Sidepipe volume

[lippy]

I've searched the forums on this, but I'd appreciate opinions on how loud side pipes really are. If I were to order my ERA with the quietest sidepipes they offer (with a 427 FE built by Brent) and pretty relaxed cruising gear ratios, how loud would it be on the highway, and at idle? Does it overwhelm the wind noise, and would it be loud enough to give me a headache? I am aware of the HP loss and burn issues associated with sidepipes, but I really am trying to understand the noise issue. The other alternative is under-car exhaust (Undercar exhaust exiting ahead of rear wheel), but I really do like the look of the sidepipes. Thanks!

[patrickt]

I have the "quieter pipes" and when I cruise at 70 MPH on the hightway, in 5th gear, turning just a hair over 2000 RPM, the wind noise is louder than the pipes. It's downright pleasant. I have a 3.54 rear, Tremec with the .64 gear, and my engine does not buck at 2000. Now, on the other hand, if I "get on it," you'll know it blocks away. If I keep my revs low, and drive gentle, I'm no different than a big truck and not as bad as a big hog. If I could turn them up, or turn them down, I would do neither.

[YerDugliness]

I agree with Patrick....have a 5.0HO engine with similar OD (a bit lower final drive ratio, though, at 3.7) and fairly small primary pipes leading into a 3" muffler. My cruising range is from 2,000 to 2,500 RPM and until I want to pass someone you wouldn't know it was next to you from the volume.

On the other hand, if I do a burnout you can hear the pipes for blocks....I don't do that much, though!

Cheers!

Dugly

[Jamo]

Mine are loud...really loud...all the time. Love it. That's what it's for.

[danc30]

What Jamo said!!!! +1

[Danr55]

If there had been any intention of getting a headache from sidepipes, I wouldn't be weary earplugs everywhere I drive. Works wonderful.

[Varmit]

Originally Posted by danc30

What Jamo said!!!! +1

yeah, what he said
+2

[Roush #1]

In my mind....if you have a question about noise in a cobra....you probably are not going to be happy with it.
Just sayin'

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Varmit

yeah, what he said
+2

Got to agree. +3

[patrickt]

Lippy, there's a "sweet spot" with the sound of the pipes in these cars, IMO. Louder is not always better. I have been in Cobras that were simply too loud for my taste; likewise, I have heard Cobras that I said to myself "that Cobra is not loud enough -- something's just not right." Those were always small block cars though (and that's not a dig at SB cars, either). You'll have to decide for yourself -- there's no way to tell without hearing them in person. You can hear my pipes by clicking the link below my sig, but even doing that doesn't really tell you how they sound -- you have to hear them in person to tell whether they're to your liking.

[lippy]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Lippy, there's a "sweet spot" with the sound of the pipes in these cars, IMO. Louder is not always better. I have been in Cobras that were simply too loud for my taste; likewise, I have heard Cobras that I said to myself "that Cobra is not loud enough -- something's just not right." Those were always small block cars though (and that's not a dig at SB cars, either). You'll have to decide for yourself -- there's no way to tell without hearing them in person. You can hear my pipes by clicking the link below my sig, but even doing that doesn't really tell you how they sound -- you have to hear them in person to tell whether they're to your liking.

Patrick, thanks and I agree completely. I've had several older cars - most of them open - so I know what I'm getting into. From my experience, the balance I'm looking for is something that is fast and sounds great, but not so loud that it can't be used comfortably to go to work occasionally, or on a long trip. My sense is that a lot of people build these cars with exhausts that are too loud and want to go back later to quiet them (there are several posts on different sidepipes, "auger" inserts, etc.). I'm trying to get this right the first time, as much as I can. I like the look of sidepipes so I'm trying to figure out if I can accomplish my goals this way. If not, I'll go with the undercar. But I have to decide soon.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by lippy

I'm trying to get this right the first time, as much as I can.

As you should. And that's why you have to temper all of our advice with a good bit of deference to what, in the end, will make you happy for the long haul. As ERA Chas will tell you, "to thine own self be true."

[ERA 778]

Lippy, The best way for you to learn about this is to beg, borrow, or steal a ride in a car similar to the one you're planning. Post a note here including your home town and I expect someone will volunteer some help. You just need to make sure it's an FE to get a similar sound.

I've got a 428 like you, but stroked to 463 inches (520hp) with the standard ERA carbon steel exhausts with ceramic coatings. It makes a lot of noise, even when cruising, so much so that I've just about given up on hearing the radio I installed - except when parked. But, that's OK; like most of the posters here, I enjoy the noise!

Part of the issue is that the exhausts exit right at your ears! You couldn't be closer!

[madmaxx]

There are different "types" of loudness. A sharp raspy or popping sound is much more annoying then a loud low base roar. Next time you watch drag racing on tv listen to how the top fuel dragsters pop, I loath that sound, it bounces off fences etc, a deep rumble is fantastic. I have stock SPF pipes and they are the perfect combination of loudness and rumble, at highway speed at 2.5k the wind is much louder. I listen to the radio all the time. I agree go to a cobra event and listen they all sound different.

[4SECA]

High flowing and Loud or Lower flowing and not as Loud.
The trick is know how far to go ,and in what direction.

[fordracing65]

Go loud, or go home......loud pipes, save lives.....

[Frank Messina]

This is such a subjective topic. I don't think there is a pat answer that will satisfy all ears. Madmaxx is right, go to an event and listen to different cars and quiz the owners about their mufflers and engine combos. See what you like and try to copy it. When I built my car I decided to plunk down the big$$ for Kooks headers and sidepipes because everybody raved about how good they sounded. When I fired up the motor for the first time I nearly went into shock. They sounded like crap to me. Do your own field research and decide for yourself.
Frank

[rpatton3]

I am getting 304 stainless 3" mufflers grafted on my Backdraft's sidepipes. I am also getting a three bolt flange in front of mufflers, just in case I wanted to disturb the peace.

I will be 60 in November and my hearing is still good after lots of shooting guns and open headers in my youth.

[rpatton3]

i have a db app for my iPhone.

I just can not remember to use it.

[RET_COP]

I have louvers in reverse. My dB reading at idle is 95dB and at 3000 rpm 110dB. I pray that while approaching an intersection everybody hears me. That is my biggest fear.
cruising at 2100 in 5th gear is good.
Lou