VCM 3 inch drone ute finally getting to me

[gsh1970]

SSV Ute Auto 2010 series 1 - Have vcm headers, cats and vcm 3 inch exhaust, OTR, MAF tune including transmission (AFM disabled) about 2.5 years ago - don't remember it droning during first 6 months or so (and even posted on here that is no drone so maybe I should have kept quiet - no pun intended)
but maybe I was just getting used to it but last 18 months it has droned (well, o think its drone) at the 1400 to 1600 rpm - between 50 and 60 km/hr (or around that) - under light load - only way to describe it is that it sounds like a manual car when its labouring slighty cos its in 1 gear too low - its really annoying me and I want to get it sorted

I thought VCM were no drone - I've scraped the exhaust (around midway along the car/ute) a couple of times - is it possible that I've damaged something/something has come loose/joins cracked that has caused the drone? Is it worth taking it in to a specialist exhaust place to check it out or is it just tough and put up with the drone

Any suggestions are welcome

 

[AD07]

Start your car , get under there and have a look. You might be able to see if a weld is cracked or hear if there is an exhaust leak.
Other than that, take it to someone, get them to put it up on a hoist & get them to check it for you.

 

[swingn_wasabi]

I wouldn't have thought a crack would appear after scraping, but still worth while checking out.

As far as droning goes, I would not expect a minor crack (Which you may have) to effecting it that much. Mind you I'm no expert.

Generally speaking, it isn't until the exhaust carbons up that you get the full noise / sound. From my experience, it can take quite awhile (Especially if you're not doing big mileage or babying it in traffic). I had a Borla catback on my EVO X which was a weekender & the difference in volume was noticeable within a few weeks! It continued to get louder but as it wasn't a daily it never bothered me.