So I did something potentially redneck today – took out my rear muffler. The stock muffler was very easy to remove, loosen 2 bolts, rotate the muffler down and then shimmy it out of the rubber hangers. What's left is a flange right next to the passenger side rear spring.
It won't stay like this for very long. This setup doesnt allow exhaust gasses to escape efficiently – they sort of pool under the rear bumper area when the car is stopped. When the car is moving, this is not a problem, but traffic is almost always a possibility.
So I get the car lowered back to the ground, wash my hands, and hop in the driver's seat. This is always my favorite part of car modding – the moment right before you get to test the work you have done, the anticipation. So twist the key and a rumble escapes the rear and settles into a raw burble. It's not loud, but at the same time, not quiet either. I back out of the drive and away I go. Still not quiet, but not as obnoxious as my truck or some other setups I have heard. Moment of truth, I head out onto the road and mash the gas. Definitely louder than stock, but above 4k rpms, the engine still seems louder than the exhaust – not that that's a bad thing. From stop to about 15mph is when it's the loudest. From there, wind and road noise win for the most part. At 70mph, the noise is barely audible. If you go to pass, the roar is heard, but still not as loud as I was expecting. All in all, I am pretty pleased with how it sounds. Surprisingly deep with no rasp.
From here, I need to decide if I just want to straight pipe it to the back of the car or add a muffler or resonator in line. I would like it a tad quieter and I think running it out the back of the car will help regardless what I use. For now, it is echoing around on all the pieces under the car. I think that will help clean up the noise too. This is a slight, almost unnoticeable buzz right now. I think I will end up adding a resonator to help shape the tone, but not completely kill the noise.
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