Right now I am running REF headers, a Magnaflow X pipe, and Magnaflow Street-Series mufflers (straight thru design, not chambered). I am considering some quieter mufflers, but I'm curious if this has any effect on the amount of perceivable header ping. I'd really rather not have to change out those headers if I can avoid it. It's louder at the engine bay than behind the tailpipes at idle. Younger me wouldn't care, but older me needs something quieter so I don't feel guilty firing it up on a Saturday morning.
I'm struggling to understand the sound dynamic difference between this and other cars I've built over the years. I had a cammed GT500 with long tube headers and a similar exhaust setup, and the engine bay was quiet by comparison. I imagine the wall thickness was greater on those Kooks headers than the REFs. All of the sound was behind the car. That's what I'd like on the Mach 1.
If I just swap out the mufflers for something quieter, do you think it'll get me what I'm looking for, or should I start looking for a different set of headers or exhaust manifolds?