Have you heard many people talk about drilling holes in mufflers but have no idea about it? Or are you trying to figure out why people should usually do that? Yes, our post should be your chosen one!
We want to give you the answers to some of the most common questions about this topic. Stay tuned and ready for all the things you need to know!
Overview Of Muffler
What Does it Mean Drilling Holes in Muffler?
The main idea of drilling holes in exhaust pipes is the sound outcome. In other words, it is a common and basic way to adjust the vehicle’s sound.
There is a part called baffle, which mainly reduces noise, eventually improving the airflow. Therefore, drilling holes in baffles reverse the airflow dynamics, and the car sings louder.
What Is The Function Of A Muffler?
Before knowing the things to drill holes in exhaust, we’d like to give you all some basic info and the function of this vehicle’s part.
A muffler, an essential part of any vehicle, is used to channel the exhaust gasses, enhancing airflow out of the engine.
As a result, the combustion process works better. Moreover, it reduces the noise level from the engine produced.
Mufflers have different lengths, patterns, structures, and materials. For example, with different designs, mufflers can differ in performance.
Technically, a straight-designed one aims to maximize exhaust air flow by allowing gasses to move swiftly through the muffling layers and out the tailpipe.
Its main performance is to increase the output ability rather than noise reduction. The curved ones concentrate a livelier “roaring” sound rather than maximizing outflow.
Talking of noise reduction, the pressure waves emitted from the engine are channeled through a muffler.
Later, they are bounced around a chamber, creating opposing movement waves. The collision of the opposites cancels each other, resulting in muffled noise.
Does A Hole In The Muffler Affect Performance?
True, if your exhaust pipe has a hole or a leak, it might damage the engine performance. The system will become less efficient and susceptible if the exhaust has a hole.
Therefore, it is a must that you remove carbon from the muffler to relive the engine performance.
Here is how to remove carbon in a muffler:
Equipment
- Combustion chamber cleaner
- A brush
- A tray
- A piece of cloth
Steps
- Spray the carb or combustion chamber substance cleaner. You should use a standardized brand with the right amount on the tip and the inside of mufflers. Then, let them rest for a few minutes.
- Use a brush to scrub the carbon out of the tailpipe. It would help to place a tray beneath the muffler to catch the carbon particles escaping. Maybe you need to try hard to fight them out.Repeat until it is clear of the carbon buildup.
- After removing the carbon, wipe the exhaust tip with a cloth.
How Does Muffler Work?
Its components include tubes, resonator chambers, baffles, channels, and perforations. They work together to direct gasses and reduce pressure.
It reduces the sound pressure released by the engine, making it quieter. The method is to mix sound waves and cancel each other out rather than simply dampening them.
In more detail, when a wave hits the hole, a portion of it travels into the chamber while the rest is reflected. The wave goes through the chamber, collides with the muffler’s back wall, and returns to the hole.
This chamber’s length is determined so that this wave exits the resonator chamber just as the following wave reflects off the chamber’s exterior.
The high-pressure part of the wave that entered the chamber should match up with the low-pressure part of the wave reflected off the chamber wall, and the two waves should cancel out.
Drilling Holes In Muffler
How To Drill Holes in a Muffler?
Before diving into the process, make a note of the number of the hole! From our perspective, only drill a few holes. Six holes around the exhaust should be enough if you’re using a 3/8-inch drill bit.
At this point, your engine’s sound would have changed significantly. The size determines the shift in engine sound. You may require more if you drill smaller holes and vice versa.
Step-to-step guideline:
- The first step is to consult the manual to know how your exhaust pipes are connected to your vehicle. Before you detach them, you must understand it.
- Set your vehicle stable on its stand or any other supporter tools.
- Remove the bolts that hold the exhaust to the motorcycle with an appropriate-sized tool. Later, completely detach the exhaust system from the vehicle. While drilling, you should cover any exposed engine parts.
- Use a vise to clamp the exhaust pipe. Besides, it would help if you covered it with a cloth to protect its outside appearance.
- It is usually used with a 1/2 or 3/8 inches metal cutting bit. Drill through the baffles laid inside the exhaust with the appropriate drill bit size. Three or four baffles are commonly present in the exhaust system. It would be best if you didn’t work on all of the baffles. Leave one in place, so you don’t have to adjust the carburetor when reinstalling.
- To remove any residual metal bits, turn the pipes upside down and hit them with soft rubber or your hand.
- Reattach the exhaust to the vehicle. Ensure all bolts are fastened, and any metal gaskets are in their proper locations.
Notes:
A larger exhaust pipe does make the vehicle’s sound louder. However, it’s not significant because the main function of bigger pipes is to permit better exhaust air exchange.
In other words, they try to maximize the efficiency of the airflow. In more detail, a bigger pipe is a way to enhance the air in the combustion chamber. After combustion, it would be best if emitted gasses leave quickly.
If not, it’s hard for new air to enter for the upcoming combustions. A bigger pipe ensures exhaust gasses leave the chamber faster. This is a key to improving overall performance.
How To Make A Muffler Silencer?
Equipment
- A drill
- A suitable drill bit
- Steel wool
- Nails
Steps
- Select an appropriate drill bit and nail. Drill a hole at the end of your muffler’s top.
- Put some steel wool into the end of your muffler. Your muffler will sound quieter if you use more wool. The muffler should be completely stuck with wool to avoid escaping the noise.
- Insert a nail into the previous-step hole of the muffler’s top. The nail should be snugly fitted.Carefully push the nail through not to harm the wool. The aim is to keep the steel wool in the muffler and ensure it is placed in the right position even when you’re on a challenging road.
How to Make a Muffler Louder?
In reality, there are many other ways to make a muffler louder. They vary in budgets, methods, conditions, and approaches.
We want to list out some of the most common ways you can explore more to find the most appropriate for your styles and tastes.
- Replace with a high-performance muffler
- Look for aftermarket exhaust
- Use a turbocharger
- Try a Catback system
- Install headers
- Unclog and clean the exhaust system
- Other DIY loud exhaust tips (Shorten the pipes, etc.)
You need to ensure that drilled holes are equally distributed over the muffler. Keep in mind that the drilled location does not matter.
However, people usually drill against the bottom to avoid moisture buildup, which may lead to the muffler leaking water. Once the setting has been set, start drilling at a slow pace.
How To Check If There Are Holes in Muffler?
There are 5 signs that can inform you that your muffler has holes:
- Sickness: When driving with a hole in your exhaust pipe and later may breathe carbon monoxide-containing fumes, you may be poisonous. At low levels, carbon monoxide can cause some health problems in children and adults. So, you need to be careful.
- Noise: Older engines have a poorer exhaust system than newer vehicles, so it will not happen straight away if you drive them, but gradually. Extremely loud noises are one of the warning signs.
- Rusted holes: In case your car has holes positioned near the car’s tailpipe, then these holes are likely rusted.
- Emissions failure: Most cars must pass emissions testing before commercializing. Later, after drilling, a hole in your exhaust might prohibit your vehicle from passing the Environmental Protection Agency’s test.
- Misfired engine: A modified muffler can produce system obstructions, resulting in excessively high engine temperatures or power loss. For example, overheating and misfiring might be caused by problems with your exhaust system.
FAQs
Can An Engine Light Appear Whenever There Is A Hole In A Muffler?
Normally, the check engine light will be on if the muffler becomes unscrewed or bent backward.
The oxygen concentration of the airflow sensor can be increased by fresh air entering the exhaust. When this happens, the dashboard will illuminate with a warning light.
Is Drilling Holes In Your Exhaust Illegal?
When the engine is revved, a hole in the exhaust can make loud noises. This hole is technically a modification, so the loud noises from the modified exhaust are unlawful.
It is prohibited to modify a car’s system to make it noisier than the level it passed type certification. The current legal noise limit for cars meeting type approval is 74 decibels.
Is Drilling Holes In Muffler Bad?
Yes. Drilling holes into exhaust will lead to some modifications. For example, some sound waves are allowed to escape before being silenced.
Besides, it is said that holes allow carbon monoxide leakage. To limit the harm, drill holes in the proper locations.
If you want a really good sound, you can look at a high-performance muffler.
You will not only receive the delightful sound of the engine power, but you will also likely improve engine power and vehicle performance. A hole in muffler sounds louder too.
Conclusion
Now, you know the purpose of drilling holes in muffler! As drilling holes in baffles reverse the airflow dynamics, your car can sing louder.
However, this is an option that you must consider before making a decision as it can cause several issues we have mentioned above.
After reading this post, I hope you guys can make your own suitable decision on your vehicle!