Modern cities’ growing traffic congestion has compelled automakers to provide as quietly a ride as possible. Making the exhaust louder is an easy and affordable approach to acquiring that beautiful engine sound, whether it comes from an Inline-4 or a V8. Let us look at the techniques and components you might use to produce the finest sound.
The Exhaust System: An Overview
Although the engine makes noise, the exhaust system gives it its distinctive and appealing sound. I can attest from experience that an automobile without an exhaust manifold is not only brutally noisy but also sounds more like a jackhammer than a rhythmic four-stroke.
The exhaust serves several functions, including directing fumes away from the engine and the occupants, removing heat, and purifying emissions using catalytic converters and filters. Whatever technique you choose, make sure it conforms with state emission, noise, and insurance standards since many of the components of an exhaust are legally needed to be there.
Exhaust Tip
The most popular method for increasing exhaust volume is adding exhaust tips, and the rationale is obvious. They function enough, look decent, and are affordable. But unlike most other choices, selecting an exhaust tip is heavily influenced by aesthetics. Picking a $20 option from Amazon is OK as long as it complements the vehicle’s overall design.
Nicer-known manufacturers’ brushed or polished metal tips would surely look better, but because they would cost at least $100, I would not classify them as a low-cost alternative.
Find video samples of the sound variations that various exhaust tips will produce by doing some research. You will have the greatest notion of what to anticipate if you watch videos that are particular to your automobile. If there are none, search for vehicles with the same number, configuration, and fuel type as yours.
Typically, exhaust tips are screwed into place after being put onto the end of the exhaust pipe. Although the work is not difficult, you will need a power drill and some drill-operating knowledge. You may need to shorten the exhaust pipe if the exhaust tip is protruding out excessively, but I would not advise doing this as you might want to replace the muffler at that point.
High-Performance Muffler
Mufflers accomplish what their name implies. A muffler muffles the sound from the engine via a sequence of chambers and plates. This is excellent for a cosy family vehicle in the city but less for car fans.
With careful planning, replacing the stock muffler with a high-performance one may significantly boost the vehicle’s noise level. The attention is equally split between amplifying the noise and fine-tuning the sound to highlight the cylinder cycles’ regularity.
Depending on your choice, a new exhaust system will run you around $100. Few people have the skills necessary for cutting and welding to replace it. Getting the appropriate muffler on the first attempt is significantly more crucial than with an exhaust tip because of the additional expense of a technician.
Fortunately, both expert technicians and muffler producers are eager to help you find the ideal sound. Take full use of the dedicated call service that most manufacturers provide.
Muffler Delete
The term “muffler deletion” describes the practice of fully removing the muffler cylinder from the exhaust system and substituting a straight pipe. You will get the greatest bang for your buck since the proper exhaust pipe section may be purchased online or at a junkyard for very little money.
Removing the muffler will be less expensive if installation costs are ignored than adding a high-performance alternative, but you should consider what type of sound you want. A new muffler will produce a lot of noise but keep it reasonable at lower RPMs, but entirely removing it results in a raw and louder sound at all times.
Think about your state’s rules and regulations before removing the muffler. Cars must have mufflers in certain locations, while the decision may be up to the officer’s opinion in other locations.
Making Holes
Instead of discussing cold air intakes, turbochargers, or new exhaust systems since we are looking at budget possibilities, we are talking about drilling.
The most popular method for obtaining a louder and better-sounding exhaust is to drill a few holes before the muffler or through the back. However, the exhaust is only resistant to rust from the outside; thus, you are greatly speeding up the corrosion process by cutting holes.
Since I am not a great admirer of this approach, I will not provide you with any guidelines or recommendations about the quantity and size of holes. Over time, a lot can and will go wrong, and you may not be happy with the outcomes if they are irreversible. Being a vehicle enthusiast is expensive, but in my opinion, it is preferable to refrain from making any modifications than to drill holes if you can not afford to buy a new muffler or even just an exhaust tip. But ultimately, it is up to you.
Refresh the Exhaust
It may not be a terrible idea to clean the exhaust for several reasons. First, if a car has logged a lot of kilometres, particularly a diesel, soot will build up in layers and impact the vehicle’s performance in addition to its sound. If the car has not been driven for a while, the exhaust might serve as a habitat for many different animals. I did not think it was possible until I saw it in a 40-year-old Ford’s exhaust.
Even though cleaning the exhaust takes a lot of time, you only need a few power tools and brushes. See for yourself in this video how much soot can build up in exhaust after 180 000 km.
Conclusion
These are the five most affordable methods to get an exhaust system that is louder and sounds better. Installing a turbocharger, cold air intake, components, or a whole aftermarket exhaust system can undoubtedly provide the desired results if you are prepared to invest more money. Check out our other tutorials for additional insight and knowledge on anything auto-related!
