Gang:

Mild state of panic going on right now. Bear with me.

I just got some custom stainless straight pipes bent this morning. Wisely, I had the stock muffler and tips removed with no cutting. Although this was a BEEE-OTCH, I at least have the capability to bolt the stock muffler back on, should the need arise. And perhaps the need has arisen...

Now, I realize that straight pipes are necessarily going to be louder than the factory muffler. This I was looking forward to. I just wasn't prepared, as stupid as it may seem, for HOW loud 400 HP of V8 sounds with nothing to muffle the blast of those big cylinders firing. It's not too bad at idle, but once the butterflies begin to open you get a sickening, loud, throbbing boom throughout the cabin. It's annoyingly loud at a highway cruise (70-75 MPH), and at WOT near redline it sounds as if the sky is being torn in two (sort of like Warren Johnson's Pro-Stocker, but louder). The sweet whine of the 'charger is nothing but a long-forgotten memory.

For those of you with straight pipes, has this been your experience? Do you drive around like this all the time? How does the law in your parts appreciate this (poorly, I suppose)? With an aftermarket filter, does the blower whine become audible again?

And finally, for those of you that have made this claim, how in the world can straight pipes be quieter than soem of the aftermarket mufflers that you've tried? It doesn't seem possible.

Incidentally, it also cost a small fortune to have these things fabbed and if I don't at least run a little faster at the 'strip, I'm going to vomit.

 

Hey Silver-y2k,

I am totally stock, but I would like to hear how the ramair is coming. Saw your posts on the FASTair from PSP, and waswondering how yours is coming along? Good luck with the noise!

 

Are you still running the cats and are the O2 sensors hooked up? The cats will help with the noise and you need them and the sensors for the motor to run right. Maybe you just need a good flowing muffler. I personally like the Dynomax Race magnums on my truck.

Since I have not been much help I will send you a supply of disposable ear plugs that should attenuate the noise about 25-29 dBA.

 

That's the way they sound. Loud..kinda like a monster being woken up. I've been running my straights for 3months now... and I'm completely used to it. I have ran faster at the track, and I didn't spend a small fortune ($100), plus, I have my stock muffler that can be put right back on for free. As for the police, like you mentioned yourself, it's only REAL loud at WOT, and I don't find myself going past cops that fast. At street cruise, and idle, it's sounds fine..I've passed by many cops, and I occasionally get the thumbs up from them.

 

Straight pipes are also popular with certain passengers...

That nice rumble...

I was wondering when you guys were gonna notice the advantages of straights...

 

Silver-Y2K-SVT,
I am with you on this one buddy. I had a muffler place cut off the old muffler and put 2 straight pipes in. I never had a clue how loud and annoying at highway speeds they could be. My mom said she heard me coming across a bridge over 1 mile away and I was at like 1/2 throttle!! The pipes are making this truck less fun since I get on it less so I don't cause any passerby's to go deaf and because in Ohio I think it is illegal to run w/o a muffler. I am gonna be getting a muffler ASAP. If any OH people want to hear what they are like before doing please call me so I can let you listen. It may make a difference on the strip but it isn't worth it to me on the street. Hope this helps.