Options to make exhaust quieter

[Calais57]

Hi everyone,
I know exhausts have been discussed heaps, but it is usually about purchasing full modified systems and which are the best etc.

My 6.0L Calais has a 2.5 HiTech dual Cat back system and some other basic mods(lowered, wheels, CAI) that I absolutely LOVE! I have wanted something like this for years!!

Trouble is that although it sounds absolutely fantastic for cruising around, reality has set in and the exhaust system is a bit too loud inside the car. Specially for my fiance who drives it more than I do through the week.

So far, we have only done about 2000km in the car but we do about 50,oookm each year and I would like to reduce the noise a bit. (Yeah, OK I know some people think this is crazy).

So......... what are the options? If I have to, I could convert back to a standard SS or HSV system, but would it be possible to just change the mufflers or something??

Any suggestions really appreciated!

Thanks,
Calais57

[EnFoRcEr_001]

hi mate nice ride you have there.
i am not an expert on this but i am pretty sure a rear muffler change with something different should help that i am pretty sure someone else here will point you in the right direction with the type of muffler. You can always go to a exhaust shop and they will give you the lowdown just dont let them suck you in till you have shopped around as some shops charge you an arm and leg for the product and labour.

[Cursed CX8]

making it quiet doesnt always mean more restriction. Thought i would start with that.
Speak to an exhaust shop about getting something thats a little quieter, of if you want the best of both worlds then maybe speak to X-force about getting some Varex mufflers. They are the ones that have a switch to make them either louder or quieter

[Prodrive]

If you dont have any luck, I would be more than happy to swap my std for your hitech and some cash?

[greenfoam]

Putting a X pipe in the system if it doesn't have one allready will pretty much halve the sound for starters (and give more power), then you can add a couple of straight through hotdogs anywhere they will fit

[Calais57]

Thanks guys,
I really appreciate the comments and suggestions.

I will ask at a couple of good exhaust shops, starting with your ideas. Let you know how I go!

Thanks for the offer Prodrive. Will keep it in mind as a last resort!!!

[kingl8]

maybe adding dynamat, the soundproof / rattle proof stuff, help to decrease the overall sound in the cabin?

[simon.w]

Get the best of both worlds and fit some rear mufflers that have a solenoid operated baffle - controlled by a small key fob remote. Load when you want it, quiet when you don't.

X-Force make a product called Varex - there are heaps of sites including youtube demos if you do a google. Home page is here: XForce - Performance Exhaust Systems

I have seen these fitted to an SSV at D&T Motorsport in Adelaide and they were very impressive.

Similar technology is used by performance car manufacturers (lambos or ferraris I think) - their's however kick in either when you put the pedal to the floor or when you select performance mode.

I also heard they were fitting them to the VRX Vauxhall Clubsport equivalent in the UK.

[Calais57]

simon.w ,
thanks for the link. These look great!

Any idea of cat back price for a VE?

Cheers
Calais57

[redvess]

I reckon the easiest and cheapest solution to queiten it down is to put the standard mufflers back on, not sure how much it'd change the note though but it would deffinetly be quieter and still retain the extra power, a guy I know did a test on a dyno with the standard mufflers and found the difference between having no mufflers at all so no restriction and the standard mufflers is only 2kw

[Calais57]

Thanks mate,
makes sense.

Let you know what I do.

Calais57