How to Reduce Exhaust Noise
Loud exhaust noise is common in cars that have powerful engines. It can be especially annoying if you have a race car that could easily claim the top spot in the next Need For Speed game. But even if you don’t, exhaust noise can still be quite unpleasant.
Having said that, there are a few ways you can reduce exhaust noise to a significant degree. In this article I’ve compiled the best methods available, so you can pick the one that best suits your style and budget.
1. Install an exhaust muffler (silencer)
Exhaust mufflers have been in use since 1987. Many cars have them already, but aftermarket ones are almost a necessity for engine tuning.
A muffler is designed like a small labyrinth. Gas has to pass through various passages and resonating chambers before it can get out through the exhaust. Through this process sound pressure gets reduced by a fair bit. Mufflers are usually lined up with fiberglass insulation, a material used in many soundproofing products for reducing airborne and impact noise.
To learn more about how mufflers work, and to see an example of a muffler from the inside, check out this awesome video.
If you want to learn how to install an exhaust muffler on your own, here is a useful installation guide:
The products used in this video are all available on Amazon:
Of course, make sure that the muffler you get is a good fit. One thing to note is that a quality muffler will also take a few horse power away from your engine. If that’s your concern, you may want to check out the next two options.
Installing an aftermarket muffler with fiberglass insulation is the conservative approach to reducing exhaust noise. But it’s not the only method you can use. There are a few other equally powerful approaches:
2. Install an exhaust resonator
Resonators are often mixed in with mufflers. But there’s a difference. A resonator is a straight pipe, not as wide as a muffler. Instead of making sound waves pass through a labyrinth, it makes them crash against one another. While a muffler reduces all sound, a resonator is very effective for the buzzing and droning noise. It also decreases engine back pressure, and therefore increases engine performance.
You can see how effective a resonator can be in this video:
The resonator used in this video is also available on Amazon. You can check out the price by clicking here.
But if you’re looking for an easy noise reduction tip that you can implement without getting your hands dirty, the next tip’s for you:
3. The easiest option: a muffler silencer!
Yo dawg, I heard you like mufflers. So I silenced your muffler with a silencer. Memes aside, this is an incredibly easy way to reduce exhaust noise and it requires zero work.
All you need to do is insert this universal silencer in your exhaust (from the outside, without taking off any parts) and you’re good to go. Check out the customer reviews and you’ll see what others are saying about it, and there’s also a picture from a person who installed it on their car.
Now, before you go crazy and buy it, make sure that it can fit in your exhaust. It’s designed for 4” round tip mufflers. There are other silencers for different exhaust tip sizes, so do check them out in case this one is too big or too small.
I’m really happy to recommend this option because it’s so affordable and easy to install. I’m kind of thinking about ordering one of these myself, even though I’m perfectly fine with the noise levels emanating from my Renault Clio!
Conclusion
A fiberglass insulated muffler, a glossy resonator and a muffler silencer walk into a bar. You’re the hot chick with a sugary cocktail in her hand who has to make a choice between any of these fine gentleman. As someone who doesn’t like to go down and dirty, nor relationships that are overly complicated, I’d pick the muffler silencer. However, I’m not the one to judge..
I hope this article has helped you narrow down the options at hand. Have personal experience with exhaust noise reduction? Feel free to share it in the comment section below!
