Exhaust Options

[phn]

Hi there,

I find the standard exhaust on my Chimaera has a bit of an annoying resonance / howl at 60-70 mph, which gives me a bit of a headache on longer drives.

Could anyone recommend an exhaust setup or aftermarket option that would be less intrusive whilst still maintaining the lovely TVR sound when putting your foot down.

Many thanks!

[phn]

Classic Chim said:

If yours is a 450 they do tend to have more of a drone at certain engine revs.
I’m pretty sure it’s much less apparent with pre cats fitted.
Your exhaust might look standard but it’s worth checking manifolds still have the pre cats in them?
My 450 has always droned more since pre car removal.
Sleeving exhaust just causes that nauseous boom to now be in two places at once
Sleeved silencer or even 1/2 sleeved used to be a big thing on here…
If it’s been sleeved there will be evidence of welding work on usually the top of your muffler box.

I found if I left my drivers window open 1/2 inch this made the headache take longer to get me
And in truth it just removed some of the resonance that the drone is causing.
Or I drove faster ( risky ) so usually slowed down.
I noticed whilst driving through France at a steady 70 I got a headache yet at 80 the engine seemed in its sweet spot and less drone. Mpg increased too ?

Thanks for the relies, Classic Chim.

The symptoms you mention are exactly those I have in my 450. At 60-70 mph the noise is unpleasant, but let the speed creep up to 80 mph (on a private track) and it's fine. I already had the silencer box checked and repacked with sound insulating stuff (the previous insulation had burnt out) and the car is not sleeved. So it seems like it must be something to do with the cats. I'll ask Mat Smith if he can take a look at them, as the car is there now, having the steering sorted.

I'll also try your "window down" trick when I next drive it to see if that helps!

[phn]

Classic Chim said:

This is the best solution without spending fortunes.

Are cherry bombs significantly louder than standard, or just a different tone?

If the droning is being caused by the (possible lack of) pre-cats - would the Cherry bomb exhaust help with this? Thanks!

[phn]

blaze_away said:

If you are anywhere near Rugby I have a pair you can try.

Thanks so much for the offer but a bit far for me, I'm in darkest Norfolk!

[phn]

kris450 said:

Classic Chim said:

I found if I left my drivers window open 1/2 inch this made the headache take longer to get me

This ! 100% give this a go before you go down the road of spending money. The difference this makes for me is staggering as I have the same sort of issues at motorway speeds.

The number of times I've taken the car to Le Mans, and cruising at the higher French autoroute speeds is now a genuine pleasure.

I'll give it a try tomorrow.

Also I did get the cat's checked and they are in one piece, so I guess I'll just live with it!

[phn]

NeoVR said:

I’m currently considering cherry bombs though, because as far as TVRs go..the stock exhaust is quite tame

Let us know how you get on if you do get Cherry Bombs - would be interesting hear how they are!