Acura Owner Drills Homemade "Muffler Delete" for Louder Exhaust Note

An Acura owner, seeking a louder exhaust note, drilled numerous holes directly into the factory muffler and exhaust pipes—sparking widespread online discussion. The video, posted on TikTok by mechanic Dano, has garnered over 210,000 views. Footage shows the vehicle’s exhaust system riddled with holes of varying sizes, prompting netizens to jokingly dub it a “homemade flute.” Professional “muffler delete” modifications typically cost between $100 and $500, involving removal of the muffler and replacement with straight pipes to enhance exhaust flow and horsepower. However, such modifications are illegal in more than 20 U.S. states and may void warranties, reduce resale value, and cause vehicles to fail annual inspections. Experts caution that smaller-displacement engines, which rely on backpressure for optimal efficiency, might actually suffer performance losses after such modifications. Online commenters expressed disbelief: “Why drill holes yourself when you could get it done properly for $80?” It remains unclear whether the owner has faced noise complaints or penalties.