I've been upgrading the heck out of my old JK and now and thinking about improving the sound out of the engine. I have a Magnaflow axle back on my JL 3.6 and it sounds GREAT, and also the tips are very strong and have held up to a royal beating, including two trips to Moab.

But my biggest desire is a good sound out of the old 3.8. The one on my JL has a very nice throaty and deep sound that is great at all RPM. It sounds quiet when just cruising but opens up to a very nice sound when on the throttle. That's what I'm looking for. Nice, but not obnoxious.

Really, too, I just want to know if the 3.8 can even sound good like the 3.6. I love that old motor so I'd love it if it can sing for me a little bit.

 

Hi, I run Dynomax Turbo on 3.6L.. I informed a friend with a 3.8L and he put it on -- he likes the sound .. NOT a "fart can" good low tone rumble.. Good Price too; easy install same hangers as OE.

 

Thanks! I've not thought of that one. I'll give it a look!

 

Does anyone have the Magnaflow Street Series axle-back on the 3.8? If so, how does it sound?

 

I bit the bullet and bought the Magnaflow axle back. I'll report once it is on!

 

I see you already bought your exhaust, but just in case in the future someone wishes to see other options, the Dominion Offroad exhaust upgrade is pricey (requires moving the evaporator canister, too), but does have a very nice note. I just uploaded a video from Lathrop Canyon and one of the comments was how nice that it sounds (which it does, IMHO). Of course, what's a good sounding exhaust is highly subjective. In this video you can hear it at low speed (the sound of it from the trailer camera is dubbed in because that camera was in a waterproof housing, so ignore those). On the highway, it is not at all obnoxious (if ads pop up, please skip--Google now forces them on all channels) ...


BTW, I haven't done anything to my Gladiator exhaust. However, I did the ARB snorkel and it has a really great sound when I get onto the 3.6L motor ...

 

Wow, Mark, that does sound nice!! I've got the Magnaflow on my JL 3.6 and it sounds pretty similar. That 3.6 just has a great sound when you get it set up right!

I went with the Magnaflow because it has sounded so good with the 3.6. We'll see if it can make the 3.8 sound good. If not, it is Amazon, and it can go right back. Plus the price was pretty good, and I know from my JL that the tips can take quite a beating and hold their shape. I've got a gut feeling that it is going to be just right. Mild, but with a nice sound. Looking forward to getting rid of the rusty old OEM, which would probably still last another 10 years, if I had the desire to keep it.

I'll let you know if it works out!

What's your next trip with that JT?

My old JK seems to be loving the attention it has been getting. It has decided to stop drinking oil for the last 2k miles, Lol! Next up is a trip to the upholsterer to get a couple worn cloth panels replaced on the seats. I'm truly amazed at how long the Yes Essentials fabric has lasted, especially with years and years of kids and the crap they spill on it. I just the seats with a Bissell wet vac and they look new again. I put in a new turn signal stalk, too. I've been having people come up and ask if I'd sell it. No friggin way!

 

No specific trips planned for the JT. I do have COBDR coming up, if all goes as planned. A special event in the Abajo Mtns and nearby areas (e.g., Elephant Hill Trail, maybe). And another one across Northern California. The JK is set up so much better than than JT for overlanding, but, who knows, maybe I'll get it out anyway.

 

I meant to comment on this. After the Al-Can trip, I had to replace my muffler. I contacted Brett and he had to work out some bugs with his supplier on the part. His alternative if I didn't want to wait was a Magnaflow. He said it was similar in tone, but a bit louder.

 

The Magnaflow arrived today! I'll get it on there possibly Thursday night but certainly by Saturday morning. Can't wait to hear it!