How to Make Your Exhaust Rumble
by Skip Shelton
Your vehicle's exhaust sound profile is a direct result of the engine and exhaust components. The deep rumbling tone of an exhaust is typically characteristic of a large engine. More volume of gas produced by multiple high-volume cylinders will provide the basis for a deep rumbling exhaust. Even without a large engine, however, you can modify your exhaust system to create a rumbling sound. The exhaust pipe, construction of the exhaust gas flow from engine to tail pipe and exhaust tips all contribute to the exhaust sound profile.
Step 1
Add an exhaust tip. One of the least expensive modifications, exhaust tips can be added to the end of your tail pipe to alter the sound profile of the exhaust. Exhaust tips with double walls, flared tips and expanding diameters will all increase the noise output of the exhaust.
Step 2
Replace the muffler. Muffler design is the most significant contributor to the sound profile of your vehicle. Even vehicles with smaller engines can be fitted with mufflers which will enhance, deepen and mellow the tone of the exhaust sound. When choosing a muffler, find a design which will allow additional volumes of gas to pass easily through the chambers. The design should also incorporate minimal baffling which will dampen the sounds produced by your exhaust system.
Step 3
Increase the size of your exhaust pipes by 1/2-inch to 1-inch in diameter. This should be done in conjunction with replacement of the muffler to ensure the gases are not constricted by the old muffler diameter. The increased volume of gases allowed through your system will not only allow the exhaust gases to be ported from the system more easily; it will also allow for a deeper tone to resonate from the exhaust system.
References
Tips
- Increasing your exhaust system's pipe diameter may result in increases of performance due to reduced back pressure. Pipes installed that are too large, however, will result in decreased performance. Check with your local muffler or performance shop for specific recommendations for your vehicle.
Things You'll Need
- Exhaust tip
- Muffler
- Exhaust pipe
Warnings
- Increased sound from muffler systems may result in your vehicle not passing local sound restriction ordinances or being in compliance with some state laws.
Writer Bio
Skip Shelton has been writing since 2001, having authored and co-authored numerous articles for "Disclose Journal." He holds a Bachelor in Science in education and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in management from Northwest Nazarene University. Shelton also operates a small automotive maintenance and part-replacement shop.
