How loud is too loud?
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Port Charlotte FL
How loud is too loud?
Just researching some noise numbers...hearing damage after continuous exposure to 85 dBA for 8 hours or just a minute and a half from 110 dBA. A single exposure to 140 can cause damage. (I said damage not complete loss.)
I'm just about through with my '76 project...383 stroker with Hooker sidepipes and STS baffles. I've replaced the endcaps with some fittings so I can go uncapped whenever.
I'm looking for opinions/ numbers for noise levels and performance with this setup. Anyone have any noise levels for this setup with nitrous at say, 7,000 or 8,000 rpm?
I'm just about through with my '76 project...383 stroker with Hooker sidepipes and STS baffles. I've replaced the endcaps with some fittings so I can go uncapped whenever.
I'm looking for opinions/ numbers for noise levels and performance with this setup. Anyone have any noise levels for this setup with nitrous at say, 7,000 or 8,000 rpm?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Re: How loud is too loud? (MGSFJET)
I don't think hearing damage is really an issue with a street driven car, it's the annoying drone that drives people crazy. I like loud pipes, but on other people's cars and bikes. Joe
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Re: How loud is too loud? (MGSFJET)
that better be some stout engine to turn 8 grand. Drag strips and race tracks have db limits now. check with your local track
My club has the following statemet in our rulebook:
84 Db at 50 feet while under power on the track
My club has the following statemet in our rulebook:
84 Db at 50 feet while under power on the track
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
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From: San Jose California
Re: How loud is too loud? (turtlevette)
Boy, I am at 84 db's at 15 feet at idle!? 94 db's at 2,000rpm free rev. I don't think I could drive through the parking lot without getting thrown out. :(
Chuck
Chuck
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Sanford Florida
Re: How loud is too loud? (Chuck Harmon)
I would be VERY surprised if that L-88 went that loud at 2000 rpm free rev. You have open headers? Measuring right off the headers? Not saying it aint so, just that 94 dB is MUCH MUCH louder than most people think. It is a logorithmic scale. (factors of 10)
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 222
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From: Ventura CA
Re: How loud is too loud? (MGSFJET)
I was at "cruise night" tonight, and there was a 30 f*rd with no top, all rusty looking (how I personally like them) with an early hemi and 8 individual open pipes! I know I've just mentioned everything but chevrolet (please don't hate me I do bleed orange :chevy ) but the thing did sound good. It was very loud when he was on it, and at idle it sounded just like an alcohol car or something. He was commenting that when cops see/hear him in it they just wave at him. All of the other 'cruise night people' were complaining that it's too loud, an warning me not to stand by it when he starts it... but they just like to polish their cars anyway and not drive them. Made me want to hurry up and get this swap done so I can rev it up that first time with the open headers... :D The moral of the story is, I dont think anything is too loud, but everybody else does.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 8
From: San Jose California
Re: How loud is too loud? (boredsoIstrokedit)
I would be VERY surprised if that L-88 went that loud at 2000 rpm free rev. You have open headers? Measuring right off the headers? Not saying it aint so, just that 94 dB is MUCH MUCH louder than most people think. It is a logorithmic scale. (factors of 10)
Yes, 15 feet is closer than 50 feet when comparing readings, but in any event it is certainly not a sound that goes unnoticed several blocks away. The mufflers really do a great job compared to open pipes. Long cammed engines like L88's tend to be a bit louder anyway. Making 480 rwhp is a bit of a challenge to hush up.
Chuck
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
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From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
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St. Jude Contributor
Re: How loud is too loud? (MGSFJET)
With regards to the drone-go with an H-pipe. You have to. I'm so glad I did it. Before the H-pipe, my car was a penalty box. With the h-pipe, I was able to drive the car for an 8 hour stint and not feel beat up.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Sanford Florida
Re: How loud is too loud? (Chuck Harmon)
Those garages really do act like a big amp dont they. Concrete floor, usually lots of metal toolboxes and often block or hard walls. Gotta love the sound roaring through the neighborhood. :cheers:
[Modified by boredsoIstrokedit, 12:01 AM 6/1/2003]
[Modified by boredsoIstrokedit, 12:01 AM 6/1/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
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From: San Jose California
Re: How loud is too loud? (boredsoIstrokedit)
It was in an open garage. Many macho guys standing around claiming "we don't need no stinking ear plugs!" It was like sticking an awl in each ear. Pacin made a video of the event. Even with ear protectors it wasn't comfortable. The dyno guy standing next to the car can be seen clenching his ears and bowing up and down in pain. I have spent a good amount of time around airports too, but standing next to the car in a building with open pipes at full throttle is louder than standing at the fence at the end of the departing runway watching the big boys heading out. :yesnod:
I remember listening to the F-111's being power tested in the hangers at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, they were louder! :lol:
Chuck
I remember listening to the F-111's being power tested in the hangers at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, they were louder! :lol:
Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
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From: San Jose California
Re: How loud is too loud? (79Corvette02)
Hey Chuck-What's Your Setup?
Chuck
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 296
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From: Sarasota FL
Re: How loud is too loud? (Chuck Harmon)
Hey Chuck
What are the JCL baffles, how much and where bought. I have a fairly loud headder to muffler system that I am thinking of taming with some sort of baffle. I am considering untaming it with the power (McCord power plate) cutouts. But I wanted to make the muffled option more muffled without big expense and without replacing my new Bullet Mufflers.
Let me know. Thanks. Marc
What are the JCL baffles, how much and where bought. I have a fairly loud headder to muffler system that I am thinking of taming with some sort of baffle. I am considering untaming it with the power (McCord power plate) cutouts. But I wanted to make the muffled option more muffled without big expense and without replacing my new Bullet Mufflers.
Let me know. Thanks. Marc
