Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers
I have never heard a vette with side pipes, is it considerably louder then the normal exhaust with twin mufflers?. I have stock style mufflers and I am thinking about changing them. I like a good rumble, and deep sounding exhaust. I have the stock stainless pipes running the length of my car. The mufflers seem like it would be an easy swap. Is there a muffler out there that sounds similar to the side pipe cars? I would like a rather conservative look, no big round cans hanging out the back of the car. Something that resembles a real muffler, but with better sound and better flow.
Second, in muscle car drag races is it common to open the exhaust? When I raced in high school it was all open headers, etc. I have never been to a drag race for just muscle cars do they want it to be like a street race. OR is it come as you are?
Thirdly I don’t want to chop up my stainless pipes but would like to make a header pipe. I wold like to be able to unbolt my stock pipes from the manifold and remove them at the connection at the trans mount. Then bolt up a pipe shaped much like an “L” and run open exhaust at the track. The pipes are not welded together but have the c-clamps on them. After these have been installed is the pipe pretty hard to remove?
Just looking in Eckler's and the only aftermarket muffler seems to be the Dyno-Max. Anybody used this product, how much louder is it then stock?
any noticible gain in power? Was it worth it? Etc.
Anyway, some muffler help would be great, and any ideas on the home-made header pipe.
Mark
[Modified by ghostrider20, 8:29 PM 4/22/2002]
Second, in muscle car drag races is it common to open the exhaust? When I raced in high school it was all open headers, etc. I have never been to a drag race for just muscle cars do they want it to be like a street race. OR is it come as you are?
Thirdly I don’t want to chop up my stainless pipes but would like to make a header pipe. I wold like to be able to unbolt my stock pipes from the manifold and remove them at the connection at the trans mount. Then bolt up a pipe shaped much like an “L” and run open exhaust at the track. The pipes are not welded together but have the c-clamps on them. After these have been installed is the pipe pretty hard to remove?
Just looking in Eckler's and the only aftermarket muffler seems to be the Dyno-Max. Anybody used this product, how much louder is it then stock?
any noticible gain in power? Was it worth it? Etc.
Anyway, some muffler help would be great, and any ideas on the home-made header pipe.
Mark
[Modified by ghostrider20, 8:29 PM 4/22/2002]
#2
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
I think that there are "chambered exhaust systems" available from several vendors. These systems do not have any mufflers, but instead chambered section under the car. These chambers are exact copy from the side pipe systems and should have exactly the same sound as side pipes. Haven´t heard it myself thou. The price was around 350 USD, if I remember correctly. The vendor was Corvette America or Corvette Central.
#3
Moderator
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
I've done this to my vert (prolly the only one silly enough to attempt it) and I like the results. I've experimented extensivley to get just what I wanted (insert $$$). You can reap the benefit if you wish. E-mail me and we can talk about it. :cheers:
#4
Melting Slicks
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
Just like the others have posted, sounds like you are interested
in chambered exhaust, (referred to as "off road" exhaust) as I recall.
They were used on Camaro's as well.
How much of your existing system will be able to be used, I don't know.
Ecklers has a kit from the manifold back for $449.99, $699.00 for SS.
(Not sure who sells just the chambered pipe)
Any muffler shop could install a flanged cut out to give you the un-corked
option you are referring too. I have done that in the past, but seldom ever
used 'em. (Not sure you gain anything, it justs sounds Mean!:reddevil )
You might be happy with just the chambered exhaust.
From what I have heard, they sound great to me (Like side exhaust)
But are much quieter while driving as the sound exits behind you.
(Read, as in coupes)
(Others here have driven in cars with this set up, I have not)
Sounds like the way to go to me, if you don't want side pipes. :yesnod:
I have a 3 chambered turbo looking mufflers on a car and it sounds great!(There not Flow masters, but similar in design. forget the brand :bb )
IMHO, Most Flow Masters sound Tinny and high pitched , especially the 2 chamber large pipe examples. Check into it, as its no fun and expensive to
expirement, as Dave pointed out. :cheers:
[Modified by 396 RAT, 9:21 PM 4/22/2002]
in chambered exhaust, (referred to as "off road" exhaust) as I recall.
They were used on Camaro's as well.
How much of your existing system will be able to be used, I don't know.
Ecklers has a kit from the manifold back for $449.99, $699.00 for SS.
(Not sure who sells just the chambered pipe)
Any muffler shop could install a flanged cut out to give you the un-corked
option you are referring too. I have done that in the past, but seldom ever
used 'em. (Not sure you gain anything, it justs sounds Mean!:reddevil )
You might be happy with just the chambered exhaust.
From what I have heard, they sound great to me (Like side exhaust)
But are much quieter while driving as the sound exits behind you.
(Read, as in coupes)
(Others here have driven in cars with this set up, I have not)
Sounds like the way to go to me, if you don't want side pipes. :yesnod:
I have a 3 chambered turbo looking mufflers on a car and it sounds great!(There not Flow masters, but similar in design. forget the brand :bb )
IMHO, Most Flow Masters sound Tinny and high pitched , especially the 2 chamber large pipe examples. Check into it, as its no fun and expensive to
expirement, as Dave pointed out. :cheers:
[Modified by 396 RAT, 9:21 PM 4/22/2002]
#5
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Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
Mid America has the complete undercar chambered exhaust system. They have a stock exhaust manifold system ($299.00) and a header system ($239.99). The header system requires some welding. Just happen to have the catalog within reach.
#8
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Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
Just a thought! A friend put the same chambered system on his '71 T-top, I drove it and it sounded nice, (throaty etc.), the interior resonance was very noticeable. Enough so that I don't think I could take it on long drives (personal oppinion). He pulled the system off two months later for that very reason. All the sound doesn't exit the rear, sounds funny, no pun intended. I have had headers and factory side pipes on my SB convt. for 25-27 years, wouldn't change a thing.
#9
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
I made a stop at my local muffler shop and we put the car on the lift and did some brain storming. We decided that if I wanted to run OPEN exhaust I could install the connection flange about 8 inches in front of the Trans mount.
Then I could unbolt them, and loosen the bolts at the manifold and "rotate" or "swing" the pipe out the side of the car. Then re-tighten the bolts at the manifold. The muffler shop had a muffler, that was very high flow, hell you could see right through it. The inside was a pipe that had a slight "S" bend.
It was almost a straight shot through. There would be virtually no restriction. The mufflers were 79.00 each. I did not put them on, and forgot the name of the manufacturer. He said a few hot rodders have used and they all liked them. He said all the guys that used them were surprised that it was as quiet as it was with that straight through design. He said it still had a fairly good rumble. I am considering the off road exhaust but only would need the second rear pieces of the exhaust, not the complete package and will see if I can buy just the pieces I need.
Mark
Then I could unbolt them, and loosen the bolts at the manifold and "rotate" or "swing" the pipe out the side of the car. Then re-tighten the bolts at the manifold. The muffler shop had a muffler, that was very high flow, hell you could see right through it. The inside was a pipe that had a slight "S" bend.
It was almost a straight shot through. There would be virtually no restriction. The mufflers were 79.00 each. I did not put them on, and forgot the name of the manufacturer. He said a few hot rodders have used and they all liked them. He said all the guys that used them were surprised that it was as quiet as it was with that straight through design. He said it still had a fairly good rumble. I am considering the off road exhaust but only would need the second rear pieces of the exhaust, not the complete package and will see if I can buy just the pieces I need.
Mark
#10
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
I was at the muffler shop today and the name of those high flow mufflers are
Xlerator. The only ones we decided would fit are the 14" ones. Has anybody used these? There is a guy putting them on a Hemi-charger on Saturday and I may stop down and listen to them before I put them on my car.
Mark
[Modified by ghostrider20, 8:36 PM 4/27/2002]
Xlerator. The only ones we decided would fit are the 14" ones. Has anybody used these? There is a guy putting them on a Hemi-charger on Saturday and I may stop down and listen to them before I put them on my car.
Mark
[Modified by ghostrider20, 8:36 PM 4/27/2002]
#11
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
Was at muffler shop today and heard this 442 with the dual Xlerator mufflers. Sounded good, loud in the 3000+ RPM range. Had a nice rumble.
They were also putting a cross-over pipe in, what is the story with this?
They are claiming a horsepower increase from this. Any input?
Mark
[Modified by ghostrider20, 8:37 PM 4/27/2002]
They were also putting a cross-over pipe in, what is the story with this?
They are claiming a horsepower increase from this. Any input?
Mark
[Modified by ghostrider20, 8:37 PM 4/27/2002]
#12
Melting Slicks
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
"They were also putting a cross-over pipe in, what is the story with this?"
Dont have any hard data. But have been putting them on hobby cars of mine since the early 80's. Maybe someone out there has an old article or something? I could shoot from the hip, but there is enough of that around here already . :lol:
Dont have any hard data. But have been putting them on hobby cars of mine since the early 80's. Maybe someone out there has an old article or something? I could shoot from the hip, but there is enough of that around here already . :lol:
#13
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Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (396 RAT)
Crossover pipes are most beneficial on modern EFI cars that don't have a heat riser passage. The biggest reason OEMs install them is reduction of low frequency noise, but they might make a bit more torque/power in some installations. If you have isolated exhaust systems on a V-8 each bank produces an uneven frequency due to the uneven firing intervals and the fundamental frequency is lower than with a crossover. The crossover causes the frequency to increase and even out because all eight exhaust pulses communciate with each pipe.
Carbureted cars all have a crossover of sorts - the heat riser passage, but FI Sting Rays do not, and that's why they sound different. Solid axle models have a crossover pipe, and that's one reason why they have a different sound - more like a Mustang GT than a Sting Ray.
Duke
Carbureted cars all have a crossover of sorts - the heat riser passage, but FI Sting Rays do not, and that's why they sound different. Solid axle models have a crossover pipe, and that's one reason why they have a different sound - more like a Mustang GT than a Sting Ray.
Duke
#14
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
I blocked my intake exhaust. I had a slighty warped intake and the machine shop said the on the aluminum intakes that was fairly common. I used the block off gaskets. It takes about 20 minutes to get the motor to full operating temp. but I am patient. It takes about that long for oil to warm up and get normal idle oil pressures. So should I have a cross-over pipe if the heat riser is blocked off?
Mark
[Modified by ghostrider20, 8:28 PM 4/27/2002]
Mark
[Modified by ghostrider20, 8:28 PM 4/27/2002]
#15
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
I installed two Xlerator mufflers today. SOUNDS AWESOME!!!!
Not to much and just more then regular mufflers. No tinny sound and no
dub-dub-dub noise. Good crisp rumble. Has a nice throaty sound also.
There is no anoying resonance at cruise RPM. The mufflers have 2-1/2" inlets and outlets so I bought some chrome 2-1/2" extension tips to exit the car at the normal location. It was a bear to get them alligned just right, with the
2-1/2" exhaust tips it was tight. There is about 1/3" clearance on all sides. No rattles or vibrations yet. Looks just like the stock tips, just 2-1/2".
I am not sure if the larger tips help on the sound but it sounds and looks great. The 2-1/2" tips really look good. I have taken some pics and will scan them and get them up soon.
Mark
Here are the prices.
Tips 7.99 each
Mufflers 69.99 each (lifetime warranty)
Free installation with muffler purchase.
Mark-
Not to much and just more then regular mufflers. No tinny sound and no
dub-dub-dub noise. Good crisp rumble. Has a nice throaty sound also.
There is no anoying resonance at cruise RPM. The mufflers have 2-1/2" inlets and outlets so I bought some chrome 2-1/2" extension tips to exit the car at the normal location. It was a bear to get them alligned just right, with the
2-1/2" exhaust tips it was tight. There is about 1/3" clearance on all sides. No rattles or vibrations yet. Looks just like the stock tips, just 2-1/2".
I am not sure if the larger tips help on the sound but it sounds and looks great. The 2-1/2" tips really look good. I have taken some pics and will scan them and get them up soon.
Mark
Here are the prices.
Tips 7.99 each
Mufflers 69.99 each (lifetime warranty)
Free installation with muffler purchase.
Mark-
#16
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Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
Check out the Details link at my homepage (listed below) to get a look at 2.5 inch stainless exhausts with Borla turbo (as in see right through them) mufflers with 2.5 inch inlets AND outlets. Sounds as good as side pipes, but under the back bumper. That way others hear the exhausts and you keep your sanity. The shot of the mufflers is lower down on the Details page.
[Modified by magicv8, 8:09 PM 5/2/2002]
[Modified by magicv8, 8:09 PM 5/2/2002]
#17
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Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (magicv8)
How do all these compare to FlowMasters??
MasterDave,
Didn't you go through a whole slew of these awhile back?
What did you settle on?
Tony
MasterDave,
Didn't you go through a whole slew of these awhile back?
What did you settle on?
Tony
#18
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
I heard a set of flowmasters on a nova, sounder tinny and raspy. Did not like them at all. I was not aware borla made a "normal" looking muffler. I am fairly conservative on the looks of my vette and did not want coffee can shape mufflers. The Xlerator was a happy medium. Dynomax's are somewhat quieter, I considered these as well. They have a few turn in the muffler.
If you stand behind the car you can hear a great sound, I agree that I would not like that noise outside my window. I have 4:11's and I cruise at 3000 -3500 Rpm at 65 - 70 MPH. And there is no annoying resonance. I can still hear my single radio speaker just fine and carry on a conversation. I drove home from the airport tonight and on the off ramp could hear the sound bouncing back off the metal guard rail and you could hear it then. So like you said, let everyone else hear it.
Mark
If you stand behind the car you can hear a great sound, I agree that I would not like that noise outside my window. I have 4:11's and I cruise at 3000 -3500 Rpm at 65 - 70 MPH. And there is no annoying resonance. I can still hear my single radio speaker just fine and carry on a conversation. I drove home from the airport tonight and on the off ramp could hear the sound bouncing back off the metal guard rail and you could hear it then. So like you said, let everyone else hear it.
Mark
#19
Moderator
Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (pittsaj)
I appreciate you remembering my 'troubles' bro, I really do. Lessee here, not counting plumbing here I've had stockers, Dynomax, Flowmasters (had the same experience as 396 Rat,hated the tinny sound), SS straight thru (Dynomax) & glas-paks. This is not counting my side pipe fiascos. :bb I was looking (listening) for a particular sound and asthetic look so it didn't insult the eyes or ears. I'm running side pipes AND traditional exhaust. I got so frustrated with muff shop installs that I decided to install my own system. Hey, I spent so much time at the shops that I figured I knew how to get it just the way I wanted. :D I installed a complete 2.5" aluminized system into 2.5" Dynomax SuperTurbos. I made my own 'S' by the rear spring which moved the muffs up and out of sight from the rear or the sides. The only thing you see is the chrome tips from the rear view. They are cut at a 45 deg angle and I adjusted them to match the rear bumper down angle so unless you're really looking it's kinda hard to see them from the side. My side pipes have the stock (off a 65) corvette shields. The chambered pipes were removed and I installed straight thru 2.5" aluminized side pipes 'T'd into the first bend of the pipes via a 3 bolt header flange. I installed a flat block off plate here. Hope that makes sense :crazy: I'll post pics soon. It's really a very clean looking set-up. I like it alot. It actually took a couple hundred miles for the SuperTurbos to noise up and now they are fantastic. :D No cross-over used. Beautiful exhaust note, no resonance and at 2500-2700 rpm it raps wonderfully (65 mph). Takes about 10 minutes to take out the block plates and then it's NASCAR type noise. :yesnod: Pretty fun for car shows and such, but a major headache after 30 minutes for sure. I did this 'cause I love the side pipe look. Coulda left the sides as lookers only, but just had to have the noise if I felt the need. The only down side to all of this is I coulda spend at least two weeks in Maui at a beachfront hotel including expenses for what I've spent on the exhaust on this old thing. I am one sick puppy!! :lol: :cheers:
[Modified by MasterDave, 6:52 AM 5/3/2002]
[Modified by MasterDave, 6:52 AM 5/3/2002]
#20
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Re: Side Pipe Sound from Mufflers (ghostrider20)
I have Hollywood Cherrybombs on my vette and had them on my 69 olds 442 vert. I would say they are in between off-road exhaust and stock exhaust.
The sound nice around 3000 rpm and decent at idle. :smash:
The sound nice around 3000 rpm and decent at idle. :smash: