Neighborly Exhaust

The following are the remnants of a FordMuscle feature article that I picked up from the cutting room floor and decided to reassemble into something fun for the Tech Exchange. Sometimes, I get started on an article and for one reason or another it just doesn't pan out. This is part of one of those articles that DID NOT pan out. However, there's still some interesting research here.

Here is a bar chart and video I made while in search of the precise decibel level at which your neighbors will become pissed off about your Ford project car's exhaust. Having owned many Ford muscle cars, I've had a ton of different exhaust systems. The one that was on my 1973 Torino at the time this video was shot, hovered right at that threshold of irrating most of my neighborhood. I thought it would be fun top quantify just what that threshold was using a decibel meter. This way, those of you who want to piss off your neighbors can use this number as a goal and those who want to be good citizens know what number not to exceed.

Here's what I found. You'll piss off most of your neighbordhood with an exhaust system above 86 decibels at idle. I know this because I have a good relationship with my neighbors and I took the time to ask three of them about the "noise" (because that's what it is if you're not into musclecars). All three agreed the "noise" was excessive at times but not too bad. The video and graph here are based on a 3-inch exhaust with Flowmaster Super 40's (loudest street muffler) and turndowns before the axle. The Torino is equipped with headers and a 460 for those who are not already familiar with the car.

Data and Video
Here's my bar chart and a video of the demonstration. Remember, some of the information gathered is purely subjective and results may vary depending on the mentality of your neighbordhood. Also, you may want to read up on how decibel readings work. Decibel readings are not linear, they work similar to the Richter scale in that a 6.0 magnitude earthquake is much stronger than twice a 3.0 magnitude earthquake.





Conclusion
Somewhere between my wedding day and the birth of my first child, having the baddest sounding musclecar in town became both inconvenient and unimportant to me. Truth be told, at 36 years old I'm noticing a gravitation towards serene things and everyday that passes heightens my consciousness for my neighbors well being. Therefore, I'm trying to get below 86 decibels.

So, what did I do? I added tailpipes to lessen the impact on my neighborhood. However, the Torino is still too loud for me. I'll be following-up with a new decibel reading and video once I swap out the loud Flowmaster Super 40's.

In the meantime, here's a shot of the Super 40's (I'll be changing soon) and my new tailpipes.





FYI. I had two 02 bungs added when I had the tailpipes made up.

I've got a 357C w/SpinTech ProStreets, true X-pipe, 2.5 mandrel all the way out, with Hooker 1 3/4" headers...it's quite loud...but I've got a neighbor with a Harley and one with a Cummins...and countless others with the "yipping" dogs...and for that I don't mind "gassing" it a little every now and then.

But, nice write up!!

I agree nice write up!
However ive always been irritated (pissed off) at the gaul of some people (insert your neighbor) who has a dog or animal of some sort that wont shut up and constantly barks whenever you pass by just walking. If you say anything to them about it its just the standard "oh well Sorry" Or " well thats what there for, to guard" Thus justifying their irritating sometimes enraging behavior.
But you have a Hot Rod with a slightly loud exhaust??? OHHH MY GOD Lets call the cops!!! Your disturbing the peace. No I'm not talking about running around with open headers or race "mufflers", but the standard Flowmasters etc. SIGH
Aggravating how things are sometimes. I guess ill just keep fighting the conformity.

People around me, call the cops for dogs barking!

Originally Posted by MontegoMan351

I've got a 357C w/SpinTech ProStreets, true X-pipe, 2.5 mandrel all the way out, with Hooker 1 3/4" headers...it's quite loud...but I've got a neighbor with a Harley and one with a Cummins...and countless others with the "yipping" dogs...and for that I don't mind "gassing" it a little every now and then.

But, nice write up!!

do you have any clips of how your car sounds. i plan on using some similar items (xpipe and mufflers) and would appreciate the chance to get an idea of what it might sound like...thanks.

Originally Posted by job1bf

do you have any clips of how your car sounds. i plan on using some similar items (xpipe and mufflers) and would appreciate the chance to get an idea of what it might sound like...thanks.

Unfortunately...no...I don't have a video camera. But you can go on youtube.com or streetfire.net and hear other's sound clips to get an idea. But I will tell you WOT is the best :drool:

Originally Posted by wildosvt01

People around me, call the cops for dogs barking!

Yes ive heard of that, but if im not mistaken, they cant do anything about it. ??
I dont begrude a dog owner that tries to do something about it but the ones that dont and just tell you to ****off , thats what gets me.

Originally Posted by 71hotrodpinto

Yes ive heard of that, but if im not mistaken, they cant do anything about it. ??
I dont begrude a dog owner that tries to do something about it but the ones that dont and just tell you to ****off , thats what gets me.

Yeah, I totally agree. The people who try to keep their dogs quiet...I have no problem with; however, the ones that ignore their dogs are the ones that tick me off!!

Originally Posted by 71hotrodpinto

Yes ive heard of that, but if im not mistaken, they cant do anything about it. ??
I dont begrude a dog owner that tries to do something about it but the ones that dont and just tell you to ****off , thats what gets me.

Here in Glendale AZ, I've got a friend who had to go to court and pay a fine for an incessantly barking dog. She lived alone with two kids and kept the dog as a guard animal. Didn't matter, all it takes is a real ass of a neighbor, or a real ass of a dog owner lol.

I think most municipalities have rules against it...it's just how strictly they're enforced. Disturbing the peace is disturbing the peace.

Cris

Neat article..How would the average guy check how many decibels his exhaust is?...I can't fully enjoy my car cause I'm always worried about my nieghbours complaining.