I personally like the louder gruff 4c sound it makes. Just right for warbirds. I guess I will keep running it this way since it doesn't seem to be harming the engine performance at all. I think it's kinda funny how people get concerned about where to put the muffler, just leave it off, it really isn't so loud that it would be a noise issue. Plus you don't have to worry about losing it during a flight..........and it doesn't ruin a beautiful cowl this way.....try doing that with a 2c!