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Gadget Man · 04-05-2012, 03:55 PM

I finally got around to installing my Aero 5050XL muffler today. I wanted the performance and lower EGT’s the muffler has to offer, but I did not want a loud exhaust. Many of you that have already installed it described it as being more throaty, but not necessarily louder. I have to agree with that statement, at least in part.

I took decibel readings before removing my stock muffler. Those readings were:

88 db @ 750 RPM (idle)
91 db @ 1000 RPM
94db @ 1500 RPM

Although the Aero muffler does seem slightly louder to the human ear and emits more of a bass tone, the db readings after the install were identical to those of the stock muffler. This didn’t seem right to me, so I ran the test over again.....same results. According to my db meter, the Aero muffler is no louder than the stock Freightliner muffler.

I will tell you that the Aero is a little louder in the cab area while driving. It is louder than what I would have preferred, but it is by no means annoying. I did seem to pick up some more performance, so that, coupled with the lower EGT’s I should experience, makes me glad I performed this mod.

Craig

1ciderdog · 04-05-2012, 05:10 PM

I'm surprised the DB's are the same. To me my 5050XL sounds a bit louder & throatier than the stock muffler but I can turn up the radio a tad.
Bob

Pusherman · 04-05-2012, 06:24 PM

Craig,

Looking forward to any performance #'s you can share.

Thanks for your post on the noise/db readings.

Zbugsii · 04-14-2012, 07:48 PM

Well, my experience with my Aero 5050XL muffler after two years is this... though I can not give precise numbers because of too many variables, I think on average I get better mileage, not much but some. I guess about 0.5 more mpg. But, more important to me and the reason for installing the muffler, I definitely have lower EGTs now and my turbo spools up much faster giving me more ummff and get up and go.

Gadget Man · 04-14-2012, 08:54 PM

My only complaint with mine so far are the exhaust fumes. My Freightliner OEM muffler had a built in cat converter, which significantly reduced exhaust fumes. The Aero breathes much better since it doesn't have the cat converter, but it produces more exhaust fumes in the process.

Craig

Bobmn · 04-14-2012, 08:59 PM

Hello to all; Well, more now. Still in Lompoc Ca. waiting for the house deal to close. Installed the Aero before we left Mn. And I agree on the faster turbo spooling. Sounds grt also. Going to San Fran. to vist after the Tulare tractor show, and will be towing a trailer home...the northern route. Grt muffler! Bobmn

ninos · 04-15-2012, 06:34 AM

I think the way to the reading on the noise level would be measure wile reving up the engine because the xl is louder wile accelerating but once you cruising down the highway the noise is the same just when feder the gas you can year it, at least that's my case on my cat. Joe