Well I can't hardly believe it.

In the process of whipping a 3.0L 87' Shorty into shape I needed to replace the muffler.
Here in Colorado it needs to pass emissions so removing the cats are out of the question. That suits me fine, I'm old and like quiet exhaust anyway.
The stock muffler had an 8" long rotted seam but was only mildly noisy - just a bit of throat. I actually liked it but no way it would pass emissions(leaking, not a sound violation).
So I started looking for a replacement and found Autozone had the right Cherrybomb ~$10 cheaper than stock replacement.

Hummm... read here CBs were horribly loud on V6 aeros but then again those guys tossed the cats too.

Just to be sure I punched a fist sized hole in the old stocker and drove it first. Well that WAS a little too annoying being echoed under the van, but nothing at all like an open headers.

I went ahead and got the CherryBomb.
About $17 for a #87016, 2" in & out with 7 degree offsets, 28" overall. The Azone website actually suggested a different part - no offset. But the 87016 fits perfect and was $2 cheaper to boot.

Took under 15 minutes with a chain type pipe cutter and a couple clamps. Old system was welded and clipped off nicely. Didn't remove any hangers, just cut muffler off and slide in replacement. twist a little to line up everything and tighten her down.

How does it sound ?
You can barely hear the exhaust note inside driving the van. Windows up or down. The cats really take the bite out of the bark. No chance of a sound violation.
Quieter than even I expected - nothing but a purr. Stock muffler must be silent !

Never really liked glasspacks much on non-cat systems - way too loud. But I guess quiet-in = quiet-out. The CB doesn't have much to do.

(I bet a straight pipe wouldn't be insanely loud either - as long as it exited the van in the normal place.)

I like it - it's cheap - it's quiet - it's staying on !

Oh yea, the CB was also much lighter too.

 

Thanks for the info. I will look into that when I need a new muffler. Did you need to still use the flexi joint between muffler and cat? Did the truck pass inspection?

 

If you eliminated the flex joint, don't be surprised if you crack a manifold.

 

Only removed the muffler - did NOT remove the flange bolts , flex pipe, or hangers. Just my muffler looked bad, pipes ok. Used the chain-style pipe cutter close as I could to the muffler welds while it was still in place.
Looked like a stock setup - welds were very close to the muffler can (left plenty of pipe for the slipon replacement).

A cutter on every link so you don't need to spin it completely around - only need to work it 30-40 degrees or so.
Azone had free rental for the cutter - refundable $45 deposit.
I cut the rear first so the front flange/hangar would hold muffler up. Then cut muffler front - it falls away.
Slide new muffler on, rear hangers swing back far enough to get muffler onto pipe.
Only used wrench to tighten new muffler clamps.

Replacement was the right size, no other exhaust modifications necessary. Lines up fine.

It's going to Emissions this week - shouldn't be a problem. I'll post the outcome .

P.S. -
Looking at the diagram for a 93' Aero it looks a little different than my 87'. My forward hanger IS the flange and I don't think I have a flex pipe. I have a bent pipe between the flange and the muffler, maybe a foot long.
I wouldn't delete the flexpipe it you have one.

 

Both my parents '92 and my '94 have a flex pipe between the converter and the muffler. If you don't have one, I strongly suggest getting one, because a broken manifold is much harder and more expensive to replace. The engine torque can also break the catalyst inside one of the two converters if there is nowhere else to relieve the stress and the casings twist.

 

Well, she passed emissions today without a problem !

I'm a happy camper !

Bear River: Thanks for the heads-up on the flex pipe! I'll definately get one on there - not worth risking a cracked anything. Don't know if one came on there in 87', the online parts stores show exactly the piece I have instead.

But if this problem affects 3.0 2WD Aeros then it's worthwhile insurance.

Also my forward hanger is at the flange. I noticed pictures of the 93' have the hanger downstream of the flex pipe instead, just before the muffler. Need I change that as well ?