Drift Tengoku — October 2013

The silencer alone drops noise by about 3 dB! The link pipe and TGS sub-muffler use the same specification, but a dual setup does not provide twice the silencing effect. A silencer that drops the level by about 3 dB is used, and removing the glass wool can raise the volume somewhat. The silencer is 110 mm in diameter, and the tail end is 90 mm. A 10 cm extension on both sides costs ¥4,000.

“Compared with before, participation has definitely dropped. At this rate, it is serious,” says Kanakubo, taking the situation seriously and beginning work on a new muffler lineup. Many drivers do not replace their mufflers because they cannot give up the straight-pipe sound or do not want to lose power. If they have to give up the straight-pipe sound, it is only natural to want a muffler that does not burden the engine or reduce power. But it is hard to know what to choose. “Then we have to make one ourselves!” Companies began developing mufflers all at once. It is not that the market lacks mufflers suited to drivers’ needs, but at Nikko Circuit…

It is easy to understand a muffler designed around a standard sound level. Looking at the separate specifications, the total reduction from a straight pipe is about 5 dB, which gives you a useful reference. Sound levels vary greatly by setup, so no one can promise that it will be below 105 dB. But once you know how much you need to reduce the volume, it should be possible to build a muffler that meets the limit. This should help not only drivers at Nikko Circuit but track drivers throughout Japan. Hearing it in person, it sounded like a loud muffler that is still quieter than a straight pipe—something even straight-pipe fans could probably live with. Sound…

The second version of the full-dual muffler for the Tourer V combines a sub-muffler and silencer instead of using a straight pipe. “A straight link pipe will not pass at Nikko, but this lets you enjoy a high-pitched sound while lowering the volume,” says Mr. Kanakubo. You can choose whether to include a sub-muffler and whether the silencer contains glass wool. Fitments for the JZX110, C35, ER34, and S13 are planned.

PROVIDENCE AE86 SPECIAL EXHAUST SYSTEM · Fits: AE86 · Price: ¥41,790 (¥47,040 with sub-muffler) · Material: stainless steel (1.2 mm thick) · Approx. 5 dB quieter than a straight pipe · Inquiries: Blade, 048-984-7501. Blade also builds to meet circuit noise limits, using a large silencer for the AE86, which is difficult to quiet down. The inner diameter is narrowed slightly, but the straight-through design keeps power loss to a minimum. A sub-muffler and dual tail are also available. Only the over-differential type is offered now; an under-differential type is in development.