donbryce

When I got the car, the PO had replaced the original muffler with a Walker or something aftermarket, didn't sound right to me, so I got all new Bosal mid-pipe and muffler. Still didn't sound right, so I welded in a second resonator to the midpipe, from a Toyota pipe I had laying around. Still not right, so swapped back the Walker. Nope, no go, so I put the Bosal back on.

I've had the car in to the local muffler shop and those guys couldn't hear any leaks. I've checked ALL the pipe connections several times, the 'Y' pipe and cat are fine (although the PO had Midas put this piece on, so non-original).

Then started looking for an OEM Sango muffler. Canada price for a '93, new, is $711.00, best US price on-line is $500.00. I finally found a used '94 in good cond. on EBay, about $80.00. Damn, the thing fit great...almost: the inlet on the muffler was welded about 15 degrees too far clockwise, the flange bolts were about 1/4" too wide, and the '94 Lexus pipe is apparantly bigger than the '93. So, I cut the whole inlet flange off and welded the flange from that Walker on. Perfect fit all-round now. It still, would you believe, doesn't sound as good as it should, but slightly improved the offending 'rumble', to my 64 old ears anyway.

Now, I'm about ready to admit defeat. I could try messing with resonators again, but I wish there was a site that discussed how to tune your exhaust for optimum sound. Lots of tech on performance tuning, but not much on the sound. All I want is a QUIET can't-hear-the-engine Lexus. I know this can be done, my 2002 Camry with the 1MZFE 6 cyl. is like that, all original exhaust I'm sure. And, I 'm not spending over $1200.00 for original parts.

Edit: add'l info - OK, went for a drive yesterday and the sound isn't that bad after all. In fact, now it seems more from the engine itself, which is more noticeable with the better muffler I guess. In reality, I need it to sound quiet more at idle than any other time, since road noise takes over anyway.

I wonder if synthetic oil might make a difference?