Last Updated on: October 6, 2022
Searching “how to make exhaust louder” on the net?
Let me guess…
Your car didn’t come with that cool head-turning exhaust growl, did it?
No worries, we’re here to make sure that it does the next time you drive it by.
In this article we’ll discuss all of the safe and effective ways to make your exhaust louder, we’ll also walk you through a test-run session to make sure everything works out well.
Let’s get started!
The Exhaust System: What It’s About, What It Does, And Why It’s Important
During the combustion cycle, both fuel and air mix together and get ignited through the vehicle’s spark plug.
While all of these are happening, excess fuel particles and other bits that come from the explosion propelled on the cylinder (which are called the by-products of combustion) are produced.
Your exhaust system is a crucial component of your vehicle because it is what gives these by-products a place to go instead of just keeping them in the machine and causing future issues and damages.
Every exhaust system was carefully made to be sustainable, efficient, and most importantly… quiet.
This is because there are laws that only allow a specific amount of greenhouse gasses to be emitted by every vehicle. These regulations are very strict and need to be met as a requirement for sale.
This information is important to make sure that none of the modifications you’re about to make would make your vehicle illegal.
Experiment Time: 11 Ways To Make Your Exhaust Louder
Way #1: Installing A New Muffler To Your Car
The first solution on how to make your car louder is to install a new muffler.
The name “muffler” is pretty self-explanatory, these are components that are designed to muffle the noise that travels through the exhaust pipe.
They basically block the sound waves, so without a muffler, your engine would produce noise so loud that you won’t be able to hear anything else.
But, that doesn’t mean you can just remove your muffler and the problem is solved! THAT IS VERY UNSAFE.
What you can do instead is to replace your old muffler with a new one. There are many mufflers in the market that allow the production of noise while still controlling your engine’s output.
Tip: Use a straight muffler as a replacement to add extra efficiency to your engine.
Way #2: Upgrade To A Bigger Engine
Remember this: the smaller the engine of your vehicle is, the quieter it will operate.
Which pretty much tells you that your problems root from a small engine, so how about upgrading to a bigger one?
This isn’t such a bad idea, equipping a bigger engine comes with benefits too like increased power.
Tip: Make sure that the other components of your vehicle are ready to house a bigger engine beforehand to save time and money.
Pro Auto Thought: You might want to try adding a turbocharger for that extra “oomph!” in your current exhaust set-up — How Much HP Does A Turbo Add.
Way #3: Purchasing Larger Exhaust Pipes
Along with the smoke and air, the exhaust pipe also blows out most of the noise that your engine produces.
Whatever sound gets past your mufflers travels through this exhaust pipe and gets blown out.
Technically speaking, installing a larger exhaust pipe will directly amplify the noise coming out of them.
Tip: Consider purchasing high-quality exhaust pipes because they allow for higher exhaust production that lessens the gas expansion and cooling; this allows for more power at high RPMs.
Way #4: Adding An Exhaust Tip
An exhaust tip is probably the most budget-friendly solution on how to make an exhaust louder.
But, let’s talk truth, do exhaust tips make your car louder?
YES. Plus, they come in various styles, you can purchase ones with flared ends and dual walls. Any exhaust tip can easily match your vehicle’s design while still doing its job.
Tip: To make sure that it will amplify your exhaust’s noise, install small whistles inside it. This will make it sound like a turbocharger.
Way #5: Installing Welded Mounts (Only For Those With Rubber Hangers)
Some good news for people who own vehicles with rubber hangers, welded mounts are guaranteed to work!
Let’s talk scientifically, sound waves come from vibrations.
And what do welded mounts do? Lessen the vibrations of your exhaust system.
So, that means that connecting rubber hangers to the system will allow for more vibration, further making the sounds louder.
Tip: Get a rubber-connected free-hanging system instead if the noise ends up getting too loud for you.
Way #6: Drilling Holes Onto Your Exhaust
No matter who you ask, one of the answers on how to make your exhaust louder will always be to drill holes in it.
Not only is this cheap, easy, and time-saving, but it is also very effective!
All you need to do is to grab a drill and make a few holes between the catalytic converter and the mufflers. You can start with a few holes and check if it’s enough.
Tip: After drilling enough holes, use a hammer to smack the entire length of your system to secure your catalytic converter.
Way #7: Straight Piping
Straight pipes are very common in the race car community and also in illegal car mechanics.
It is exactly what it sounds like, installing a straight simple tube in the headers and out the back end of your vehicle.
These can make your car sound like an F1, but they will also make it loud, smelly, non-environmentally friendly, and even make it spit flames, which is why it can be illegal.
Tip: if you are resorting to this, be reminded that it may be a hindrance from passing emissions.
Way #8: Having A Cat-Back System
Catback exhaust systems are very popular when it comes to discussions on how to make your car sound louder.
The reason behind this is simple: it is cheap, effective, and it allows you to make use of your stock catalytic converter. This means you won’t be breaking any laws or resort to altering means.
Another benefit that comes with using a catback exhaust system is that the sound it produces is consistent and deep. You won’t have to deal with drone sounds after an hour of continuous driving.
Tip: If you don’t mind the trouble, get catback exhausts as they will increase a 2-5% in torque, and horsepower, and will also improve airflow and lessens your fuel consumption.
Way #9: Investing In Headers
Headers aren’t really what they sound like.
These are octopus-looking tubes that come out from your vehicle’s engine block. These tubes are where your exhaust will travel through first before going anywhere else.
Headers improve flow, amplify and improve your car’s sound, and increase horsepower.
Tip: SInce headers are expensive and laborious, it’s best to have your car turbocharged first.
Way #10: Considering An Aftermarket Exhaust
Aftermarket exhausts are commonly used to maximize airflow, but it also doubles as an exhaust sound amplifier.
These exhausts work great with vehicles, it helps the engine perform and breathe better while also maximizing its horsepower. It’s safe and smooth driving in one component.
Tip: Some vehicles have restrictive systems which will not function with an aftermarket exhaust so it is best to get your engine checked first.
Way #11: Getting Turbo Chargers
Turbochargers may be one of the most expensive ways on this list how to make a car exhaust louder.
Yet, we are still recommending it, why?
Because when we say it will give your exhaust a better and louder sound, WE MEAN IT.
If you want to turn heads and catch people’s attention as you drive by, turbochargers are the solution.
These components push extra air into the combustion chamber, they also increase your engine’s efficiency and horsepower.
Tip: Have turbochargers installed by professionals to avoid additional costs (to the already high cost) in case complications arise.
Why Won’t My Exhaust Get Louder? (The Trial And Error Process)
Your Engine May Be Too Small
As mentioned earlier on how to make your exhaust louder (way #3), the smaller the engine, the quieter the vehicle will operate.
So, if you’ve tried a bunch of ways to make your exhaust sound louder but none of them works, it may be because your engine is too small.
In this case, there’s nothing else you can do but to replace it with a bigger one. But if your vehicle is not compatible with an upsized engine, then that means you’ll have to either get a new car or bear with the quiet operation.
Your Car May Specialize In Quiet Operation
Nowadays, car manufacturers go out of their way to produce smoothly operating vehicles that barely make any noise at all, it’s what the majority of the market wants.
If your car is a recent model, there’s a chance that this may be the reason, it was really just made to be quiet no matter what.
If this is the case, you’ll have to consult a professional on reversing the anti-noise technologies of your vehicle.
You Might Have A Dirty Exhaust System
Dirty exhaust systems get in the way of everything, even the loud sound of the engine.
After years of use, an excessive amount of buildup will clog the line, this will get in the way of any modification you’re planning to do to your vehicle.
No matter what it is, a dirty exhaust system will hinder all the changes you’re trying to make.
It is best to have it cleaned, or clean it on your own, before starting with any ideas on how to make a car louder. This will help you save both time and money.
Your Car Could Be Incredibly Aerodynamic
Cars nowadays are shaped in favor of aerodynamics to extensively reduce sound and produce a smooth ride.
Due to this design and feature, making your exhaust sound louder gets pretty impossible. There isn’t really anything we can recommend if this is the case.
You May Have Installed The Wrong Exhaust Tip
Exhaust tips are popular for adjusting the range of noise cars make.
While some amplify the noise and turn it into an attention-catching growl, some are not designed to make your exhaust sound louder but to reduce sound instead.
Always study the type of exhaust tips and choose carefully before purchase and installation.
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making my exhaust sound louder worth it?
Yes, especially if it is what you want. Amplifying your exhaust system will increase your engine’s power, performance, and fuel and emission efficiency. This also keeps you visible on the road, which is not always just for attention, it also keeps you safe in foggy situations and sharp turns.
Are loud exhaust systems illegal?
Yes. Driving with loud exhaust systems can cross a lot of restrictions and laws. Despite the attention and fun, the noise may bring, there are laws limiting the noise levels vehicles produce due to the complains and conflicts that may arise.
Although having a loud exhaust system is a preference, it is also important to respect other people’s preferences, and one of those may be a quiet neighborhood. Don’t lose hope, there are ways you can have a legal noisy exhaust too.
What happens when if I cut my exhaust system too short?
Exhaust systems are crucial components of vehicles, they should not be tampered with without enough knowledge or precaution. Cutting an exhaust system too short prevents it from disposing of enough exhaust fumes.
If your engine doesn’t get to do this, then the fumes will clog inside and end up leaking out. To avoid this, make sure to turn the exhaust tip away from the bottom when cutting it back.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve reached the end, we’re hoping we provided you with an informative guide that will help you how to make a car louder. Always remember to make use of methods that are safe, legal, and cautious. You can always consult a professional to avoid future issues.
Good luck and we hope it works out!