Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Just picked up a new 2-stage blower -  Ariens Deluxe 28+ w/Briggs 250. Nice machine for the price. Performed flawlessly during my test runs, can't wait to try it on snow.

Only thing I'd like to change is the muffler. The engine exhaust isn't deafening, but still pretty loud for it's size. The drive and accessory mechanicals are very smooth and quiet, but it seems like Ariens (or Briggs) cheaped out on the muffler. Plenty of room for something with a bigger chamber, but I'm not having any luck finding a bolt-on upgrade. Is there an aftermarket source for B&S silencers?

I'm willing to make small sacrifices in power or fuel economy to knock down the noise a notch or two. I've got a 24 HP Briggs V-Twin in my yard tractor with a ridiculously quiet exhaust. OK, so the muffler is JUST A TAD oversized - but you get the point. Any better options out there? 'Preciate it.

I checked out the Super Trapp, and it's quite a piece of work. I used to see those on supercross bikes. From what I've read, though, noise reduction is variable - these are primarily used as spark traps and tuneable scavengers. At $160 for trapp and resonator, that's too rich for my blood. But, that was a good jumping off point - thanks.

I found a cutaway view of my stock muffler, and it looks more like an arrestor than a silencer. Wouldn't take much to improve on that design. After more time spent on the 'net than I wanted, I still came up empty on a direct replacement. I did find countless home-brew solutions, particularly on generator forums. Some were pretty clever, many others were downright wacky (tractor muffler on a 5-HP engine?). But, I found nothing relevant to current Briggs snow engines. Disappointing, to say the least. Seems like a very reasonable thing to ask for on a pony motor.

If my machine wasn't new, I'd consider breaking out the torch and cobbling something big and fugly. Not gonna happen. But I am thinking of clamping some flex tubing to the generous exhaust outlet, and experimenting with length and direction. That may work well enough to take the edge off, without any warranty-voiding consequences.