i have a set of lightning headers that mixes the water with the exhaust, which really muffles the sound. I was thinking of bleeding off some water at the lower water tubes below the headers and running each line to a pair of thru hull fittings. Has anyone ever done this? Any advice?

I think you are playing with fire there.

I would not limit the water flow to the headers. Does Lightning make dry tails? If they do not, I'm sure you could trade them for a set of dry gils or similar if you are after more sound. What size motor / hp?

Wow, that's the first time I have ever heard someone complain about Lightnings being too quiet! My buddy has a set on his 509, and with the blower on there last year you could hear him running clear across the lake. I am hoping mine will be tolerable with a set of muffler tips.

compared to dry tail pipes, oh yea, much quieter! Granted, its still loud, just no comparison to a dry tail pipe system.

Might check the with the noise police in your area, its a $100 fine i believe around here if your to loud

no noise ordinance here, YET!!!! The lightning headers are great headers, and they do sound very good, but my buddy has cmi? with dry tips and the sound is night and day, basically same 555 merlin 750hp set up. Thanks