V8 Straight Exhaust

[jbrauer]

I'm strongly considering eliminating the muffler on my V8 and installing straight-thru pipes with center exit like the 2002's. I'll retain the stock cats.

How much louder is it without the muffler. I don't want to become "those neighbors with the loud car"?

[shadowninja]

i've heard a v8se with a sports exhaust and that was loud, so if you have no muffler you will have one very annoying car (unless the neighbours appreciate sporty car sounds )

do it anyway. if anyone complains then you can always revert to the stock muffler or buy a sports exhaust system later!

[rob.ellis]

how loud is too loud? its all a matter of perception, and what people are used to..

My v8 has the 'stock' exhaust on when i first had it, which was too loud. I changed this for a lotus 'sports' exhaust which was louder, but not too loud IMO. I then tried straight pipes (two straight pipes, no silencer straight back off the cats) which in my opinion was just too loud. I'm now back with the sports exhaust. Its the best compromise IMO.

You may find that if you have a longer pipe from the cats, and a couple of bends (to get the centre style exit) then this will quieten the exhaust slightly? Also, if you are getting this custom made, if it IS too loud i suppose you could always get the exhaust shop to re-make it with some small silencer cans between the cats and the tail pipes?

Only way to really know is to either hear someone else's car who's has this done, or try it and see if you like it

[jhybinette]

In my mind its not real big difference between a muffler and no muffler. However, if you do remove the cats there are a BIG difference in sound. If you really want to know disconnect the muffler and listen. Then you know.

[mike carroll]

I had what was called a sports exhaust made up for my V8, by a chap here in New Zealand who's done several others. Essentially, the silencers are removed, with the turbo's and the cat's providing the quietening. Which, I can assure you, is not alot! My car previously was way too quiet. Now, it's VERY loud! Sounds sporty with it of course, but you're not getting Ferrari or American V8 sound. Still worth doing though, in my opinion.

Cheers. Mike.

[ErnestM]

FYI:

I believe all US spec Esprit V8's already come with the sport exhaust

ErnestM

[FJ40]

I have removed mine and it is not loud at all. I had a muffler shop make some straight pipes. Test it out by taking yours off but be careful it is one very heavy muffler.

Dan