exhaust problem...help!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Jasper Texas
exhaust problem...help!
I have noticed over the past week or so that my exhaust had started taking on a different tone. Now....its nasty sounding! 
The flowmaster 40s on the car are just 6 months old, but I think I "blew" one out. The drivers side sounds fine, but the pass. side is very loud and obnoxious. What could be the cause and what should I do as a replacement?
The flowmaster 40s on the car are just 6 months old, but I think I "blew" one out. The drivers side sounds fine, but the pass. side is very loud and obnoxious. What could be the cause and what should I do as a replacement?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Jasper Texas
got under it yesterday....no leaks in the system. Just sounds louder and raspier on that side now. Not too noticeable from behind the car at idle, but very noticeable with throttle and while in the car.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
Did you weld it on? If not I'd take it off and inspect inside with a flashlight to see it anything looks out of place. There's a rumor that the 40s like to rot out in the center, but I hardly think it could happen in 6 months unless you drove the hell out of it.
Also, are you using cats or anything else in the system that could easily be plugged? Assuming you have duals with a crossover pipe, one side may be blocked by material and forcing more exhaust(and noise) out of the other side.
Also, are you using cats or anything else in the system that could easily be plugged? Assuming you have duals with a crossover pipe, one side may be blocked by material and forcing more exhaust(and noise) out of the other side.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Jasper Texas
no crossover pipe, no cats...just divorced duals back to flows. They are welded on, but I do have the reciept and the shop owner is a friend of mine, he will be seeing me soon, when it warms up a little.
I just ordered lt1 tips from him, maybe I'll just have the mufflers taken off and run straight pipes, or at least see how it would sound.
I just ordered lt1 tips from him, maybe I'll just have the mufflers taken off and run straight pipes, or at least see how it would sound.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Well, if you have no crossover pipe at all, it is possible that what you are hearing from that side is an engine problem. I thought a crossover of some time, x-pipe, h-pipe, or whatever was an intrigal part of a dual exhuast system to equalize pressure and scavenging.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Jasper Texas
not an engine problem from what I can tell.
I actually thought my engine was the source at first...but It was still running fine, good oil pressure, etc. So, I took it for 6 good 0-100 bursts and it was fine. engine sounds fine, just a different sound out back. While idling, I can even here something like metal rubbing in the back.
I'm driving it 150 miles today, so if it is an engine problem, it will probably make itself known.
I actually thought my engine was the source at first...but It was still running fine, good oil pressure, etc. So, I took it for 6 good 0-100 bursts and it was fine. engine sounds fine, just a different sound out back. While idling, I can even here something like metal rubbing in the back.
I'm driving it 150 miles today, so if it is an engine problem, it will probably make itself known.
Last edited by cwyates4; Dec 10, 2008 at 01:20 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Okay, this may sound a little silly, but could be a factor. You said this started within the last couple of weeks. I know for myself, when it's warm outside, I drive with the windows down, hardly ever use my A/C, I think maybe twice this summer. Well, my guess is that in last couple of weeks it started to get a little chilly there in Texas so you started to drive with the windows up? I have a stock system with straight pipes for mufflers. I know that my car sounds completely different on the inside with the windows up. If you had the mufflers installed 6 months ago, it was summer, so perhaps you are used to the sound with the windows down? Like I said, sounds silly, but I just thought I would throw it out there.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Jasper Texas
Thats very good thinking! and that did cross my mind, but it sounds entirely different out back when you compare the drivers and passenger side. I've got some exhaust clips from before, I'ma make a new one and let you guys see/hear the difference.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Okay, while you might not have an engine problem, thank goodness. It is known that not all cylinders combust exactly the same. So the pressures on one side of the motor can be different from the other. When you take it back to your friend, as opposed to removing the mufflers, have him put in some type of cross over. The x-pipe is usually the best from a performance angle, but an h-pipe will work too. This will equalize the exhaust gas pressures and you probably be pleased with the result.