Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Donaldson M090535 5" muffler

[johnls]

Does the Donaldson M090535 5" muffler really quiet the exhaust down enough to be worth the $75? I looked and it says it only quiets it 12-17 dba or something like that. I have it straight piped now but would like to know if this has made a noticeable difference to others. Thanks

 

[FDavid]

The difference between a stock 12v and a straight piped 12v is about 5-8 dba (TDR issue 13), so the 12-17 dba that you cited should make quite a difference.

 

[LanceD]

just for reference, every 3db increase, the volume doubles.

 

[kentdiesel]

I have a 5" Donaldson Muffler on my truck, not sure of part# but it is about 50 " long and straight thru design. It is alot quieter than any straight piped Cummins Dodge I have heard but still much louder than stock. I have got into a habit of opening the passenger window when ever I have to start off so I can better hear the 5" symphony as I go thru the gears.

 

[johnls]

How close does it fit. I measured a few places under mine and a 9" round muffler would be real close to the frame and hang down under the truck quite a bit.

 

[kentdiesel]

I can't do it today but if you want I will post a few pictures tomorrow evening.

 

[johnls]

That would be great. Just curious on how far it hangs beneath the frame. I drive across fields and stuff quite often and don't want it to hang to low. Thanks

 

[sdstriper]

On a 2wd 1st Gen it hangs down more than I like, but I can't stand the noise without muffler and these are supposed to flow better than straight pipe.

 

[kentdiesel]

Sorry it took an extra day. The muffler is about 1 1/2 inches lower than the frame before it curves up at the rear of the cab.

 

[Lonestar]

This may be a dumb question, but I have 5inch straight exhaust which is driving me crazy. Where can I buy this Donaldson muffler? Is it a good muffler for a truck that I plan to have in the 400hp range?



KEEP ON TRUCKIN'

Lonestar

 

[johnls]

Thank you kentdiesel. I appreciate the picture, that helps a bunch. Lonestar, This is the link to the muffler I am thinking of getting http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/cgi-bin/ryderfp/products/srm/oid/128022/erm/product_detail.jsp

 

[kentdiesel]

Lonestar,

I'm sure this 5" Donaldson would be quieter than a straight pipe and flow enough for 400hp. I've read on this forum that even a 4" exhaust is good for up to 500hp. I bought mine from Source Auomotive (Rip Rook) and it is 5" straight thru with louvers in the thru pipe to allow exhaust gases to escape into the chamber housing of the muffler. It has a deep sound like a big rig but is not hard on your ears in or out of the truck.



Kent

 

[Lonestar]

cool, I just ordered one. Thanks



Lonestar

 

[KAlder]

I just put one of these mufflers on mine to kill the drone- it worked very good,still a little drone but it made my regrets of putting on a 5 inch go away. these are not straight through but if you knock out the 5 inch soft plug in the center they are.

 

[johnls]

let me know what you think of the difference, I have not orderd one yet.

 

[KAlder]

It is still louder than my wifes 4" exhaust but it's not near as loud as when there was no muffler. I left the soft plug in mine though.

 

[KAlder]

I liked the sound of the 5" straight, but the drone was unbelieveable. The muffler toned the sound down some and all but killed the drone. I left the soft plug in though.

 

[JFulford]

Donaldson 5" muffler

I'm interested in the Donaldson M090353 muffler but the Ryder link looks like they require a company login. Does anybody else sell this muffler to peasants like me?

Thanks

jeff

-- email address removed --

 

[kentdiesel]

Call Rip Rook at the link below, thats where I bought my 5" straight thru Donaldson.



Source Automotive -- Main

 

[MMcCallie]

As a lifelong musician, i have to comment that when at 90dB, a 3dB change will neither increase, nor decrease amplitude by double. 3dB would not be very noticeable. A change of 5dB you might notice if you are sensitive to the sound of your truck. If you drop crusing volume from 95dB to 80dB, you will find the change absolutely heavenly.

Most Dodge Cummins engines idle around 94dB from outside at the fender. This is very loud. Permanent hearing damage can be expected with prolonged exposure to 85dB. A rock concert will likely be up to 120dB, which is why your ears will ring throughout the next day, perhaps making it difficult to hear things you normally could.

The ringing associated with an ear ache is usually associated with a condition such as Otitis Media, where your Eustachian Tubes are affected, likely clogged by mucus, and are unable to regulate air pressure. Prolonged ringing of the ears usually Tinnitus.

When i stomp on my truck at speed my digital SPL will read over 100dB. Around town it hovers around 97dB. Sometimes when coasting it will come down to the low 90s. My air conditioning blows well over 100dB. However, i don't always have to have the stereo loud, nor do i always have to shout to participate in conversations. This is because the frequencies are not competing at that moment.

As an example, a music producer doesn't mix each track by sliding the faders up and down. Instead, they pan and notch frequencies so that each instrument fits in its own place without bleeding or competing with the timbres of other instruments. Hearing a balance of these frequencies is why even a relatively flat (harmonically speaking based on the overtone series, not pitch) singer like Madonna sounds good. Your ears percieve the highs (treble) and the lows (bass), even if they're not coming from her voice, they're in the track from a supporting instrument.

Has anyone done before and after decibel testing with a Donaldson muffler on a 5" exhaust? A 10dB drop would be well worth $75. Has anyone tested with the Aeroturbine muffler? If anyone plans to try one of these mufflers, they can easily pickup an SPL from Radio Shack and report their findings. I've ripped out my entire interior and am currently covering it with sound deadening materials. This is my 3rd day on the project but i need to protect my ears.