When is loud, too loud?
Discussion
Just finished some work on my Chimaera including ACT de-catted manifolds, and the popular exhaust 'modification' (fully sleeved) and it now sounds very sweet, if not a little loud.
The main cat is still in place, but essentially, that is the only restriction in the system.
My question relates to the legal situation on noise levels. My understanding is that their are maximum noise levels for motorcycles, but not cars (please feel free to correct me if this is hog-wash !!), and if there are noise restriction in place, has anybody else run into difficulties :judge:
I don't recon my car is any louder than other 'modified' TVR's eg De-catted Speed 6's, or RV8 with 'sports' exhausts?
The main cat is still in place, but essentially, that is the only restriction in the system.
My question relates to the legal situation on noise levels. My understanding is that their are maximum noise levels for motorcycles, but not cars (please feel free to correct me if this is hog-wash !!), and if there are noise restriction in place, has anybody else run into difficulties :judge:
I don't recon my car is any louder than other 'modified' TVR's eg De-catted Speed 6's, or RV8 with 'sports' exhausts?
Technically, you are already in breach of the law. It is illegal to modify an exhaust system in such a way that it creates more noise:
Police information link
You are a very bad man. I bet you drive faster than 70 miles an hour, as well, don't you!
Police information link
You are a very bad man. I bet you drive faster than 70 miles an hour, as well, don't you!
PARDON? 
Mutant Rat said:
Technically, you are already in breach of the law. It is illegal to modify an exhaust system in such a way that it creates more noise:
Police information link
According to your link the Surveyor is OK. I suggest that you may wish to re-read it:
"The system must not be modified after manufacture to make more noise as a result of escaping gases."
Depends how you choose to interpret it:
You could say that an exhaust is only illegal if it makes more noise as a result of modifications which allow gasses to escape where none were escaping before (eg. cutting a hole in the pipe before your silencer).
You could also interpret it to mean that if it has been modified in such a way that the escaping gasses create more noise than they did in standard form (eg. removing cats, baffles in the silencer, bypassing the silencer, or fitting a whistle in the tailpipe), then the modification is illegal.
I'm fairly sure that the latter is how the law is intended to be interpreted, and how it would be determined in the case of a prosecution.
You could say that an exhaust is only illegal if it makes more noise as a result of modifications which allow gasses to escape where none were escaping before (eg. cutting a hole in the pipe before your silencer).
You could also interpret it to mean that if it has been modified in such a way that the escaping gasses create more noise than they did in standard form (eg. removing cats, baffles in the silencer, bypassing the silencer, or fitting a whistle in the tailpipe), then the modification is illegal.
I'm fairly sure that the latter is how the law is intended to be interpreted, and how it would be determined in the case of a prosecution.
128db!
I didn't think so, but just about every track in the UK did...and some in Europe!
Its a bit quieter now, and truth be known, it does sound better...more rounded exhaust note with the Induction ROAR from the Carbs. FABULOUS!!!
andy
www.ballisticbanana.co.uk/tvrmonster.htm
I didn't think so, but just about every track in the UK did...and some in Europe!
Its a bit quieter now, and truth be known, it does sound better...more rounded exhaust note with the Induction ROAR from the Carbs. FABULOUS!!!
andy
www.ballisticbanana.co.uk/tvrmonster.htm
Thanks for the replys.
I suppose the only way to find out is to get it tested, or just drive the thing and hope it doesn't attract the wrong attention.
I'll see what the others on the 'Cream tea run' on Sunday think.
Took it through the Tyne tunnel last night, it pops and bangs on demand, perfect (even if potentially illegal!!!!).
I suppose the only way to find out is to get it tested, or just drive the thing and hope it doesn't attract the wrong attention.
I'll see what the others on the 'Cream tea run' on Sunday think.
Took it through the Tyne tunnel last night, it pops and bangs on demand, perfect (even if potentially illegal!!!!).
TheArb said:
well I've now got tinnitus after a year of driving the T350C with a Racing Green exhaust. And I'm not joking. Is that loud enough?
Wow. I have one of those on the Tamora and to be honest with the roof on it sounds like a pussy cat, you hardly hear it all. I am wondering if there more sound proofing on a tamora? I doubt it could cause tinnitus, for a tamora owner.
maddog-uk said:
Wow. I have one of those on the Tamora and to be honest with the roof on it sounds like a pussy cat, you hardly hear it all. I am wondering if there more sound proofing on a tamora? I doubt it could cause tinnitus, for a tamora owner.
Believe me Simon, your car does NOT sound like a pussy cat from the outside. I sat behind your Tam for a fair few k's on way back from Reims on the FB5K and it's LOUD mate
I wouldn't worry - you're driving a TVR, not a Corsa - I'd bet you won't get pulled no matter how much noise you make - my precat had a straight-thru exhaust with zero silencing, and as long as you don't floor it in front of a stripey Volvo, it'll be fine.
I had some 'looks', but no pulls. It's an enthusiasts car, not a dealers wagon (you haven't got black tinted windows have you...)
I had some 'looks', but no pulls. It's an enthusiasts car, not a dealers wagon (you haven't got black tinted windows have you...)
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