I've searched and found several threads (on this forum and others) where posters have asked Tony from FI what decibel readings the various configurations of cats and exhausts he makes produce, so people can compare that to stock and make decisions based off that. But I've never seen Tony or anyone else from FI ever reply with that information.

I think many of us would like to know that info before deciding to go with one set or another. Based on legality as well as comfort with noise levels while driving.

Does anyone have decibel measurements of outside/inside for stock vs the various exhausts FI produces?

Here are some of the threads I found with FI active in them where people ask for this information but I've not seen FI ever reply with the requested info:

http://www.the370z.com/intake-exhaus...rmative-3.html

http://www.the370z.com/intake-exhaus...t-legal-2.html

http://www.the370z.com/intake-exhaus...-here-170.html

Nothing back but crickets that I saw (went 4-5 pages past there)


This thread has DB level data for stock systems:

http://forums.nicoclub.com/sound-dat...t-t430092.html


Seems this would be a no-brainer easy thing for FI to do. Just take a DB meter to a stock G37 before modification (at known position/distance inside and outside the car at various RPMs). Then do the exhaust mod the customer wants and measure again. Repeat for various configurations and post the data.

 

It may be easy to do, but the consequences may be detrimental to their business. With the stock system reading 96 dB (what weighting, A or B?) and the FI most likely above this, it could be illegal in some states. This could negatively impact sales in those states. A small volume business like FE can't afford to lose potential sales by shooting themselves in the foot as it were.

One has to wonder about that 96 dB value, Tanabe advertizes their system as well under 93 dB - yet it seems louder than stock. It does matter where the microphone was positioned.



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Around here (chicago), and at least a few states in every direction, most cops are pretty liberal with regard to loud exhausts. So long as you're not doing anything stupid, they'll rarely bug you.

I have a 2 brothers exhaust on my bike, notably one of the louder exhausts out there (slipon, not full). Have had it on the bike for 2 seasons now, and no issues with regard to noise. If there is a cop near by, I don't goose it when taking off, or rev it too high before shifting. In the middle of nowhere however, the entire rpm range gets exercised often Here's a link I found on youtube. 2009 Yamaha FZ1 Two Brothers Ti slip on and Juice Box installed - YouTube

 

Well, for me it's not just about legality, it's also about comfort with the volume. If this thing is going to drown out the stereo and produce constant noise inside the car that's annoying then idnhave to pass. I want a better exhaust note and power but don't want to make the car unpleasant to be in.

 

Agreed. For the bike, it wasn't much of a big deal. I've ridden with ear plugs since I began riding nearly 20 yrs ago. In fact, I can't focus as well if it's just the helmet. Sounds like a jack hammer going off in my head.

For the car, a very mild exhaust would be nice, one that lets you hear when you're on the throttle, but not overly intrusive unless you're at WOT.

 

Yes, that's exactly the right way to say it. Maybe that's the question I should be asking instead. What exhaust provides *enough* of an exhaust note (while still increasing performance) that it's obviously been upgraded but isn't loud enough to disturb occupants, the stereo or hands free phoning?

 

Looks like the ARK guys have many videos of their products with DB meters (both inside and outside the vehicles). Very nice and seems to remove the excuse for FI not doing so.

 

OP you should leave your G stock. You're starting to sound like Albert Einstein with all those numbers lol.

 

Lmfao! Why so worried about the DB??? Its not much louder then stock. If you replace you'r Cats then maybe you should be concerned and whip out the DB meter. Just watch videos dude or stay stock.

 

is this serious?

 

Yes, it's serious. Not everyone says "the louder the better". In fact I doubt if even a few do. So getting real numbers for comparison is important. Videos are good but since they're recorded differently with different equipment installed its pretty hard to judge sometimes how the given configuration compares to stock.

 

Just listen to the system in person if you can. I don't even know what 100DB would sound like!? Best option is If you can go to local meets and hear some set ups in person, that is if there are any locals that carry FI.

 

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I'm leaning towards a FI cat-back leaving the stock cats in place to keep emissions passing and sound to a dull roar.

 

First and foremost thank you for taking an interest in our products!

Now i have been doing this a long time and I can count on less than one hand how many times I have been asked for a DB reading!

There are a million different ways and angles to take a DB reading that doing each way will yield a different number. I have even gone as far to talk to CHP (California Highway Patrol) officers. They cannot even give me a straight answer on how to take the reading!

Do I have DB readings on my exhaust configurations, no I do not! I really have never made the time to take them. I am honestly too busy with everything else. We are a small manned shop that does a lot of out put!

Now you are more than welcome to pick up the phone anytime you like to pick my brain. My door is always open and we can go over what combination will best suit you!

I look forward to hearing from you...

Thanks, Tony

 

Thanks for the reply, Tony...

There is far less concern about the "proper" way to take readings than there is in taking readings in the same way both stock and with modifications. Whatever the method (mic centered 5 feet behind the car and centered, etc) if the parameters are the same for measuring both before (stock) and after (FI installed) the data is still comparable and useful to a consumer who cares about this.

I'll be giving you a call soon to discuss your catback exhaust options.