JustCallMeMac

Hi,

I have a 2007 Hawkeye STI remapped by Bob Rawle to circa 370 / 400.

It has a fully decated Magnex exhaust, running 3" from the turbo.

I'm going on a trackday in a couple of weeks and am extremely concerned that the car will be louder than the 105db driveby limit permitted. I didn't think it would be near to this but I did a couple of tests, using an analogue sound level meter, over the weekend and I'm concerned that I may well exceed it and I can't take the risk.

So, a few questions please:

1. Before I do anything, I'd like to get an official reading to be sure. Can these by done at an MOT testing station?

2. If I have to replace the exhaust for a track-day friendly solution, what would you suggest? I love the sound that the current exhaust makes so wouldn't really want to replace everything and I want to keep costs to a minimum. In addition, I don't really want to have to fork out for another remap because I've changed the exhaust set up, unless it's unavoidable.

So bearing all this in mind:

a. Would a back box only replacement suffice? If so which one would you recommend? (links welcome)

b. If I need to replace the centre section as well or indeed the whole system, again, which would you recommend? (links welcome)

Thanks in adavnce for any advice received.

Steve

LeeP

iTrader: (7)

My 3" decatted Hawkeye WRX (with VF34/STI TMIC etc) with a Miltek system is suitable for use on a quiet day!! (90db I believe) - yet it's loud enough for road use to bring a smile to the face and reasonably ok in the cabin.

I'd be suprised if yours was 105?

LeeP

iTrader: (7)

PS - take your car to any trackday (even if you're not going on track) and they'll test you FOC. Likewise, I know some motorsport stores do tests also (I know Revolution in Newcastle do).

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Complete 3" decat Milltek system on mine. Would easily be under 100 DB but still sounds really nice.
Not ever so cheap but would suit your needs perfectly.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Complete 3" decat Milltek system on mine. Would easily be under 100 DB but still sounds really nice.
Not ever so cheap but would suit your needs perfectly.

MrNoisy

iTrader: (28)

If you want a cheap solution mate can't you fit a bung?

Turbo Tez

iTrader: (8)

+1 for a bung. There is a company on eBay that make custom ones. Think they are based in Sheffield

JustCallMeMac

Have heard that fitting a bung is not good and can cause damage and excess heat for the turbo, as well as possibly affecting performance.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

I had a bung for when the kids were in the car. Really restricted the car so far from ideal. Especially on a track day.

Find out if the track you are going to offer the hire of an additional silencer. I dare say that this would be less restrictive than the bung.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Don't do the bung thing if your using it on track. Dig deep into those pockets and get yourself a Milltek system.

JustCallMeMac

The Milltek is certainly tempting but some have also advised that the Revolution cat back set up is also a good option and it's a fair bit cheaper.

Ideally, and to keep costs down I'm only looking for a cat back solution although whatever I buy has to fit with the rest and that might not be straighforward.

Problem is, the decat exhaust I have is excellent, even though Magnex are no more. It sounds fantastic, the car has been mapped brilliantly to it and it's actually not that intrusive when cruising. Seems a terrible waste if I have to spend big to replace it to meet noise level regs. Although in the end I may have no choice if I want to get on track.

As someone said earlier, they'd be surprised if my current system did exceed 105db so I'm going to check the level again tonight, just to be sure and after speaking to Regal Motorsport, I've now downloaded the MSA track testing instructions so that I can do it right.

Fingers crossed because if not, it seems my only option is to bite the bullet and dig deep.

Cheers

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Didn't realize you had Magnex system (didn't read your first post thoroughly), Your right about the noise, fantastic sound. My pal had the turbo back Magnex system on his STI V2, did sound good but very loud.