Peter Banks If you drive a Subaru, you know that it’s a great car, but sometimes you just want a little more noise. You may have heard that there are ways to make your stock Subaru exhaust louder, but you’re not quite sure where to start. Fear not, because this comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to make your Subaru sound like a beast.
Key Takeaways
- There are several options for making a stock Subaru exhaust louder, including replacing the muffler or adding an aftermarket exhaust system.
- The quality of the sound produced by your exhaust system depends on several factors, including the type of muffler and the size of the exhaust pipes.
- Be mindful of local noise regulations when making modifications to your exhaust system.
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the different methods for making your exhaust louder, it’s important to understand how your exhaust system works. The exhaust system is responsible for moving exhaust gases out of the engine and away from the car. The system includes several components, including the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, resonator, and muffler.
The muffler is the component responsible for reducing noise in the exhaust system. It does this by using a series of baffles or chambers to absorb and dissipate sound waves. The size and shape of the muffler, as well as the type of material used, can all affect the volume and quality of the sound produced.
Methods for Making Your Exhaust Louder
There are several methods for making your stock Subaru exhaust louder, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular options.
Replace the Muffler
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your Subaru exhaust louder is to replace the muffler. A performance muffler is designed to produce a deeper, more aggressive sound than a stock muffler. There are several different types of performance mufflers to choose from, including straight-through and chambered mufflers.
Straight-through mufflers, also known as glasspacks, use a perforated pipe wrapped in sound-absorbing material to reduce noise. The result is a loud, aggressive sound that’s popular with car enthusiasts. Chambered mufflers, on the other hand, use a series of chambers to reduce noise. They produce a deeper, more mellow sound than straight-through mufflers.
Replacing the muffler is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few hours with basic hand tools. However, keep in mind that a performance muffler may not be legal in all states or regions. Check local noise regulations before making any modifications to your exhaust system.
Install an Aftermarket Exhaust System
If you’re looking for something more than just a new muffler, an aftermarket exhaust system is the way to go. An aftermarket exhaust system replaces the entire exhaust system, from the exhaust manifold to the tailpipe. This can result in a significant increase in performance and a much louder exhaust note.
There are several different types of aftermarket exhaust systems to choose from, including cat-back, axle-back, and header-back systems. A cat-back system replaces the exhaust system from the catalytic converter back, while an axle-back system replaces the exhaust system from the rear axle back. A header-back system replaces the entire exhaust system, including the headers.
An aftermarket exhaust system is more expensive than just replacing the muffler, but it can produce a much more aggressive sound and provide a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque. However, keep in mind that a full exhaust system may not be legal in all states or regions. Check local noise and emissions regulations before making any modifications to your exhaust system.
Remove the Resonator
The resonator is a component in the exhaust system that’s designed to reduce noise. It does this by using a series of tubes and chambers to cancel out sound waves. Removing the resonator can result in a louder exhaust note, but it can also produce a lot of drone inside the car.
If you’re looking for a really aggressive exhaust note, removing the resonator may be the way to go. However, keep in mind that it may not be legal in all states or regions. Check local noise regulations before making any modifications to your exhaust system.
Factors That Affect the Quality of Exhaust Sound
The sound produced by your exhaust system is affected by several factors, including the size and shape of the muffler, the type of material used, and the size of the exhaust pipes. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a muffler or exhaust system.
Muffler Size and Shape
The size and shape of the muffler can affect the quality of the sound produced by your exhaust system. A larger muffler will produce a deeper, more mellow sound, while a smaller muffler will produce a higher-pitched, more aggressive sound. The shape of the muffler can also affect the sound. A straight-through muffler will produce a louder, more aggressive sound than a chambered muffler.
Material
The type of material used in the muffler can also affect the sound. A stainless steel muffler will produce a more mellow sound than an aluminum muffler, which will produce a more aggressive sound.
Exhaust Pipe Size
The size of the exhaust pipes can also affect the sound produced by your exhaust system. A larger exhaust pipe will produce a deeper, more mellow sound, while a smaller exhaust pipe will produce a higher-pitched, more aggressive sound.
Conclusion
Making your stock Subaru exhaust louder can be a fun and rewarding project for car enthusiasts. Whether you choose to replace the muffler or install an aftermarket exhaust system, there are several options to choose from. Just be sure to check local noise regulations before making any modifications to your exhaust system.
FAQs
Q: Will making my exhaust louder increase performance?
A: While a louder exhaust may sound like it’s producing more power, it’s unlikely to provide any significant increase in performance. The primary benefit of a louder exhaust is the more aggressive sound.
Q: Will making my exhaust louder damage my engine?
A: No, making your exhaust louder will not damage your engine. However, be sure to choose a muffler or exhaust system that’s designed for your specific make and model of Subaru.
Q: Is it legal to make my exhaust louder?
A: It depends on the laws and regulations in your state or region. Many states and municipalities have noise regulations that limit the amount of noise a vehicle can produce. Before making any modifications to your exhaust system, check local regulations to ensure that you’re in compliance.
