Archive for July 28th, 2007

FINALLY!

After hours of persuading the garage boss (a swarthy, well built, fierce looking chinese dude) to let an outsider like me into the secrets of exhaust tuning, he finally relented. He did warn me though, to keep his company and his own identity secret. I guess it was worth it despite being drenched in the ****ing rain.

There’s only one bummer point though. Because of the grey areas that muffler operation runs into with the Singapore laws,  i cannot show you in detail how the operation is done. The boss ain’t gonna risk his business with the cops. BUT i managed to sneak a shot or two while his top mechanic was explaining the details to me. So here goes.

1) Hoist your vehicle up with a jack or something like that. Remove the muffler can from the exhaust system.  (See Figure on right)

2) Draw out an outline on the muffler using a marker pen or something that works on steel. Remember, the outline is very important as you need to make a proper cutting in order to continue the rest of the procedure. (see figure below)

3) Proceed to cut open along the red line of the muffler can. Be very careful here, and although i respect guys who DIY their own muffler, i would rather you bring your vehicle to your trusty mechanic who could do a better job. The risk is the blade might end up cutting YOU.

4) Once open you will see 2 parallel metal sheets inside the muffler system (I couldn’t get this shot, the garage boss was behind me). Remove these sheets by cutting them slowly. I would rather do this stuff like a tortoise then end up a Rabbit with no hand. Remove also the original pipe that you see connecting both ends of the muffler can.

5) Fix in place of the original pipe a peforated tube (see pic, below right). Before you do this though, remember to wrap the peforated tube with fiberglass insulation. For nutcases (like me) you can do without any form of sound insulation.

6) Weld the cover of the muffler can back on when you’ve checked that the perforated pipe wrapped in fiberglass is in place.

7) Fit the muffler back into the vehicle and you’re ready to go!

 Alright guys, i hate to be a bloody nag, but there are a few points to note. Many of the local tuners, who are my mates, have divided views over this.

Some say it will improve exhaust flow from the engine, and produce the sexy growl.

Others think its all for show.

The cops think they’ll get a promotion if they nab you with an operated muffler (only in the people’s republic of Singapore).

My take? There is some improvement somewhat, the exhaust does get attention but most performance vehicles do not really do it. In my area, it is mostly the riceboys or non turbo cars from 1.0-1.6 cc who cut their mufflers.

Seriously if you own an expensive M3 or SLK, just buy a SEBRING exhaust!