kidz Posted May 16, 2009 Posted May 16, 2009 When i last inspected the wadding in my standard silencer, i noticed this was quite thin and prob seen better days. my exhaust is really quiet, so i thought i'd leave it as i wanted the exhaust note to get louder... My question is, is there anthing i can re-pack it with to make it louder or, if the wadding continues to break down, will it get louder. What i'm trying to say is, if there is little or no wadding, will the exhaust get louder of just more tinny sounding. Appreciate your comments Regards Andy Quote
stephenh Posted May 20, 2009 Posted May 20, 2009 I'm intrigued, how did you look inside a standard factory silencer, because it isn't designed to come apart? That said, if the sound deadening packing deteriorates it will make the sound louder, and also more "tinny". Most Westie owners want to make it quieter, because they tend to be very noisey, particularly if you plan to do any trackdays, as there are quite strict limits on maximum sound level permitted at some tracks. Quote
kidz Posted May 20, 2009 Author Posted May 20, 2009 When i bought the car, i was told it was a standard westfield silencer. However it can be repacked, might have been the previous owner Dale - who cut the end off and made it re-packable. Certainly looks stainless from (see my avatar). Anyway, suprised how quiet it is, taking it to local 'long-life' exhaust on Friday to take it apart, try and find out the problem with the metal rattle inside, repack it and see if can be made louder in any way. (It really is quiet). Also might see if they can weld a new tail pipe, as i think it looks too narrow and i want it to exist the car horizontally (not facing into the ground) Kidz Quote
westy666 Posted May 20, 2009 Posted May 20, 2009 It sounds to me like youve got a well packed & positioned exhaust for someone that wants to use the car on track but, as stephenh says, that does sometimes contradict the look-at-me note you appear to be searching for If it's well packed with wadding then removing some should give you a louder note although it all depends on what this rattle is. Are you certain its coming from the silencer? Failing that you could always take the silencer off altogether - that should get you plenty of attention Quote
Rory's Dad Posted May 20, 2009 Posted May 20, 2009 No need to alter the tail pipe - just rotate the silencer (I'm assuming a standard Westfield silencer with the back fixed by a 'U' bolt) Rory's Dad Quote
perksy Posted May 20, 2009 Posted May 20, 2009 The "Metal Rattle" *might* be that the perforated tube inside the can (that the wadding is packed around) has come loose Quote
stephenh Posted May 20, 2009 Posted May 20, 2009 The "Metal Rattle" *might* be that the perforated tube inside the can (that the wadding is packed around) has come loose Agreed, or possibly a problem with the catalytic convertor which if it is a standard factory silencer on a duratec will be built into the front section of the silencer box. The factory also suppy a trackday silencer which can be fitted to a duratec. That IS repackable, but it is readily distinguishable. The standard silencer box is 5 1/2" in diameter; the trackday silencer is 6 1/2" in diameter, and is longer with shorter pipes to compensate. The trackday silencer is available (or was last year) either with or without a cat. Quote
kidz Posted May 20, 2009 Author Posted May 20, 2009 Mine is 6 1/2" in diameter - no cat converter ... Will let you know how i get on, on friday !!! Andy Quote
stephenh Posted May 21, 2009 Posted May 21, 2009 Mine is 6 1/2" in diameter - no cat converter ... Will let you know how i get on, on friday !!! Andy In that case, IF it is a factory silencer it would be the trackday silencer. I did have one but another club member has it now. It is a bit quieter than the standard one, and it is repackable. Main difference however is that it is a lower tone, and certainly shouldn't sound tinny. Sounds as if you need to repack it, with not too much packing. Do be aware however that you are going to have a problem at MOT time, you need a cat with a duratec engine to meet the emissions limits. A sports cat will do, say 200 cells per sq. inch, not the normal 400, provided the engine is in reasonable condition and the ecu is correctly mapped. Quote
kidz Posted May 22, 2009 Author Posted May 22, 2009 Well, had a very successful day at Long Life Exhaust in Berkely, Glos. Finally got to the bottom the rattling exhaust, it had fractured under the front pipe connected to the can... Also pulled out a whole host of packing, been packed way too tight. Now packed with wire, eglass and bound with one turn of packing. Also notice the end piper 2 1/2". The car now sounds fantastic, still not too loud - as this turned out to be the track day silencer from Westfield. Anyway, no Cat fitted and i bet it passes the emmisions test at the MOT tomorrow Will let you know how after tommorow. Any comments ?? Andy Quote
stephenh Posted May 22, 2009 Posted May 22, 2009 That doesn't look like a factory silencer to me, trackday or otherwise. The box looks different, but more to the point all the factory silencers for the duratec have a 2" outlet, and that looks like a 2 1/2" outlet (I am ignoring the 2000S Dunnel exhaust, I've never seen one of those) and lastly the factory outlets have rolled ends. Quote
kidz Posted May 22, 2009 Author Posted May 22, 2009 The reason it doesn't have a rolled end anymore, is because it was cut off today and a new one welded in place !!! Hey ho, think you misunderstood my prev post ... Quote
kidz Posted May 24, 2009 Author Posted May 24, 2009 Well, as i suspected, she flew through the MOT yesterday without a hitch. Emissions no problem, without CAT !! Safe. Kidz Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.