Turbo Mufflers

[Rhymingmechanic]

Short version: Where did the term "Turbo Muffler" originate?

The turbo muffler has been around at least since I got interested in cars in the mid-1980s. I have always looked at them as a quieter, more stock-looking alternative to the other performance muffler of that time, the glasspack. But is "turbo" just a marketing term, or was there once some kind of muffler specially designed for turbocharged cars?

 

[Klutch9]

Originally Posted By: Rhymingmechanic
But is "turbo" just a marketing term, or was there once some kind of muffler specially designed for turbocharged cars?


I can't say for sure, but I'm guessing that it's just a marketing term, probably having to do with the fact that it flows slightly better. Back when turbos started becoming commonplace in some cars, the term "turbo" began being slapped on everything from hair dryers to vacuums (and still is, I might add).

 

[TooManyWheels]

The original style Turbo mufflers were the ones used on turboCharged Corvairs. More or less stock style designs (not glasspacks) that were free-flowing (to allow the turbo to work), but quiet. The aftermarket picked up this style, and the name.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
The original style Turbo mufflers were the ones used on turboCharged Corvairs. More or less stock style designs (not glasspacks) that were free-flowing (to allow the turbo to work), but quiet. The aftermarket picked up this style, and the name.


I also feel that this is where the term originated, those being among the very first mass produced domestic turbocharged cars available to the general public.

I am old enough to have been aware of the Turbo 'vairs waayyy back then (as well as the Spyder, and John Fitch versions).

 

[TooManyWheels]

My recollection is that these hit the aftermarket in approximately the mid-seventies. In the 71-72 timeframe I needed quiet replacements for the header mufflers on my Chevelle and ended up searching catalogues for mufflers with large inlets/cores/outlets, and finally settling for ones for a big-block Lincoln or Imperial. Around 75-76, I had an identical application and used Thrush "Hush" mufflers, the first on the market at the time.

 

[Rickey]

FWIW this is what I remember:

Turbocharged Corvair's didn't have a wastegate to regulate the boost.

The "Turbo" muffler employed in the Corvair actually had certain specifications for back pressure and flow.
The Corvair "Turbo" muffler had the right amount of restriction to prevent the engine from over-boosting and grenading.

Later the term "Turbo Muffler" became a marketing tool for some brands of mufflers.
I remember a Thrush brand "Turbo Muffler" that had a cartoon bird character on it. (until the paint burned off)

I believe that this is accurate.
If someone has different information, I stand to be corrected.

Rickey.