There really is no better feeling than owning a vehicle, especially trucks. Trucks are extremely versatile vehicles that can come in handy in a variety of situations. This is especially true when you add the right modifications. Whether you are looking to improve the on-road performance of your vehicle or trying to make it more rugged for four-wheeling, there will be mods out there that can help you do both.
Some people even like to make their vehicles sound louder just to turn heads or wake up their neighbors. Whatever the case may be, making your vehicle louder should start only after you know the laws regarding exhaust systems. The most important thing is to know what options you have available. Some modifications will set you back a fair amount, while others will cost very little. So, if you want to know how to do this, read on.
Exhaust System Components & Car Sound
The exhaust system plays a major role in keeping the occupants in the vehicle safe. When the system is not working properly, there is the risk of noxious fumes penetrating inside the vehicle. Exposure to these fumes can lead to a series of dangerous symptoms. These symptoms include shortness of breath, headache, and confusion. In long-term exposure cases, symptoms are more severe with the risk of death.
To learn how to protect you and your family from exposure to dangerous noxious emissions, it is crucial to know each component of the exhaust system.
1. Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold is responsible for collecting exhaust from the cylinder head and sending it to a single exhaust pipe. The size of this component varies from one make and model to another. In some cases, the manifold has a one-piece cast iron design with multiple built-in ports or channels. Some made and models have an exhaust that is designed with multiple pipes that are tied together creating a single symptom.
2. Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is another important component of the exhaust system. This device decreases the number of toxic pollutants and gases at a minimal level. It does this by utilizing a process known as catalyzing, which is nothing more than a reduction or redox reaction. Instead of replacing the catalytic converter when it goes bad, some people will opt to have the old unit removed and not replace it. If you choose to do this, your entire exhaust system will be considered illegal.
3. Resonator
A resonator, also known as pre-muffler, has a cylinder tube design to help minimize noise. This component is constructed of steel and attaches directly to the muffler. Unlike mufflers, the exhaust resonator is only capable of rerouting a small amount of exhaust fumes, which can create problems when trying to pass an emissions test. Resonators can also free up some horsepower without burning an excessive amount of fuel. It does this by decreasing back pressure.
4. Muffler
Mufflers, also known as silencers, are designed to decrease and reroute sound. This component connects directly to the exhaust system. It consists of a variety of components, including a single or multiple tailpipes and a backbox. The muffler has definitely improved over the years with new technology. The modern muffler is capable of reflecting sound waves that are created by the vehicle’s engine. It does this by allowing the sound waves to cancel each other out.
Muffler VS Resonator
It is important to not confuse a muffler with a resonator. Stock mufflers are installed on vehicles to keep them legal by keeping noise levels to a minimum. As exhaust gases pass through the chambers of the muffler, it expands, resulting in less pressure. As the pressure of the gases decreases, the sound decreases as well. To further reduce the sound, soundproofing materials made of fiberglass is embedded inside the muffler. These materials help to further muffle the sound, keeping everything on the legal side of the law.
A resonator, on the other hand, works by canceling out sound frequencies when they reach a specific range. Depending on the size of a sound wave, the frequencies will vary. Sound waves consist of a trough, crest, and amplitudes. When sounds waves are the same size, they will cancel out each other.
Unlike the muffler, the resonator enhances the overall sound and does not reroute exhaust fumes. While not actually a cylinder straight pipe, it is very close. This component is located between the catalytic converter and muffler just inside the mid-pipe. How to make your truck sound louder is as simple as drilling several small holes into the muffler. This will raise questions about the legality of your exhaust system if you chose to go this route.
With that said, some people like to sound of a loud vehicle. So, they opt to remove the muffler completely. Unfortunately, this is against the law and may make it difficult for the vehicle to pass inspection.
Types Of Exhaust Systems & Car Sound
When it comes down to it, there are many different types of exhaust systems. While they do indeed share the same purpose, it is also true that their sound remarkably different. In fact, professional mechanics can often determine what type of exhaust is used based on its sound. With this in mind, you should most definitely learn a little more about the different types and the sounds that they’re going to make. You’ll be able to do just that below.
1. Single Exit
First and foremost, you have a single exit pipe. This type of pipe is often referred to as the single side exhaust. It is the standard and most common type of exhaust pipe out there. The mass majority of automobiles on the market are going to leave the assembly line with this type of system. After all, it is very cost effective and the system is successful when it comes to moving exhaust gas away from the vehicle’s engine. These pipes will feature a subdued sound. That is good for people who don’t like loud noises.
2. Dual Rear Exit
The dual rear exit exhaust system is almost identical to the aforementioned type. However, there is one major difference. There will be two pipes at the back of the vehicle. They’ll be on both sides. This is really the only visible difference between these two systems. So, what kind of sound are you going to get from this type of setup? Well, it really depends on the diameter of the pipes. This is something that you need to pay close attention to when making the switch. If you want a deeper sound, you should go with pipes that are smaller in diameter. They’ll deliver a noise that will satisfy most.
3. Opposite Dual Exhaust
Over the years, the opposite dual exhaust has become very popular. It offers benefits that might not be offered with the other systems. In general, people who like this type of exhaust do so because they want to make their vehicle sound a lot more aggressive. This type of system looks a lot like the dual rear exit system. There is just one difference and that is the placement of the pipes. The exit pipes are going to be located near the rear of the bumper. This means that they’re going to be hidden out of view to some degree. That is why many people like them.
At the same time, they’re capable of emitting a very deep sound. That can make your vehicle sound much more powerful than it really is.
4. Dual Side Exhaust
Next, you have the dual side exhaust. This type may also be referred to as the extreme dual exit exhaust. The dual side exhaust is primarily found on vehicles that are going to be used to tow heavy objects. The design makes it very beneficial for this purpose. With other exhaust systems, there is a good chance that the exhaust gas is going to be directed towards the towed vehicle or object. With the dual side exhaust, this isn’t going to happen. The gas will be directed away from the item behind your vehicle.
This exhaust system will sound pretty similar to the dual rear exit system.
5. High Performance
Finally, you have high-performance systems. These are generally available as an aftermarket upgrade. They’re somewhat expensive, but a lot of people are going to like them. These systems are capable of improving the overall performance of the engine. They can also enhance their efficiency. Plus, it is going to offer a very unique sound. When you hear a high-performance exhaust system, you’re going to love it!
Ways To Make Your Truck Louder
Truck owners throughout the world can come up with a variety of reasons to make their trucks sound louder. Whatever the reasons are, you can search online for loud exhaust tips for trucks and you will find that there are plenty of viable options at the reach of your fingertips. Sure, some are more costly than others, but the price isn’t always an indication of quality. You simply wouldn’t be doing yourself or your vehicle any justice if you didn’t sit down and do your homework beforehand.
1. Headers
Your truck’s factory exhaust manifold is more restrictive than you might think. Opting for a set of headers can greatly speed up the overall flow of your exhaust as well as eliminate noise insulation. It really is the size of the tubes and collectors of the headers that help contribute to the increase in sound. Headers come available in two options: The long-tube and the short-tube. Long-tubes usually offer higher power, but tend to cost more. The short-tubes are a step-down, but still, give off a good sound as well as an increase in performance.
2. Mid-Pipes
Anyone looking for a far greater impact on their truck’s sound output should consider opting for the mid-pipes. Aftermarket mid-pipes essentially function on the same principal as headers. They increase the sound and performance of the truck by opening your exhaust more. Once you have decided that you want an aftermarket mid-pipe, you will have to make further considerations by deciding between the X-pipe and the H-pipe. There have been many debates over the two in the past, but at the end of the day, the two produce different sounds. H-pipes gives off more of a muscle car rumble, while X-pipes sound like unadulterated chaos.
3. Catbacks
Drivers that are looking to go all out can always opt for the catback system. These are high-performance systems that pretty much replace everything from the catalytic converters to the tips. This system basically works on the same theory as the above-mentioned aftermarket parts. They not only increase the diameter of the exhaust system, but they remove certain restrictions. The end result is usually more performance with a combination of more sound. Catback systems are specifically designed for certain models of trucks. Some models of trucks might offer a variety of catback systems, while others will only offer a handful or fewer. Some even go as far as to eliminate the resonators, which makes the system louder, but not deeper.
4. Removing The Muffler
Truck owners also have the option of removing their muffler system completely. Once you remove your exhaust system you might be surprised at just how loud it makes your truck. It would not be advisable to make an everyday commute in a vehicle that doesn’t have a muffler system. In fact, it might not even be legal in some parts of the country. Disregarding or going against such regulations could result in hundreds to thousands of dollars worth of fines.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of ways that you can alter the sound of your truck, regardless of your reasoning for doing so. While it is always fun to play, it is also pertinent to make sure that you are doing things within the confines of the law. To make things even more confusing not every state abides by the same regulations when it comes to vehicular modifications. Some states might allow certain modifications to the exhaust system, while others will prohibit it. Superseding the law in these matters and getting caught could result in harsh penalties and stiff violations. This is why most people will work with professionals when trying to increase the roar of their truck legally.