Can someone explain the preference for loud exhaust systems? (bike, replace, diesel)

[hoffdano]

Some of us just like the sound of a nice engine. But louder per se doesn't mean it always sounds better.

I like the sound of lots of different engines. Ford SVT V8s sound terrific. So do Lamborghinis and almost all Ferraris. Those engines sound angry and irritated that the driver won't let them run any faster.

I like the crackly explosive sound of older Kawasaki motorcycles. And the original Honda CBX is the best sounding motorcycle I have ever heard.

The original Miata shows how good a small 4 cylinder can sound.

I haven't heard one in real life, but the sound clips of the Lexus LF-A are amazing.

I despise the sound of Harleys. Their engines sound like they are spitting. I also dislike the sound of most diesels, especially Dodge diesels.

[kazyn]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

I haven't heard one in real life, but the sound clips of the Lexus LF-A are amazing.

I thought the same. Absolutely gorgeous note.

[texdav]

When I was a teen ;I actually like deeper exhaust sounds. Now the quiter the better for me. I guess its just a :get noticed thing really;is my guess.

[scarabchuck]

Originally Posted by CALGUY

What is it about the male population between the ages of 18-35 (some older) that dictates they HAVE to drive a vehicle with something other than a stock exhaust system installed?
Why do they feel their vehicle has to make all that racket , especially when they accelerate?
I wish someone who has a loud exhaust system on their car, would chime in here and explain why you feel your vehicles has to have this aftermarket system installed.
I am really curious as to what, the criteria in your minds dictates you need to have a loud exhaust system.
The same could be asked of motorcycle owners.
Bob.

In my early days I had a few muscle cars and they had headers with exhaust that dumped just before the rear axle, the mufflers were Flowmasters. Back then there weren't a lot of options for higher HP cars to run quiet , now there are.
Now my diesel truck had 5 inch exhaust from the turbo back , yes it was loud but when towing an open exhaust helps keep the EGT's down. So there was a reason for that.
In my boat I ran tubular headers with dry exhaust pipes (5") with water just dumping out the ends. Yes it was extremely loud, even for me but with high lift long duration camshafts in large displacment motors the normal water that gets dumped in the exhaust pipes can actually revert , travel back up in the motor causeing all sorts of issues. So that is why I ran them dry. Again at the time there wasn't a lot of really good mufflers available.

So basically there are reasons for it .. sometimes.

[scarabchuck]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

I despise the sound of Harleys. Their engines sound like they are spitting. I also dislike the sound of most diesels, especially Dodge diesels.

I agree with you no the Harley thing, I just could never get why people like the sound of those non reving flat sounding things ! LOL
I've got to disagree with you on the diesel thing though... I love the sound of a diesel, expecially an early Cummins (dodge) just rattling away.

[TheViking85]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

This is a silly statement. Almost any exhaust has no measurable effect on horsepower or fuel economy of modern computer controlled engines. Too many people rely on the butt dyno or the ear dyno to conclude their engine MUST be more powerful because it sounds more powerful.

What do you base that statement on?

[Merc63]

Originally Posted by Donn2390

Which end does the hay come out...???

What?

[Deez Nuttz]

Originally Posted by Merc63

Ahh, no. I'm starting to think that the only people compensating are the ones that point out how everyone else is compensating...

LOL I think I have to agree with this one...what is it with people who try to say you must be small down below if you drive a big truck or a fast car or a Harley or have loud exhaust? Anyone who thinks you must be small because you drive a truck/fast car/loud vehicle must be a homo.

[DewDropInn]

Preference for loud exhaust systems?

Yes. A nice rumble can be a good thing.

Very often they are the first clue that a very cool car is in the vicinity.

[snofarmer]

How about hand/ brain calculated fuel millage?
Does that count?
If it does, MY modern diesel and gas engines all gained,2-3 mpg after the exhaust was modified.

It sure is measurable.

Originally Posted by hoffdano

This is a silly statement. Almost any exhaust has no measurable effect on horsepower or fuel economy of modern computer controlled engines. Too many people rely on the butt dyno or the ear dyno to conclude their engine MUST be more powerful because it sounds more powerful.

Ps I love the sound of a diesel rattling to life in the morning.
a close second is hearing the rumble of some vintage mussel car in the crisp autumn air.