Flowmaster mufflers primarily use a tuned chamber design. This means they utilize internal chambers and pipes of specific sizes and shapes to manipulate the exhaust gases' sound waves. Instead of simply absorbing sound through porous materials (like some other mufflers), Flowmaster uses a combination of:
* Chambers and Tubes: These create internal reflections and cancellations of sound waves. Certain frequencies are amplified, others are canceled out, resulting in a distinctive, often deeper, exhaust note. The specific arrangement of chambers and tubes is what creates the unique sound of different Flowmaster models.
* Perforated Tubes (in some models): These allow the exhaust gases to pass through while still interacting with the chamber's sound-modifying elements.
* Packing Material (in some models): Some Flowmaster mufflers incorporate sound-absorbing packing material to further reduce noise, particularly higher frequencies. This is less prevalent in performance-oriented models.
In short, a Flowmaster doesn't just absorb sound; it *manages* sound waves by using its internal geometry to create constructive and destructive interference, resulting in a modified exhaust tone. The specific sound signature varies depending on the specific Flowmaster model (e.g., Outlaw, Super 40, American Thunder) and its internal design. Each model has a different internal configuration optimized for a different balance of sound and flow.
