The exhaust system on your vehicle provides both the sound created from the engine and safety of removing harmful gasses from your car, truck, or SUV. There are many different types of exhaust systems, mufflers, tips, and headers to choose from when planning the installation of an exhaust. With all of these options, it can be sometimes confusing or overwhelming when researching exhaust components. Below are answers to common questions about exhaust components and how they affect sound:
How To Make Your Exhaust Sound Deeper
To make a factory exhaust sound deeper, system components need to be changed. One part that deepens the exhaust sound the most is the muffler. A free-flowing performance muffler which incorporates hair or fiber-like material for absorbing sound from companies like Borla or Magnaflow will provide a deeper tone than the stock muffler or a muffler that uses chambers or baffles. Typically, getting a deeper tone causes some sound reduction, depending on the differences between the original and replacement muffler, as these types will absorb sound in the process. A longer muffler will also lower the pitch of the sound in comparison to a short style and a larger diameter exhaust pipe can also lower the pitch of exhaust sound. However, too large of diameter will negatively affect performance.
How To Make Your Exhaust Louder
Removal of the catalytic converter, if the vehicle is equipped with one, will make the exhaust louder. However, it can only be removed from off-road and race-only vehicles. Local laws and ordinances must be researched and followed before removing a cat converter. Some late-model vehicles do not perform well with a catalytic converter removed so proper research and planning needs to be completed before removal. A small or short muffler, as well as no muffler in the exhaust system will also make the exhaust louder. Another way to adjust exhaust sound is with the overall length. Shortening the exhaust will make it louder. Some owners will terminate the exhaust at the rear axle. The sound from the exhaust will bounce off of the pavement and bottom of the car, amplifying exhaust noise. Care must be taken to ensure no carbon monoxide or deadly gases enter the passenger cabin, however. The addition of headers will also make the exhaust louder due to the larger tubes used for exhaust gases exiting the engine.
How To Get A Better Sounding Exhaust
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer to how to obtain a better-sounding exhaust. What may sound great to one person may not to another. However, typically, upgrading the factory exhaust system with an aftermarket cat-back or axle-back kit will make a big difference in both sound and performance that most are looking for. High performance mufflers and resonators typically make the largest difference in sound quality as well. The addition of headers to a vehicle's exhaust system can also improve sound quality in addition to performance.
What Exhaust Tips Sound Best?
The best exhaust tips for sound are called “Megaphone” exhaust tips. The design of these tips incorporates an elongated funnel shape to amplify sound. The length of Megaphone tips ranges from 12 to 30 inches. They are available in raw, chrome, or polished stainless steel finish to compliment the looks of the rest of your vehicle or exhaust. Due to the length and design, these exhaust tips are only available in a weld-on version. For a more subdued sound, Hedman Headers offers “Hot Tips” that will absorb and lower the sound tone with a built-in resonator.
How To Get The Best Exhaust Sound
To get the best exhaust sound requires research and planning so you know what exhaust sound you want as well as how to replicate it. The first step involves finding a vehicle that is nearly identical to yours with the sound you are looking for. This can be from a local meet or car show as well as listening to sound clips online. Once you find an exhaust system you like, get the details of it from the source. A JEGS tech specialist can then help you find everything needed to get the best sounding exhaust system for your vehicle.
How To Change Muffler Sound
While it may be tempting to drill holes in your vehicle's muffler or remove material from the inside of it, the best option is to replace the muffler with a performance version that meets your expectations on both sound and quality.
