Maybe he should just run the exhaust into the cabin 
Anyone ever done the Washer Mod?
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 86
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From: Acworth Georgia
Anyone ever done the Washer Mod?
Washer Mod:
Taking a washer, and putting one on each bolt between the flanges on the exhaust, behind the H-pipe, where the mufflers connect. Effectively creating an exhaust leak (
).
I did it today as a weekend project, for craps and giggles. You are probably asking why in the world would anybody do that. Well, I wanted to know how an exhaust system would sound inside the car, and if I'd even like to change it from stock. Well, as ridiculous as it sounds, it does sound REALLY good. I'm honestly thinking about straight piping my Corvette, now, while earlier, it was out of the question.
(Don't worry fellas, I'm taking them out tomorrow!)
Anyone ever done this?
Taking a washer, and putting one on each bolt between the flanges on the exhaust, behind the H-pipe, where the mufflers connect. Effectively creating an exhaust leak (
).I did it today as a weekend project, for craps and giggles. You are probably asking why in the world would anybody do that. Well, I wanted to know how an exhaust system would sound inside the car, and if I'd even like to change it from stock. Well, as ridiculous as it sounds, it does sound REALLY good. I'm honestly thinking about straight piping my Corvette, now, while earlier, it was out of the question.
(Don't worry fellas, I'm taking them out tomorrow!)
Anyone ever done this?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 86
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From: Acworth Georgia
I knew I would get these responses. Haha, as I said, it was only to see how the car drives with a louder exhaust. I'm taking them out tomorrow, and ordering an exhaust sometime soon.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
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From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I'm not sure I understand the purpose of this exercise. It sounds like you are attempting to simulate what an aftermarket exhaust will sound like on your car. I have listened to every brand offered and some homemade and I can assure you none sounded like an exhaust leak. The sound will be completely different both inside and outside the car if for no other reason they exit the exhaust and noise behind the car and not under it.
The only thing I can think of you have simulated would be the sound of exhaust cut outs, which in my opinion sound horrible. But hey, it's your car, have fun!
The only thing I can think of you have simulated would be the sound of exhaust cut outs, which in my opinion sound horrible. But hey, it's your car, have fun!
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 86
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From: Acworth Georgia
I'm not sure I understand the purpose of this exercise. It sounds like you are attempting to simulate what an aftermarket exhaust will sound like on your car. I have listened to every brand offered and some homemade and I can assure you none sounded like an exhaust leak. The sound will be completely different both inside and outside the car if for no other reason they exit the exhaust and noise behind the car and not under it.
The only thing I can think of you have simulated would be the sound of exhaust cut outs, which in my opinion sound horrible. But hey, it's your car, have fun!
The only thing I can think of you have simulated would be the sound of exhaust cut outs, which in my opinion sound horrible. But hey, it's your car, have fun!
And to those talking about "running exhaust into the cabin". Hardly any exhaust actually gets out. Also, how many people run dumps, or cutouts? A lot.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,776
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From: North of Atlanta GA
St. Jude Donor '05
ACTUALLY. . . I know a few guys that went straight pipe AND it sound fantastic. The Vette is the only car I know of that you can eliminate the mufflers and it sounds better than ever!
As a matter of fact I challenge anyone to listen to and tell a Vette with straight pipes from one with aftermarket exhaust.
As a matter of fact I challenge anyone to listen to and tell a Vette with straight pipes from one with aftermarket exhaust.
Last edited by pcfred; Dec 11, 2009 at 01:43 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
drone compared to open exhaust
Can't see how you can learn anything from that
'exercise'. And exhaust leak can not simulate the drone which is created by muffler cavities or tubing bend configurations.
'exercise'. And exhaust leak can not simulate the drone which is created by muffler cavities or tubing bend configurations.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
This is an idea from back in the 50s and 60s...maybe earlier. Not everything that owners did back then works in today's cars. People also put mothballs into their fuel tank or installed flame exhaust tips. 
Why not just drill a series of holes along your exhaust system if you want more "noise"?
Why not just drill a series of holes along your exhaust system if you want more "noise"?
Last edited by hotwheels57; Dec 11, 2009 at 10:52 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 220
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From: A little place called Macungie PA
Never heard of the washer mod but I can speak about the straight pipes. I've seen Phoenix Performance vette's at Philly area auto-X's that run straight pipes and man do they sound sweet. I have '04 Z06 Ti's on my car but if I didn't I'd think about running straight pipes... can't beat the price. This is just one opinion of a young and dumb kid... maybe.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 86
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From: Acworth Georgia
I'm taking them out this afternoon everyone.
But, don't hate on it, because it doesn't sound bad at all.
Why not drill holes in the piping? I want to revert it back to stock. I'm not going to ruin my exhaust system. The washer mod took me like 15 minutes to do, with nothing but a socket wrench.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,044
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Straight pipes drone quite badly and simulating an exhaust leak will not duplicate the drone. I ran straight pipes on my 97 for several years and they are loud inside the car. The most severe drone is in the 1500 to 2000 rpm range when the car is under a load such as driving with the cruise set at 65 mph in 6th gear and going up a steep hill. It will get loud enough you will have trouble hearing the radio and you will hear some things inside the cabin buzzing loudly that do not make any noise when you have mufflers.
You will also get more backfiring with straight pipes. Everytime I was driving on a track and down shifted I would get a pretty good pop as I got back on the throttle. Not sure if flame could be seen out of the rear like the turbo P cars but it sure popped like they do.
Bill
You will also get more backfiring with straight pipes. Everytime I was driving on a track and down shifted I would get a pretty good pop as I got back on the throttle. Not sure if flame could be seen out of the rear like the turbo P cars but it sure popped like they do.
Bill
