Bought a Griff at last! Now a couple of questions!
Discussion
Bought my first TVR last weekend, an immaculate Imperial Blue Griff 500 found for me by Rob Ingleby which I'll be picking up this Sunday and I'm rather looking forward to it to say the least!!! I'd also recommend using him to anyone looking to get a TVR as he's a top bloke who's found me a top car!
One thing I'd immediately like to do to it though is make the exhaust louder as it has the standard exhaust, would anyone having any recommendations on this?
I mean I'd like it louder but not at the expense of power which I know can be a problem if too much back pressure is lost on the engine. Rob recommended taking it to David Batty which sounds like a good idea to me. Just really wanted to know what most people have done in order to liberate a few more decibels?
Lastly, if anyone sees someone driving an N reg, Imperial Blue Griff around Mid Sussex sporting a large grin - that'll be me!!
Cheers - Chris
One thing I'd immediately like to do to it though is make the exhaust louder as it has the standard exhaust, would anyone having any recommendations on this?
I mean I'd like it louder but not at the expense of power which I know can be a problem if too much back pressure is lost on the engine. Rob recommended taking it to David Batty which sounds like a good idea to me. Just really wanted to know what most people have done in order to liberate a few more decibels?
Lastly, if anyone sees someone driving an N reg, Imperial Blue Griff around Mid Sussex sporting a large grin - that'll be me!!
Cheers - Chris
Good to hear that you've joined the fold....
I had the wadding removed from the back box when I changed mine. I've noticed no deterioration in performance, but it is quite a bit louder which was the main objective. Sounds best at around 4K rpm but it's better at all times IMO.
This is quite straight forward and would have cost around £60. I didn't have to pay as it was part of the deal.
I'm also comtemplating visiting Joospeed in the summer and having it decatted which is also supposed to make a difference to noise levels.
Good luck with the car, imperial blue is a great colour on the Griff and I'm sure you'll get plenty of enjoyment out of it...
Cheers
DC
I had the wadding removed from the back box when I changed mine. I've noticed no deterioration in performance, but it is quite a bit louder which was the main objective. Sounds best at around 4K rpm but it's better at all times IMO.
This is quite straight forward and would have cost around £60. I didn't have to pay as it was part of the deal.
I'm also comtemplating visiting Joospeed in the summer and having it decatted which is also supposed to make a difference to noise levels.
Good luck with the car, imperial blue is a great colour on the Griff and I'm sure you'll get plenty of enjoyment out of it...
Cheers
DC
Hope you enjoy your Griff. Rob found me a imperial blue Griff last year which has a sports exhaust. The sound is more deeper than normal, especially when idling. You may need to have a listen to different types of sports exhaust as they may have varying sound characteristics. The TVR club magazine has some companies who supply sports exhausts so may be worth calling them or visit some club meetings or pistonhead get togethers to hear other owners cars.
Rob is good at what he does and has found me a buyer for my Griff which should be going to a new home this weekend. Needed more than 2 seats so a Cerbera will replace the Griff.
Enjoy the car
GG
Rob is good at what he does and has found me a buyer for my Griff which should be going to a new home this weekend. Needed more than 2 seats so a Cerbera will replace the Griff.
Enjoy the car
GG
One thing I'd immediately like to do to it though is make the exhaust louder as it has the standard exhaust, would anyone having any recommendations on this?
Chris - the quickest, easiest and cheapest route is to have your standard exhaust converted to a sports exhaust. This just involves opening up the rear silencer, removing the wadding, welding a straight through pipe in there and closing it up again. £100-120 when done by an independent.
Mine had a sports exhaust and as I wanted to do some track days I was concerned it was too loud. I had it returned to normal by reversing the process above.
Anyway, the point is you don't need to spend ££££'s on a new exhaust to get the effect you want.
Enjoy the Griff!
Andy
Welcome to the Griff club! I would concur with the comments already made - simplest way to a louder car is to get someone to open the back-box and take out the wadding. I had the perforated pipes left in mine and its a much harder, louder sound than it was on the standard exhaust. Fantastic in multi-storey carparks and tunnels!
GasBlaster said: Welcome to the Griff club! I would concur with the comments already made - simplest way to a louder car is to get someone to open the back-box and take out the wadding. I had the perforated pipes left in mine and its a much harder, louder sound than it was on the standard exhaust. Fantastic in multi-storey carparks and tunnels!
Yeah, this was done on mine before I bought it. Must say it is bloody loud, and I love it! Some people have commented to me that it is a bit too "unrefined" compared with the regular Griff/Chim, and I would have to agree, but if noise is what you want, then this is the way forward. You can always change it back if you don't like it!
Thanks for the replies.
I phoned David Batty in Guildford at lunchtime and he said that to take some of the stuff out of the silencer (can't remember exactly what he said) would cost about £160-£200 and wouldn't have any effect on the performance whatsoever.
Must admit that I'm worried about any loss of performance because I know how mucking around with this can cause problems. I'll give ACT a call but the main thing is I don't really want to spend too much as I've spent most of my dough on the car itself!!
I phoned David Batty in Guildford at lunchtime and he said that to take some of the stuff out of the silencer (can't remember exactly what he said) would cost about £160-£200 and wouldn't have any effect on the performance whatsoever.
Must admit that I'm worried about any loss of performance because I know how mucking around with this can cause problems. I'll give ACT a call but the main thing is I don't really want to spend too much as I've spent most of my dough on the car itself!!
19560 said: Do a search on exhaust modifications. Sports exhausts lose power, increase consumption and potentially damage the engine. De-catting is generally only related to the pre-cats. Speaking to Tim at ACT is probably a good start.
My sports exhaust was, as far as I know, a factory option. The 'open up the rear silencer' option is tried and tested and I have never heard of this causing engine damage. What makes you say this Mr 19560?
BTW Painey - £160-200 sounds expensive to me. Ring round some other independents.
£160 to £200 sounds a bit pricey for having the wadding removed...
I'm sure the folks at David Geralds quoted a couple of hours labour which I would reckon to be about £60.00 to £80.00... Mind you you'd spend the balance in petrol getting to Worchestershire! However the moral of the story is call a few other folks...
Cheers
DC
I'm sure the folks at David Geralds quoted a couple of hours labour which I would reckon to be about £60.00 to £80.00... Mind you you'd spend the balance in petrol getting to Worchestershire! However the moral of the story is call a few other folks...
Cheers
DC
Welcome to the Wonderful world of Griffith Ownership.
Bet Sunday is a long time coming.
Dont forget to Bare in mind that if you wanna go on a Track Day the Exhaust might be to loud to use and either inserts will be needed(£80 ish i think) or u will have to have them returned back to the original state.
Worth considering firstly i thinks
BB
>> Edited by Ballistic Banana (moderator) on Tuesday 18th February 19:56
Bet Sunday is a long time coming.
Dont forget to Bare in mind that if you wanna go on a Track Day the Exhaust might be to loud to use and either inserts will be needed(£80 ish i think) or u will have to have them returned back to the original state.
Worth considering firstly i thinks
BB
>> Edited by Ballistic Banana (moderator) on Tuesday 18th February 19:56
Bought my first TVR last weekend, an immaculate Imperial Blue Griff 500 found for me by Rob Ingleby which I'll be picking up this Sunday and I'm rather looking forward to it to say the least!!! I'd also recommend using him to anyone looking to get a TVR as he's a top bloke who's found me a top car!
One thing I'd immediately like to do to it though is make the exhaust louder as it has the standard exhaust, would anyone having any recommendations on this?
I mean I'd like it louder but not at the expense of power which I know can be a problem if too much back pressure is lost on the engine. Rob recommended taking it to David Batty which sounds like a good idea to me. Just really wanted to know what most people have done in order to liberate a few more decibels?
Lastly, if anyone sees someone driving an N reg, Imperial Blue Griff around Mid Sussex sporting a large grin - that'll be me!!
Cheers - Chris
Here's the results of my findings on the matter of exhausts. Drop me a mail if you want more details
Simon
.....So being one of those people who learn by trial and error and no other way here are the results of my test.....
Actions taken:-
Removed exhaust system, opened silencer, removed wadding, welded up silencer, fitted exhaust (2 hrs work)
Results:-
Beautiful sound on tick over
Howls like a banshee at high RPM
Pops and bangs on overrun
slower to pick up from low/ mid range RPM
Top gear acceleration slower
Conclusions:-
This is not a good mod unless the sound is more important than the performance
Next steps:-
Re pack silencer
Enjoy sound slightly less
able to piss past anything on road once again
Questions:-
Anybody know where I can get some silencer wadding?
------------------------------------------------------
So there I was, exhaust system off the car again, the silencer opened ready for re packing(more scars than an open heart surgery patient) then into my head popped a Line from Ted Nugent (any one remember him?)
.....If it too loud you're too old...
What the hell, removed the perforated tubes, replaced them with solid ones. All back together
Results:-
Sounds like an old piston engined aircraft at tick over
Awesome at full chat
Seems to be back to the old performance levels, ie pulls like a train!
Ear plugs anyone????
Simon
Simon
.....So being one of those people who learn by trial and error and no other way here are the results of my test.....
Actions taken:-
Removed exhaust system, opened silencer, removed wadding, welded up silencer, fitted exhaust (2 hrs work)
Results:-
Beautiful sound on tick over
Howls like a banshee at high RPM
Pops and bangs on overrun
slower to pick up from low/ mid range RPM
Top gear acceleration slower
Conclusions:-
This is not a good mod unless the sound is more important than the performance
Next steps:-
Re pack silencer
Enjoy sound slightly less
able to piss past anything on road once again
Questions:-
Anybody know where I can get some silencer wadding?
------------------------------------------------------
So there I was, exhaust system off the car again, the silencer opened ready for re packing(more scars than an open heart surgery patient) then into my head popped a Line from Ted Nugent (any one remember him?)
.....If it too loud you're too old...
What the hell, removed the perforated tubes, replaced them with solid ones. All back together
Results:-
Sounds like an old piston engined aircraft at tick over
Awesome at full chat
Seems to be back to the old performance levels, ie pulls like a train!
Ear plugs anyone????
Simon
If the exhaust is really quiet have the cats checked as they could be clogged or damaged,I had this problem tried all the mods to make it louder to no effect,so now it's cat free (pre and main cats removed)goes and sounds fantastic.However the new found power killed the clutch so the G/box is now on my garage floor awaiting the arrival of the clutch kit.Never a dull moment with a TVR (you'll learn).
Bought my first TVR last weekend, an immaculate Imperial Blue Griff 500 found for me by Rob Ingleby which I'll be picking up this Sunday and I'm rather looking forward to it to say the least!!! I'd also recommend using him to anyone looking to get a TVR as he's a top bloke who's found me a top car!
One thing I'd immediately like to do to it though is make the exhaust louder as it has the standard exhaust, would anyone having any recommendations on this?
I mean I'd like it louder but not at the expense of power which I know can be a problem if too much back pressure is lost on the engine. Rob recommended taking it to David Batty which sounds like a good idea to me. Just really wanted to know what most people have done in order to liberate a few more decibels?
Lastly, if anyone sees someone driving an N reg, Imperial Blue Griff around Mid Sussex sporting a large grin - that'll be me!!
Cheers - Chris
Hi Chris!
Congragulations on your purchase! I have had this mod. done and it is,frankly, b*****y noisy. I have not noticed any bad spinoffs and I like the sound although some other road users seem to find it very irritating. I see you mention mid-sussex. Julian Godfrey Engineering of Heathfield did the mod. for me at a cost of £30 for the stainless steel tubing and £60 for labour. You can choose whether to replace the whole length of the perforated tubes or a fraction. 50-75% is probably about right IMHO. Don't go for baffle removing only as this leaves a tiny sound again IMHO.
Good luck!
PS Moderator removed my last answer for some inexplicable reason--above is the gist--hope it helps.
Hi Chris, first congratulations on your new purchase - you will love it, I just drove back from Chichester to Madenhead today and I am still grinning (and I've had mine 4 years!)
Regards the exhaust, yes I have a "sports exhaust" conversion, silencer opened, some of the packing taken out welded up again. Personally I love it but it is a matter of taste
And if you are considering track days yo will need to get some bolt-on "mufflers" although there are plenty available these days e.g. ACT who advertise here on Pistonheads. I got som esecond hand for £50 quid the pair. Rich...
Regards the exhaust, yes I have a "sports exhaust" conversion, silencer opened, some of the packing taken out welded up again. Personally I love it but it is a matter of taste
And if you are considering track days yo will need to get some bolt-on "mufflers" although there are plenty available these days e.g. ACT who advertise here on Pistonheads. I got som esecond hand for £50 quid the pair. Rich...
D'oh!
Found out that I might not be able to pick the Griff up until the weekend after this one now so I'm a bit miffed about that to say the least. And this week seems to be dragging on forever!!!!!
Not too sure about what to do regarding the exhaust as I've also remembered that modifying it might affect my insurance as well, providing I tell them of course but that's another matter.
My main concern would be any loss of power because in my opinion it's the performance which is most important, the sound being a close second. I might leave it a couple of weeks and see how I get on with the exhaust as it is.
Looking forward to having the car like mad though!!
Cheers
Found out that I might not be able to pick the Griff up until the weekend after this one now so I'm a bit miffed about that to say the least. And this week seems to be dragging on forever!!!!!
Not too sure about what to do regarding the exhaust as I've also remembered that modifying it might affect my insurance as well, providing I tell them of course but that's another matter.
My main concern would be any loss of power because in my opinion it's the performance which is most important, the sound being a close second. I might leave it a couple of weeks and see how I get on with the exhaust as it is.
Looking forward to having the car like mad though!!
Cheers
Painey said: D'oh!
Found out that I might not be able to pick the Griff up until the weekend after this one now so I'm a bit miffed about that to say the least. And this week seems to be dragging on forever!!!!!
Not too sure about what to do regarding the exhaust as I've also remembered that modifying it might affect my insurance as well, providing I tell them of course but that's another matter.
My main concern would be any loss of power because in my opinion it's the performance which is most important, the sound being a close second. I might leave it a couple of weeks and see how I get on with the exhaust as it is.
Looking forward to having the car like mad though!!
Cheers
No way should the exhaust mod. affect your insurance as all it does is make more noise it is not cosmetic and it certainly does not increase power probably marginally the other way
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