sound level of an exhaust

A General Discussion forum for cars and other topics, and a great place to introduce yourself if you are new to NICO!
User avatar
nomuken
Posts: 436
Joined: Sat May 03, 2003 5:12 pm

Post

What is the proper way to measure the sound level of an exhaust? At what distance from the exhaust tip do I need to hold the meter? Do I measure the sound when the engine is idle or at some higher RPM?

Thanx,nomuken.


DAEDALUS
Posts: 5421
Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:50 pm
Car: 1990 Infiniti Q45

Post

Depends...are you comparing your measurements to published data? Any published data should have a distance stated. Apples to apples. For most sound levels, 1 foot and 1 meter are common distances. No idea about RPM's...I think a better comparison might be at what speed.

User avatar
nomuken
Posts: 436
Joined: Sat May 03, 2003 5:12 pm

Post

I'm trying to find out if my new cat-back exhaust complies with California law.

Q45tech
Moderator
Posts: 14296
Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl

Post

"An exhaust louder than 95 decibels is not street-legal in California, as is one not certified by the California Air Resources Board. A CARB certified piece of equipment will have a sticker on it in a visible location"

"So far, 37 referee stations have been set up in California where a ticketed motorist can get a test for the sound level of their exhaust system. A driver only qualifies for the test when he or she gets ticketed.

Once a driver has been cited, he or she can find the location of a testing station by calling (800) 622-7733. The test is not open to anyone without a ticket. "http://www.sema.org/images/32266.jpghtt ... /32267.jpg

This procedure specifies a limit of 95 dB measured 20 inches from the exhaust pipe outlet with the engine operating in neutral, typically at speed of 3000-5000 rpm. It applies only to passenger vehicles. It does not apply to motorcycles or to vehicles over 6000 pounds gross weight.

Q45tech
Moderator
Posts: 14296
Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl

Post

New vehicles for sale must meet 80dbA at 50 feet under any WOT acceleration at any rpm

User avatar
nomuken
Posts: 436
Joined: Sat May 03, 2003 5:12 pm

Post

Q45tech, thanks for the info.

User avatar
C-Kwik
Moderator
Posts: 8070
Joined: Thu Aug 01, 2002 9:28 pm
Car: 2013 Chevy Volt, 1991 Honda CRX DX

Post

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-...rieve

Pay most specific attention to 21750.2(b). It basically says 95 dB max when tested using SAE procedure J1169, which I believe is 18 inches from the tip at the same height as the tip.

Also, I know of no law that requires a Catback to have CARB EO numbers. Otherwise, cops would be pulling us over here just on that alone. That and muffler shops would be non-existent here.


Return to “General Chat”