Rate Your Exhaust

JoeD

Not everyone has a sound-level meter nor is anyone going to buy one just to post the results in your thread. Even then, a simple dB figure can not be easily correlated to sound-output due to the scaling of decibels. The difference in volume between 80 and 85 dB is not the same as 85 and 90 dB, as I'm sure you know. Therefore, even if you compiled a list of the dB readings for every single exhaust-system on the market as consistently and scientifically as possible, it wouldn't do much good to the average member. Let's not forget about differences in pitch and tone that decibels don't account for, too. One exhaust might be unbearable and another could be quite pleasant even if they provide they output the same level of sound.

There is no better way to compare exhaust-systems than to hear them in person.

spearfish25

They cost $20 and you can even get cheaper ones on the App store for an iphone. People are buying $1500 catbacks, $20 is not a lot of money. Heck, people can walk into Radioshack, buy one for an hour, get the readings and return it. And sure it's not ideal, but it's at least somewhat objective. I'll give people more credit on this website...I think many folks go out of their way to help others with minimal benefit for themselves (maybe some rep points )

And since one person will never be able to do this unless they spend thousands traveling the country, some decibel readings may be the most objective measure we get. Otherwise we'll be rating our exhaust loudness by ear with a scale from 1-10...

JoeD

Sure. From the popularity of your thread, we could see how well that turned out.

You do realize that there are gatherings more commonly known as "meets", right? These can range from somewhat impromptu meet-ups on a local level in a parking lot somewhere (parking lot pimpin, loitering...call it what you will), drawing in a little more than a handful of cars on a weekly or bi-monthly basis, or every so often a regional meet which can draw upwards of 50 cars depending on location. It is more likely that people who attend these "meets" would be considered enthusiasts as word is spread through forums. Therefore, you can count on over 75% of these cars being modified in some way, providing you with all the combinations of modifications you can think of for you see, hear, and ride in.

Check it out sometime.