Another noise level question! Advice needed!
Discussion
Hi Guys
I am thinking of doing a couple of trackdays
(my first ever) and have a sneeking feeling I am going to need to 'modify' my exhaust drastically to pass a decibel test.
The car is a 2008 Caterham R400 with the 2.0 16v Duratec engine and has had the Performance Upgrade which means it now has throttle bodies. In addition, the car has a de-cat pipe and a Caterham supplied R500 rear exhaust section (as in profile picture).
Does anyone know roughly what the noise level on this set up will be?
It sounds ALOT louder than most other sevens and I have been pulled up by the
BiB as they had heard me coming 4/5 mins before they saw me!?! 
Also, is there anyone in the North East Hampshire area that has access to a Decibel Meter that would kindly be able to give me a reading?
Finally, does anyone run a trackday exhaust set up on an R400 Duratec that they could recommend?
Many thanks for your advice in advance!
Regards
Paul
I am thinking of doing a couple of trackdays
(my first ever) and have a sneeking feeling I am going to need to 'modify' my exhaust drastically to pass a decibel test.The car is a 2008 Caterham R400 with the 2.0 16v Duratec engine and has had the Performance Upgrade which means it now has throttle bodies. In addition, the car has a de-cat pipe and a Caterham supplied R500 rear exhaust section (as in profile picture).
Does anyone know roughly what the noise level on this set up will be?
It sounds ALOT louder than most other sevens and I have been pulled up by the
BiB as they had heard me coming 4/5 mins before they saw me!?! Also, is there anyone in the North East Hampshire area that has access to a Decibel Meter that would kindly be able to give me a reading?
Finally, does anyone run a trackday exhaust set up on an R400 Duratec that they could recommend?
Many thanks for your advice in advance!
Regards
Paul
I'm pretty sure the R500 isn't under many track day noise limits, especially with the decat pipe, so I would suspect you'll strugle. There are a few ways of getting around the problem though. Caterham sell a Trackday friendly scilencer or you can go to a 3rd party like http://www.btbexhausts.co.uk/
I put a BTB on a KR500 to get on track days. 108db down to 97.5db
Get down to an airfield track day with no noise limits (or a loud day), great fun and you'll be able to get a reading there (ask the organisers to bring a meter). You'll then know what you are up against.
BTW make SURE your car is properly warm when testing (standing test) - makes a big difference to the noise level.
Get down to an airfield track day with no noise limits (or a loud day), great fun and you'll be able to get a reading there (ask the organisers to bring a meter). You'll then know what you are up against.
BTW make SURE your car is properly warm when testing (standing test) - makes a big difference to the noise level.
ArosaMike said:
I'm pretty sure the R500 isn't under many track day noise limits, especially with the decat pipe, so I would suspect you'll strugle. There are a few ways of getting around the problem though. Caterham sell a Trackday friendly scilencer or you can go to a 3rd party like http://www.btbexhausts.co.uk/
Hmmm, I did have a look on the Caterham online store and couldn't find anything 'trackdayish' in the exhaust listings!?! I did also ask but they said they would need the car to assess the options..Do you have any idea what BTB would charge for something like a rear section?
GetCarter said:
I put a BTB on a KR500 to get on track days. 108db down to 97.5db
Get down to an airfield track day with no noise limits (or a loud day), great fun and you'll be able to get a reading there (ask the organisers to bring a meter). You'll then know what you are up against.
BTW make SURE your car is properly warm when testing (standing test) - makes a big difference to the noise level.
I had heard about getting it up to running temperature before (but have since forgotten) so thanks for the heads up! I've been looking for an airfield day but not sure I am looking in the right places!?! I would quite like somewhere with alot of run off to start with! Get down to an airfield track day with no noise limits (or a loud day), great fun and you'll be able to get a reading there (ask the organisers to bring a meter). You'll then know what you are up against.
BTW make SURE your car is properly warm when testing (standing test) - makes a big difference to the noise level.
I also like the sound of these loud days that you speak of, any ideas where I can find out more about them?!!
Noger said:
Even if you get it through that, make sure you know where the drive-by meters are on the track, and lift/keep clear. Nothing worse that getting through the noise test only to get black flagged 
Being a novice I thought you only had to pass a standing Db test, didn't even realise they had them dotted about the track/s.. Not sure I like the sound of this 'lift/keep clear' business! R400PM said:
Being a novice I thought you only had to pass a standing Db test, didn't even realise they had them dotted about the track/s.. Not sure I like the sound of this 'lift/keep clear' business! R400PM said:
I had heard about getting it up to running temperature before (but have since forgotten) so thanks for the heads up! I've been looking for an airfield day but not sure I am looking in the right places!?! I would quite like somewhere with alot of run off to start with!
I also like the sound of these loud days that you speak of, any ideas where I can find out more about them?!!
Check out EasyTrack, Bookatrack and Track day events' websites. I used to do many with all three, but moved out of England, so am not up to date with what they are up to these days. I heartily recommend all three for a great day out (with some great tuition if requested).I also like the sound of these loud days that you speak of, any ideas where I can find out more about them?!!
As for run-off - LOADS! Check out http://www.stevecarter.com/brunters.WMV (I'm driving the yellow 7 in front)
Edited by GetCarter on Friday 28th January 13:47
GetCarter said:
Check out EasyTrack, Bookatrack and Track day events' websites. I used to do many with all three, but moved out of England, so am not up to date with what they are up to these days. I heartily recommend all three for a great day out (with some great tuition if requested).
As for run-off - LOADS! Check out http://www.stevecarter.com/brunters.WMV (I'm driving the yellow 7 in front)
That looks fantastic, exactly the sort of thing I am after! Certainly some lively moments there! As for run-off - LOADS! Check out http://www.stevecarter.com/brunters.WMV (I'm driving the yellow 7 in front)
Edited by GetCarter on Friday 28th January 13:47
MikeO996 said:
R400PM said:
Being a novice I thought you only had to pass a standing Db test, didn't even realise they had them dotted about the track/s.. Not sure I like the sound of this 'lift/keep clear' business! Just be aware that some induction systems are noisier than others, is it the roller barrels that are particularly tricky ?
Anyway, as said you can always do a noisy day, but they are more expensive. And at the aforementioned Goodwood with just 5 cars on track on a noisy day it can get a bit lonely
But....don't let any of this put you off doing a trackday, it just takes some planning around how noisy you are.
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