exhaust note.

 

Sound wise, if the company did their homeworks, you could get the same sound out of a single or dual mufflers setup, since they can make the muffler how they want it. Something that is not as simple if you do like me and go for a custom single muffler setup, going from front to back in a straight line (battery box delete), since you're stuck with universal mufflers that may not come in the size you want or proper baffling.

As for power, I doubt there's that big of a difference between all of them. Unless you dyno it before and after, which is a bit costly considering that a catback won't hurt, but it's not really the place where you'll gain that much, unless the oem system is really restrictive.


You want a scavenging effect created by a properly sized exhaust for your application, not back pressure.

 

Thanks, that's the kind of info I was looking for. My JCW has the JCW exhaust.....I'm more interested in a slightly louder tone. The factory JCW exhaust is way to quiet....nit much different than the stock S exhausts I have heard.