When installing an aftermarket muffler on my stock v6, is it absolutely necesarry to cut off the old muffler and weld on an aftermarket one? Thanks.

 

If you don't want to risk it falling off at every bump, yes welding is the way to go.

 

^^^+1
welded >clamped

 

Thanks.

It looks like there aren't any clamps holding the stock muffler on. Do I need to cut the muffler off?

 

You have to cut it out. Also if your just doing a muffler swap I want you to know its pretty much for sound and that's it.

 

Dude, it sounds like u shouldn't be doing this alone. Make sure someone is around to guide you when u do it. The answer your looking for is no, it is not absolutely necessary to weld the new one on but it would be better if it was. I have put a few mufflers on with just clamps and they rode fine for years without falling off. What kind of muffler are you looking at? Unless you are buying a kit like a catback system you are going to have to measure how long your new muffler is and then cut out that much around your existing muffler. Then you will need to attatch the new one with some clamps from the local parts store