Introduction
As a senior car enthusiast, you may have heard the term "exhaust drone." This term refers to the annoying and often unbearable noise that can come from your car's exhaust system. While a good exhaust note is desirable, drone is not. In this article, we will explore what causes exhaust drone and how to prevent it.What is Exhaust Drone?
Exhaust drone is a low-frequency noise that can be heard both in and outside of a vehicle. It is often described as a humming or buzzing sound that is constant and monotonous. Exhaust drone can be caused by a variety of factors, including the design of the exhaust system, the type of muffler, and even the engine itself.Exhaust System Design
The design of your car's exhaust system can have a big impact on whether or not you experience exhaust drone. Exhaust systems that use larger diameter piping and straight-through mufflers are more likely to produce drone than those with smaller diameter piping and chambered mufflers. This is because larger diameter pipes and straight-through mufflers allow sound waves to travel more freely, creating a resonance that can lead to drone.Muffler Type
The type of muffler you choose can also have an impact on whether or not you experience exhaust drone. Straight-through mufflers, also known as "glasspacks," are more likely to produce drone than chambered mufflers. This is because straight-through mufflers allow sound waves to travel more freely, creating a resonance that can lead to drone.Engine RPM
The engine RPM can also have an impact on whether or not you experience exhaust drone. Drone is most commonly experienced at low RPMs, as this is when the exhaust system is most likely to resonate. However, some exhaust systems may produce drone at higher RPMs as well.Exhaust Tips
The shape and size of your exhaust tips can also have an impact on whether or not you experience exhaust drone. Tips that are larger in diameter than the piping can cause turbulence in the exhaust flow, which can lead to drone. Additionally, tips that are angled or pointed can cause sound waves to reflect back into the exhaust system, creating resonance and drone.How to Prevent Exhaust Drone
Preventing exhaust drone can be a bit tricky, as there are a number of factors that can contribute to it. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize or eliminate drone:1. Choose a muffler with a chambered design, rather than a straight-through design.
2. Opt for an exhaust system with smaller diameter piping.
3. Choose exhaust tips that are the same size or slightly smaller in diameter than the piping.
4. Avoid angled or pointed exhaust tips.
5. Consider adding sound-deadening material to the interior of your car to reduce the amount of drone that makes it into the cabin.