Noise Test Help
Discussion
Don't forget that if you pass the static noise test close to the limit, you will quite likely trigger the drive-by noise limits and be black flagged depending on wind direction.
I was at an MSV track and we were told that due to the wind direction, anyone within 4 db of the static test limit may encounter a problem. There were lots of black flags for noise.
I think they make the static limit too high in relation to the drive bys personally, what's the point of having a static test limit set knowing that many under the limit will be black flagged and not allowed back on track. It's a cynical way of parting money from a customer and not having to provide the whole service that customer has paid for.
The static limits should be set at a level where no machine that passes will set of the on track drive bys. They know that if the advertised noise limit is lower it will attract fewer customers though. Cynical like I say.
I was at an MSV track and we were told that due to the wind direction, anyone within 4 db of the static test limit may encounter a problem. There were lots of black flags for noise.
I think they make the static limit too high in relation to the drive bys personally, what's the point of having a static test limit set knowing that many under the limit will be black flagged and not allowed back on track. It's a cynical way of parting money from a customer and not having to provide the whole service that customer has paid for.
The static limits should be set at a level where no machine that passes will set of the on track drive bys. They know that if the advertised noise limit is lower it will attract fewer customers though. Cynical like I say.
majordad said:
Well the static limit is unfair to Porsche 911s, the clatter from the engine at the back increases the db reading. Few 911s have problems when out on track so I would not want the static reading lowered.
There was more than one 911 sent packing on the day I mentioned.I see your point though. Perhaps a different distance/angle should be used for rear engined cars? I'm sure there is a way and if the TDO's cared about their customers enough and the product they are selling they would find it.
I'm sure the situation I have mentioned is not uncommon, most track days I've attended have seen people black flagged for noise after presumably passing the static test, and the thus far ever growing track day industry will suffer as a result eventually. There are a finite number of track day customers at any one time, upset 2% of them even and sales will suffer eventually.
PS, I have absolutely zero sympathy for those who are refused entry on the static test or use some sort of db killer for the static and then remove it.
Evening Paul, not inside the M25 but not a million miles away in Marlow, happy to help out.
I replaced the sports tail pipes on mine a few weeks ago, the noise tests done since have all read 101dB with out track cans, before it was 105/6 with track cans on.
Let me know if you need a hand.
I replaced the sports tail pipes on mine a few weeks ago, the noise tests done since have all read 101dB with out track cans, before it was 105/6 with track cans on.
Let me know if you need a hand.
PS, I have absolutely zero sympathy for those who are refused entry on the static test or use some sort of db killer for the static and then remove it.
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Whilst I have to agree, I came to car track days from years doing bike days. My GSXR 1000 race bike would read anything between 105 and 107 dB(A) on the static test and a decibel killer inserted in the tail pipe would drop it sufficiently to get through the test. Sadly, it also strangled the engine, so I would take it out before going on track. I never tripped a drive by meter, even at Donington and when my son used the bike, it was no noisier than anything else out there.
I suppose that there must be some correlation between static and drive by readings, but whatever it is, the logic fails me.
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Whilst I have to agree, I came to car track days from years doing bike days. My GSXR 1000 race bike would read anything between 105 and 107 dB(A) on the static test and a decibel killer inserted in the tail pipe would drop it sufficiently to get through the test. Sadly, it also strangled the engine, so I would take it out before going on track. I never tripped a drive by meter, even at Donington and when my son used the bike, it was no noisier than anything else out there.
I suppose that there must be some correlation between static and drive by readings, but whatever it is, the logic fails me.
Many cars and bikes don't fuel properly running at 75% of max rpm on a light throttle, they tend to over fuel causing un-burnt fuel to ignite in the exhaust and make the car or bike noisier than it would be under normal conditions with a load on the engine. Hence why I do have sympathy with people who have to cheat to get through an unrealistic and frankly pointless test, drive by is the only way to go IMO.
gruffalo said:
Many cars and bikes don't fuel properly running at 75% of max rpm on a light throttle, they tend to over fuel causing un-burnt fuel to ignite in the exhaust and make the car or bike noisier than it would be under normal conditions with a load on the engine. Hence why I do have sympathy with people who have to cheat to get through an unrealistic and frankly pointless test, drive by is the only way to go IMO.
Agreed. I had problems with static tests due to the close proximity of engine/induction/exhaust - but can pass any drive-by without issue. Static test should be scrapped as it means nothing - the actual noise you make on track is the only relevant test.GreigM said:
Agreed. I had problems with static tests due to the close proximity of engine/induction/exhaust - but can pass any drive-by without issue. Static test should be scrapped as it means nothing - the actual noise you make on track is the only relevant test.
Yes but passing the totally objective static test is what gets you out on track. How you drive determines whether you get pulled for a drive by infringement. How you are treated once you fail the drive by is the real test.gruffalo said:
Evening Paul, not inside the M25 but not a million miles away in Marlow, happy to help out.
I replaced the sports tail pipes on mine a few weeks ago, the noise tests done since have all read 101dB with out track cans, before it was 105/6 with track cans on.
Let me know if you need a hand.
That is very promising, but I'd really like to find someone with a sound meter to be absolutely sure (before I commit to a track day).I replaced the sports tail pipes on mine a few weeks ago, the noise tests done since have all read 101dB with out track cans, before it was 105/6 with track cans on.
Let me know if you need a hand.
ukkid35 said:
That is very promising, but I'd really like to find someone with a sound meter to be absolutely sure (before I commit to a track day).
Its still no real guide tho, ive been measured at all kinds of readings at various tracks on static & I dont mean getting louder as exhaust becomes noiser over time as the innards are burnt out etc.iguana said:
Its still no real guide tho, ive been measured at all kinds of readings at various tracks on static & I dont mean getting louder as exhaust becomes noiser over time as the innards are burnt out etc.
I agree, the sound test this time last year at Spa with CD was particularly severe.For anyone else reading this, there's a free app for the iphone called Decibel 10th.
Before you poo-poo it, I have my car noise tested regularly at track days, and MSV's own professional meters can vary on my car by as much as 5-6 decibels. I have had 101 and 106 decibel readings at the same track on different days.
When I got the app, I knew my car then was around 100-101 dB, and that's what Decibel 10th gave. I then decatted it and decibel 10th gave about 101.5, and i got 102 as my reading at the next MSV track day it kinda proved the accuracy.
Remember to hold the phone half a meter from the tail pipe, at an angle of 45 degrees up and out from the back of the car.
Final comment for the OP - can you fit bolt on tail pipes with your set up? I have a set that i got from ACT for about £140, which i take with me to track days, as if the weather conditions are strange, or there's a wall nearby, i am often around 104-105 dB. The bolt ons knock about 6 decibels off, and also make the sound softer in tone. A good investment if you have just spent £200 on a track day and are possible marginal with their dodgy meters, both static and fly by. And they can make you available for evening track sessions, which are great fun but typically 3 decibels quieter.
Before you poo-poo it, I have my car noise tested regularly at track days, and MSV's own professional meters can vary on my car by as much as 5-6 decibels. I have had 101 and 106 decibel readings at the same track on different days.
When I got the app, I knew my car then was around 100-101 dB, and that's what Decibel 10th gave. I then decatted it and decibel 10th gave about 101.5, and i got 102 as my reading at the next MSV track day it kinda proved the accuracy.
Remember to hold the phone half a meter from the tail pipe, at an angle of 45 degrees up and out from the back of the car.
Final comment for the OP - can you fit bolt on tail pipes with your set up? I have a set that i got from ACT for about £140, which i take with me to track days, as if the weather conditions are strange, or there's a wall nearby, i am often around 104-105 dB. The bolt ons knock about 6 decibels off, and also make the sound softer in tone. A good investment if you have just spent £200 on a track day and are possible marginal with their dodgy meters, both static and fly by. And they can make you available for evening track sessions, which are great fun but typically 3 decibels quieter.
Ellerslie said:
The static limits should be set at a level where no machine that passes will set of the on track drive bys. They know that if the advertised noise limit is lower it will attract fewer customers though. Cynical like I say.
Not as simple as that though - for example plenty of kit cars can pass the static easily, then get black flagged on induction noise on a drive by. Personally I don't think it is cynical - the drive-by and static limits are in my view set pretty high (at least for cars - bikes are a different kettle of fish) and it's up to you to make sure you can pass. Why does anyone need a really noisy track car? *puts flame suit on*
The ACT bolt-on silencers are a really good shout, seen them work well for a variety of TVRs. Check you need them though - my Cerb 4.5 with a proper backbox was quieter than my (standard exhaust, catted) Chimaera 400. Be surprised if it was over 100db.
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