Exhaust silencer - what's the verdict?

[Conor D]

I just bought an EP3 Type-R that's running a full exhaust (DC Manifold, Spoon B Pipe and Spoon N1) and it is LOUD - it's an absolute riot as a third car - but it's loud. I find it alright when driving and idling when warm but when it's cold and idles at 2k it could wake my entire neighbourhood.

I've purchased a Spoon Sub Silencer (bolt in silencer - reduces exhaust pipe from 3" down to about 1.75-2" at the tip) and it does the job. It's still a little loud when idling, and still screams when in vtec but I can start it at 7am now if I want to take it to work.

Maybe it's the reduced noise level but it feels a little restrictive when driving, again its like I've lost a sense so it may not actually have much effect. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with permanently using a silencer? Restrictive, real power loss or any great pressure build up in the exhaust?

I would think not and I will likely keep it for a little while before looking at a new system...

[R6VED]

Interesting topic for me. I have a 1981 Mercedes 500 SEL and the centre boxes were a bit rusty in places so I had some straight through pipe fitted to replace them.

It sounds like thunder and when started is a little loud too. I haven't really felt like the car "feels" any faster without the 2 silencers.

I am having a custom exhaust made on Monday which will replace the rear silencer and I have asked them to add an additional small silencer as it is just a bit drony at 70 mph+

I don't expect a difference in anything other than noise. I will miss the raw V8 noise, but I don't think my neighbours will :-)