muffler/exhaust question?

Question

what's the difference between a stamped muffler and one that is "laser" welded shut??

Answer 1

if you look at the two, a stamped muffler will have an obvious seam. it will look like two pieces of metal were pinched together. kind of like a seam on a pair of jeans. a welded muffler will have a seam, but it will be lower profile, more like a little bump. the metal won't have a place to trap water and rust. also be aware of different metals. mild steel is strong, but it rusts. aluminum won't corrode, but is weaker. stainless is strong and won't rust, but is expensive. stamped mufflers are cheaper, welded are usually more expensive.

Answer 2

Stamped mufflers are a fairly new invention. In the past, mufflers were made by rolling metal into an oval or cylinder with baffles inside. A stamped muffer is when a large sheet of metal is stamped into a shape (might not be an oval or cylinder) and the two halves are joined together.

Stamped mufflers have caught on because they can be made to fit more types of spaces on aerodynamic cars and they are less prone to rattles and loose parts.

"laser welded" is a marketing gimmic. That means nothing more than a welded case instead of a rolled seam.