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A joint system for a dual inlet muffler has been designed which allows the muffler system to be better aligned during assembly. The system uses a slip-fit joint coupled with a ball-and-flair joint. This combination decreases variations in manufacturing and assembly thus, improving tailpipe variability in the vehicle build. The slip-fit/ball-flair joint was compared to conventional inlet systems of flat flanges and flex-couplings. A Variable Simulation Analysis (VSA) audit, finite element analysis of the joint strengths, and variable cost study all showed advantages for the slip-fit/ball-flair system.

A comparison between ‘Quasi-Transient’ and Steady-State (SAE J1349) engine dynamometer horsepower test procedures was conducted to determine the degree of correlation between the two test methods. Measurements demonstrated that the peak horsepower and torque measured using both techniques was similar. This information is useful as a development tool, because the ‘Quasi-Transient’ procedure allows for data to be collected over the engine RPM range much faster then the Steady-State method, allowing for the accurate testing of more engine/exhaust configurations in a shorter amount of time.