Sponsored

Is a muffler skid really needed?

Instaurare

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2019
Threads
9
Messages
56
Reaction score
33
Location
Arizona
Vehicle(s)
2018 JL 2.0 turbo
Now that I have already added an engine skid, 2 differential skids, control arm skids front and rear, 34" KO2s, and rock sliders to my otherwise stock JLR, I am wondering if a muffler skid would be the next logical step. I have no plans to lift the Jeep, and I am careful to not exceed what this rig is presently built to handle with very minimal scraping. Most of my offroading is on washed out desert trails in the southwest, so there is not too much chance that I will be driving off of high, sharp rocky ledges. So my question for those of you who have experience with muffler skids, considering my usage, is a muffler skid a logical purchase? Or would it be unnecessary for my situation, considering the weight penalty vs the benefits? Thanks for all replies.
Sponsored

 

DWaX

Well-Known Member
First Name
D
Joined
Jun 7, 2018
Threads
1
Messages
184
Reaction score
533
Location
Wilmington, NC
Vehicle(s)
2018 JLUR
Instead of a muffler skid I just went with a muffler delete. No more damage concern, and a much better sounding jeep.

WaX
 

SH556JL

Well-Known Member
First Name
Steven
Joined
Mar 20, 2021
Threads
14
Messages
1,937
Reaction score
4,298
Location
Florida/Georgia
Vehicle(s)
21 JLR M6 RIP, 23 JLR M6
I think I would rather cut it off or replace it with something aftermarket and more clearance.
 

Heimkehr

Well-Known Member
First Name
James
Joined
Sep 3, 2020
Threads
31
Messages
7,029
Reaction score
13,950
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLU 2.0T
Instead of a muffler skid I just went with a muffler delete.
Wouldn't the removal of the muffler change back pressure in a manner sufficient to affect the long-term health of the valves? Or is that not a concern?
 

west tex

Well-Known Member
First Name
Skoro
Joined
Jan 17, 2021
Threads
12
Messages
783
Reaction score
1,906
Location
Texas
Vehicle(s)
2021 JL 2dr 80th Edition, 2017 Renegade Trailhawk
Occupation
Retired, as in "Tired again"

Sponsored

DWaX

Well-Known Member
First Name
D
Joined
Jun 7, 2018
Threads
1
Messages
184
Reaction score
533
Location
Wilmington, NC
Vehicle(s)
2018 JLUR
Wouldn't the removal of the muffler change back pressure in a manner sufficient to affect the long-term health of the valves? Or is that not a concern?
Its not a concern, there is already an expander in front of the muffler.
The delete gives you unrestricted airflow & reduces back pressure.

WaX
 

donmontalvo

Well-Known Member
First Name
Don
Joined
Dec 2, 2019
Threads
53
Messages
1,128
Reaction score
906
Location
Plano, TX
Website
donmontalvo.com
Vehicle(s)
2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (Snazzberry)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Systems Engineer
Vehicle Showcase
1
Not sure if its the same for Jeeps, but if you cut a Harley-Davidson muffler, you've got to tune the bike, because the flow changes.
 
OP
OP

Instaurare

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2019
Threads
9
Messages
56
Reaction score
33
Location
Arizona
Vehicle(s)
2018 JL 2.0 turbo
Great replies, much useful info, thanks to everyone for your valuable input. Is this a great forum, or what?
 

Heimkehr

Well-Known Member
First Name
James
Joined
Sep 3, 2020
Threads
31
Messages
7,029
Reaction score
13,950
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLU 2.0T
Not sure if its the same for Jeeps, but if you cut a Harley-Davidson muffler, you've got to tune the bike, because the flow changes.
Mm. That's certainly been true for the carbureted and even the injected motorcycles that I've laid hands on. Jet kits and fueling modules were the order of the day. The gains obtained from air flow adjustments weren't free.

I'd want to see more science before buying into the idea that removing an automotive muffler, sans any related and compensatory measures, is something worth repeating.
 

Sponsored

OP
OP

Instaurare

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2019
Threads
9
Messages
56
Reaction score
33
Location
Arizona
Vehicle(s)
2018 JL 2.0 turbo
Seems to be the consensus opinion is remove the muffler, but wear noise cancelling headphones. Sounds like a plan. Maybe Bose or Sony?
 

DWaX

Well-Known Member
First Name
D
Joined
Jun 7, 2018
Threads
1
Messages
184
Reaction score
533
Location
Wilmington, NC
Vehicle(s)
2018 JLUR
When the peddle is down you will hear it. Which I personally enjoy! :)

But cruising at a normal rpm, you don't even really notice it.

The good thing is that most are $99 and its super easy to install or reverse if you want it back, one bolt and no cutting.

WaX
 

McGilli

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2020
Threads
27
Messages
409
Reaction score
693
Location
Richmond BC Canada
Vehicle(s)
2020 Sahara Unlimited Altitude
First thing I damaged on my Jeep was my muffler on my first off-road adventure.

Dented the hell out of it - came down so hard on it - 2 times in that trip (once in each direction)

Plus it could have been ripped off. I haven't gone back on that road since - and I haven't hit it since getting the muffler skid plate - but I do like having the protection there just in case...
 
OP
OP

Instaurare

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2019
Threads
9
Messages
56
Reaction score
33
Location
Arizona
Vehicle(s)
2018 JL 2.0 turbo
When the peddle is down you will hear it. Which I personally enjoy! :)

But cruising at a normal rpm, you don't even really notice it.

The good thing is that most are $99 and its super easy to install or reverse if you want it back, one bolt and no cutting.

WaX
I think Midas still offers a $19.95 install special to forum members.
 

bigbaozi

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Threads
4
Messages
355
Reaction score
506
Location
Texas
Vehicle(s)
Wrangler Unlimited Sport S
I've yet to hit my muffler. Scraped the back bumper, tow hook, and knocked the exhaust pipe pretty good, but the muffler has yet to take a hit. I've been worried about it with all the forum chat, but seems reasonably out of the way so far.

I think if I get worried about it, I would do the Borla exhaust.
Sponsored

 
 



Top