Just About Noise? Not Really! Understanding Exhausts the Right Way

Original by Honda誌 | 日系車迷誌 | August 13, 2020

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Misconceptions Around Exhaust Upgrades

"Rims, suspension, exhaust"—the foundational trinity of car modifications. While rims, tires, and suspension upgrades are widely accepted, discussions about exhausts often trigger resistance. This stems from the widespread association of modified exhausts with noise violations and penalties. News reports and social media often amplify this perception, leading to public disdain.

However, not all upgraded exhausts are disruptive. Those who engage in reckless driving and excessive noise are a small, unrepresentative group. A well-crafted exhaust system can significantly improve your vehicle's performance without causing public nuisance. Let's dive deeper into the real purpose and benefits of upgrading exhaust systems.

Why Upgrade an Exhaust?

Exhaust upgrades are not solely about generating noise. Factory-fitted exhausts are often designed with small-diameter pipes and restrictive mufflers to enhance low-end torque and reduce noise. However, this design limits high-RPM power as the restricted flow can hinder exhaust gas evacuation.

Conversely, straight-through exhausts improve high-RPM performance by allowing faster gas flow. However, they lack the vacuum effect needed at low RPMs, which can negatively affect low-end torque. The noise is also significantly louder due to minimal absorption or filtration.

A well-balanced exhaust upgrade, such as a VKSC handcrafted muffler, achieves a middle ground by slightly increasing pipe diameter and adjusting back pressure. This setup preserves low-end torque while improving high-RPM performance.

VKSC Exhaust: Designed for the Honda Fit (GK5)

This VKSC exhaust system is a rear-section muffler crafted for the Honda Fit (GK5). Key features include:

• Pipe Diameter: 50mm (up from the stock 45mm), allowing improved exhaust flow.
• Muffler Design: Reflective back-pressure type, less restrictive than the factory design.
• Material: Stainless steel for durability.
• Aesthetics: 76mm dual-layer rolled-edge tailpipes for a subtle yet stylish look.

Testing the VKSC Exhaust

1. Sound Levels:

   • Exterior (3000 RPM): 85.8 dB—a relatively quiet output, despite upgraded header and mid-pipe sections.
   • Interior (Windows Closed): 70.9 dB—most of the noise stems from the engine rather than the exhaust.

2. Performance Impact:
   While sound measurements are important, the real value lies in the exhaust's ability to maintain low noise levels without sacrificing performance.

Key Highlights

💡 Efficient Performance: Balanced design ensures smooth high-RPM operation without sacrificing low-end torque.
💡 Durability: Stainless steel construction ensures longevity.
💡 Noise Control: A quieter system tailored for urban driving without compromising power.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue evaluating this VKSC exhaust on real roads.