Big bore vs Small bore tailpipes

[mikendeb]

I currently have a Rimmer stainless exhaust with large bore tailpipes but I'm looking for a more mellow - perhaps more original - note from the exhaust. I'd like any observations please from anyone who has experience of both on the differences in volume/quality of sound between large and small bore pipes. Many thanks.

[V Mad]

It doesnt make any difference. The bigger bore is usually just a bigger outer sleeve. It's mainly the make/type of silencer, and whether the whole system is new/clean or older carbonised that varies the sound.

[MandM]

I have the small bore pipes and was going to fit the larger bore , but others member told me that the exhaust note would be on your nerves on the motorway, so have kept what I have. not a lot help I know, but just my 2p.

[andy p]

I have both and not sure I noticed the difference in sound but prefer the look of the bigger ones, if you want the smaller ones I will swap you a pair

[davidf]

I have the small bore pipes and was going to fit the larger bore , but others member told me that the exhaust note would be on your nerves on the motorway, so have kept what I have. not a lot help I know, but just my 2p.

I sometimes wish I could hear my exhaust over the wind noise!! Even under a bridge, I can only hear it if I give it some extra welly. Mine is stainless with large tail pipes, but they are not 'large bore'; the 'large' is just an outer sleeve, as Chris said.

[HersnotHis]

Our Stag has a stainless exhaust with larger tailpipes - the are not just outers! sounds great over wind noise (with Bosscreen) !

[Westfaling]

Ever wonder why they switched to smaller bore tailpipes on Mk2s? I think it's because the larger bore results in lower gas velocities at exit which causes more discolouration of the chromework - bumpers/hoseshoes etc. Perhaps to rectify this they reduced the diameter of the bore. I certainly don't recall getting the patina on my chrome with my previous Mk2.
Nick

[mikendeb]

Many thanks to all - not sure its made it any easier! Seems that the difference between large and small is largely cosmetic and sound perhaps depends more on the make and age. I'll wait until I've had a chance to hear others before I make my mind up I think.

[mikendeb]

I have both and not sure I noticed the difference in sound but prefer the look of the bigger ones, if you want the smaller ones I will swap you a pair

Thanks - I might take you up on your offer - I just need to find a few other examples to listen to before I decide whether it is worth the effort.

[V Mad]

There are probably a few variations of design of pipes, but all the big bore ones I have seen are same ID as the smaller bore. One thing I noticed on some big bore pipes was the inner bore was perforated, presumably to add a bit of extra silencing.

[stagmuffin]

this is mine earlier this year in February after fitting my new custom made exhaust, hope the link works . it does make a lovely sound but can also be driven in a quiet way as well while cruising .

http://youtu.be/bmH3GB1l61w

Steve

[mike@thenook]

That does sound nice Steve, straight through boxes I guess and pipes at the ends..?

[stagmuffin]

That does sound nice Steve, straight through boxes I guess and pipes at the ends..?

thanks mike , st/st tubular headers down to a 2" stainless steel system with a full xover not H pipe through two small cans then continues out to tailpipes with no reduction in size all unobstructed . all the joints are gas tight V bands so no u clips crushing the pipe and the whole system can be removed and refitted in 30 mins easily no sealants .
steve

[Ian928]

In my experience the diameter of the exhaust do matter. If we assume that the backpressure is the same in both the big bore and the small bore exhaust, I think that the small bore will give a higher tone and the big bore will give a lower tone.

[jleyton]

I've also heard it said that a stainless system produces a different noise to the original mild steel system

Cheers

Julian