A loud exhaust is something that ignites a sense of excitement in every automotive enthusiast out there. Be it a car guy or a bike guy, the sheer sound created by their vehicle’s engines is something that they not only enjoy but cherish too. A loud exhaust system is a modification that has been available in the market for a long time.
There are several ways an individual can do to make their car louder and sound more aggressive. Several enthusiasts love the sound of an engine roar and they want to get the most out of the experience. Be it entry-level sports cars or hypercars, an exhaust system amplifying the sound of the engine has been somewhat of a priority in the automotive industry.
A loud exhaust system might be something that creates a lot of excitement, but just like every other modification out there it also has some cons. It might look great on social media, at car shows, or even on a rally stage, but before you get this modification for your car, you need to educate yourself about it. Here is everything you need to know about a loud exhaust.
- What Does A Exhaust System Do
- How To Make Your Car Exhaust Louder
- Sound Amplifying Exhaust Tip
- How To Straight Pipe Your Car
- Loud Exhaust While Accelerating
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does A Exhaust System Do
The exhaust system on a car is an extremely important part of the car. It is responsible for carrying the byproduct of combustion from the engine. After the combustion cycle is completed, it is the exhaust system’s job to clean the gas and give it a place to go.
The exhaust system that is engineered by the factory is designed to be quiet, efficient, and also as environmentally friendly as possible. Every country has made certain laws that help companies design their exhaust system. They have set a limit to the greenhouse gases released by any car as well as the number of emissions the car produces. Every automaker needs to follow these regulations in order to import their vehicles for sale.
These emotions can be kept in check by the O2 sensor that is usually placed with respect to the catalytic convertor.
Modified exhaust systems also have these things available. Instead of keeping efficiency in mind people can extract more power from the engine or even a louder sound. This may cause the car to be less fuel efficient. A cheap exhaust system might also create some problems related to the O2 sensor.
How To Make Your Car Exhaust Louder
There are several things an individual can do to make their car exhaust louder. There are a number of aftermarket exhaust kits that are available for an individual. Choosing the right exhaust can be extremely important as it is a representation of the owner. Although a new exhaust system is not the only thing that can make a car louder. Here is a list of things that can help you make your car sound louder.
Loud Exhaust Option #1: Straight Piping
One of the cheapest and easiest ways of making your car louder is to straight pipe your vehicle. Straight piping your car is exactly what it sounds like. Straight piping is simply a tube that goes directly from the headers to the back end of the car. Even though straight pipes are extremely smelly, loud, and illegal but they can spit out amazing flames out the back of your car.
A straight piped car can be extremely fun to drive, especially when your car can go blasting through the tunnels sounding like an F1 car and spitting out flames. It is extremely fun at the start but it starts to get tiresome after some time, especially if the car is your daily driver.
One of the main cons to having a straight piped car is the problems with the O2 sensor. A straight piped car will have its check engine light on and will definitely not pass emissions. Another con for getting this mod is that it is illegal.
Loud Exhaust Option #2: Cat-Back
A cat-back exhaust system is one of the most popular methods for making your car loud. It is not only the cheapest method for making increasing the sound of the car, but it also allows the car to use its catalytic convertor. This means that you would not have to tiptoe around any cop car and your car’s dashboard would not be lit up like a Christmas tree.
Cat-back exhaust systems refer to any part of the exhaust system which is behind the catalytic convertor.
Another advantage of the cat-back system is the problems that come after driving for a long time. These problems include the bad smell (for more insight, check out our guide on how to get weed smell out of car and how to get the weed smell out of your car) and the vibrations that come from a straight piped car. A cat-back will get you a deeper better sounding exhaust with absolutely satisfying revs. If someone is looking for a loud exhaust for their daily driver, a cat-back mod is the best thing you can do to your car.
Loud Exhaust Option #3: Speakers
A loud exhaust can also be simulated by the speakers in your car. There are not many places that usually do this aftermarket, but there are several manufacturers that do this. Manufacturers these days put microphones inside their cars to amplify the existing engine and intake sounds.
Sometimes these manufacturers wire in music that helps simulate the sound of an engine, making your car sound more aggressive. These sounds are not the real exhaust notes from the car, but they make the driving experience better.
There are some advantages to this method of making your car sound better. The stock exhaust is engineered specifically to be more efficient right out of the factory. Hence, not only the car is efficient, the scare of failing an emissions test decreases. Modifying your car will also cause a decrease in the miles per gallon which is avoided with this method.
The only con to this method is that the sound produced by the system is fake and not all enthusiasts might be a fan of this method.
Loud Exhaust Option #4: Headers
Headers are one of the easiest bolt-on accessories that can improve not only your exhaust note but also the performance of your car. The main point of this accessory is to make it easier for the engine to push the gas out of the cylinders. Headers are these octopus-looking tubes that come out of either one or both sides of the engine.
They are the first thing that the exhaust gas comes in contact with when it leaves the engine. It is the first place a racecar engineer looks to free up resistance from the engine.
The main advantage of a header is that it improves the flow of exhaust gases from the engine. This doesn’t only allow your car to sound better and louder but also increases the performance of the car. Headers are relatively expensive and labor-intensive modifications. Turbocharged and supercharged cars can really benefit from a good pair of headers.
Headers are modifications that can free up some hoses under the hood if you have supporting modifications. Alongside that, it also makes the car sound extremely amazing.
Loud Exhaust Option #5: Making A Hole In Your Exhaust
This may be one of the most popular exhaust loudness modifications amongst teenagers and first-time car owners. If the exhaust system on your car has any type of opening or leak in it, the exhaust gas will leak making your car extremely loud. Many enthusiasts drill a hole in the muffler to get this effect.
The damping done by the piping, catalytic convertor, and the muffler is bypassed and it allows your exhaust to be much louder. This is also the cheapest method available in the market.
To amplify the sound made by your car, all you need is a drill, a hammer, and a perfectly working exhaust system. All you need to do is start poking holes in the muffler with the drill. For good measure take a hammer and smack the entire length of the system. This will get you the results you are looking for.
Sound Amplifying Exhaust Tip
One of the biggest myths that any amateur enthusiast might believe is the fact that exhaust tips can amplify or significantly change the performance of your car. Exhaust tips may be able to make your car sound a bit louder or a little aggressive. There are some whistles available online that will make your car sound like it has a turbocharger, but even that will have no performance benefit for your car.
There are some aftermarket exhaust tips that make the sound of the car deeper or throatier. This might be considered by someone who loves the sound of their car and wants a minimalist change to the revving sound (if you know how to rev a car).
Exhaust tips can not be classified as a performance mod, as it has more to do with improving the aesthetics of the car. The aesthetics of the vehicle is also important alongside performance. Hence a number of enthusiasts love having custom exhaust tips as it adds to the character of your vehicle.
How To Straight Pipe A Car
A custom exhaust might be the first thing that might have popped up in your head when we talk about increasing the decibels on your exhaust system. Even though a custom exhaust system might be on your mind but the more creative solution, with fewer complications than a custom exhaust, has to be a straight piped exhaust.
Due to the minimized curving and bending in a straight piped car, there is a decrease in the back pressure of the car. Alongside that, it also increases the efficiency of the exhaust system as the flow of gases has been improved.
Even though a straight pipe can be better on paper than a custom exhaust system, that does not mean it is the way to go. There are several cons that come with straight piping a car. That is why you need to do your due diligence before getting this mod.
If you choose to go ahead with straight piping your car, here are certain steps you need to follow to get this mod.
Step 1
The first step for straight piping your car is to inspect the exhaust system., you need to determine the correct type and size of the muffler that is put on your car. The size and especially the capacity of the engine is crucial for straight piping as it helps prevent the backflow in the exhaust system.
You need to inspect your exhaust system too. You need to check for a pre-silencer and a straight line muffler, as it is an important part of the exhaust system.
Step 2
After determining the size and the types of parts used in your stock exhaust system, the next step is to take your car to a garage with a lift. Lifting the car is important so that you can inspect the location of the exhaust and take notes on the location of the hangers and mounts.
Step 3
The third step is to mark all the locations of these necessary parts on a sheet of paper. Sketching out the kinda exhaust system you like, and designing all the parts will help you be prepared. Make sure that all the necessary bends required are correctly calculated.
Step 4
Once you have completed the steps above, what you need to do is get some lubricant to loosen the parts of the exhaust you have currently on. After getting that done remove the clamps and remove the exhaust. Once you have done that you need to disengage the car’s catalytic converter and not remove it.
It is important to keep the catalytic converter partially untouched but not removed. This part of the exhaust system is absolutely necessary as it is required by the low to keep it on. Therefore, if you are caught without it, you will need to get that fixed and you might also end up getting a ticket.
Remember that while taking out your old exhaust system, if you break a part, that part needs to be replaced for eg. clamps. This is because of the safety of your straight piped exhaust system.
Step 5
The fifth step is to get the straight-piped exhaust mounted on your car. Once you have gotten rid of your old exhaust, it is time to layout the Mandrel bend sections and cut them according to what is required. After that what you need to do is weld the parts together. You need to ensure that the pieces fit perfectly and align together before you weld them permanently.
Once the parts are welded, what you need to do is apply heat-resistant paint. This helps to treat the metal so that it doesn’t get corroded, especially if it is not stainless steel or chrome. Usually, if the metal is not treated, it starts to rust moments after installation and it can become faulty.
After the tack welding and the metal treatment, you need to weld the pipe section and the muffler together. Once you are done with that fix the new exhaust system under your car. You need to weld it in the correct position based on the sketch as it is permanent. Once completed this process you car good to go. You can turn on your car and listen to the pure sound of the engine purr.
Loud Exhaust When Accelerating
A loud exhaust might not always mean good things for your vehicle, especially if you haven’t gotten any modifications for your exhaust. A loud stock exhaust while accelerating can mean some type of trouble for your car. Different acceleration noises can mean different things.
Some of the most common noises you may hear are usually chirping, slapping, rattling, etc. these sounds can do some serious damage to your vehicle in the long run especially if not checked.
1. Loud Exhaust Sound Chirping
One of the most common noises is a loud exhaust when your engine is creating a chirping sound while accelerating. Especially when you start accelerating at lower speeds. This can mean that some parts of your car might be loose. There can also be a problem with the axle or even the engine.
If your car is creating a chirping noise make sure to show it to a mechanic as soon as possible. This can cause the car’s axle to fail, lock up the wheels, or even loosen up a component inside the engine.
2. Loud Rattling Exhaust Sound
Rattling sounds while driving your car can be extremely frustrating and a little problematic. This can indicate a number of problems so what you need to do is identify where the rattling is coming from.
If it is coming from underneath your car that might mean that a part of your exhaust system is loose. On the other hand, if it is coming from the engine bay, it may be a problem with your oil level or a part of the engine.
If the rattling is coming from inside your car, it is nothing to worry about. It is probably just a loose part of something rolling around in your boot or glove compartment.
3. Loud Hissing Sound
A hissing sound you might hear coming from your exhaust can mean a leak in the exhaust system. However, you may hear it as a high-frequency rushing noise. Rust and road damage are usually the cause of exhaust leaks.
To get rid of this sound you need to investigate and fix the source of the hissing sound. This may happen due to rust or a damaged component. A hissing sound may mean that you signal exhaust fumes, that can find their way into the passenger area of the car.
A hissing sound might also be caused due to a loose or missing mount or sealing bolts, a loose or missing sealing clamp, or a damaged gasket or donut. A leaking exhaust manifold gasket may be noisy during a cold start.
Facts on How to Make Your Car Exhaust Louder:
- The exhaust system of a car is engineered from the factory to be quiet, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
- Straight piping, which is a simple tube that goes directly from the headers out the back end of the car, is the preferred method of making an exhaust louder by race car enthusiasts.
- Straight piping can result in a check engine light, and the car may not pass emissions.
- A muffler or resonator delete is a safer option for a louder exhaust.
- Cat-back exhaust systems are the most popular and cheapest way to make an exhaust louder and still use the stock catalytic converter.
- The benefits of a cat-back system include a deeper exhaust sound and a more satisfying revving experience.
- Some car manufacturers put microphones in their cars to amplify existing engine and intake sounds, but this is not a common aftermarket modification.
- Headers can improve flow and change the sound of a car’s exhaust system, but they are usually expensive and labor-intensive.
- A hole in the exhaust system can unintentionally make the exhaust sound much louder, and it is the cheapest method available.
- Exhaust tips do not change a car’s sound, but there are whistles that can be added to the tips to simulate the sound of a turbocharger.
Conclusion
A loud exhaust system is one of the most common modifications that enthusiasts get for their cars is a loud exhaust system. It is so popular because it ignites a sense of excitement for an automotive enthusiast. This article shows several ways to amplify the sound of your car in a responsible way and fight out any problems that might be caused by these modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some popular FAQs:
What Does A Muffler Do
Mufflers are an extremely important part of an exhaust system. The main use of a muffler is to dissipate the loud sounds created by the engine’s pistons and valves. Every time your valves open, there is a large burst of burnt gases that escape. These gases are produced during the engines’ combustion and it is released into the exhaust system. These gases create very powerful sound waves and the mufflers are there to control them.
Do Exhaust Tips Change Sound
Aftermarket exhaust tips are one of the most common modifications enthusiasts get for their cars. A new exhaust tip will not help your vehicle to better its performance. However, it may help change a couple of things, most noticeable is the sound your car makes. Even though exhaust tips change the sound of your car on a minor level, they can help the car sound more aggressive or a little louder. So if you do not want to change your whole exhaust system, new exhaust tips can be the right way to go.
How To Make My Exhaust Loud
As said before in this article, there are several ways to make your exhaust system loud. Some of them might not be legal in some states or countries but they definitely can make your car loud and fun for the driver. One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get your car extremely loud is to straight pipe your car. Straightpiping means exactly what it sounds like. The exhaust system has things like a catalytic converter and a muffler that help the car to be quieter. Straight piping means that there is a pipe that comes directly from the headers to the back and has nothing to decrease its sound. There are several other ways to amplify the sound of your vehicle. Some of them are, getting a new cat back, new exhaust tips, or new headers.
