How To Make Car Louder in 9 Steps

There’s a certain thrill that comes with owning a car that can make some serious noise. It’s the feeling of power and freedom that comes with having a loud car. Whether it’s a muscle car with a big engine or an import tuner with a souped-up exhaust, there’s just something about a loud car that gets people revved up. So how to make a car louder?

For some people, loud cars are a way to show off. They might have invested a lot of money into making their car sound as loud as possible, and they want everyone to know it. Or, they might just enjoy the attention that a loud car attracts. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to show off your car- after all, you’ve worked hard for it.

Others simply enjoy the way a loud car sounds. There’s something about the rumble of a big engine that just sounds good. It’s the car equivalent of listening to your favorite song on a great sound system.

It’s also a good way to get noticed on the road- which can be good or bad. [1]

How To Make Car Louder?

Now, let’s get straight to the point: how to make cars louder?

Whether you’re looking to add more rumble to your ride or want to make heads turn when you rev your engine, we’ve got a few tips to help you make your car louder. 

1. Upgrade your exhaust system. One of the easiest ways to make your car louder is to upgrade your exhaust system. If you have a stock exhaust system, it’s probably not doing much to amplify the sound of your engine. By upgrading to a performance exhaust system, you’ll not only make your car sound louder, but you’ll also improve its performance. 
2. Add a cold air intake. Another simple way to make your car louder is to add a cold air intake. This will help increase the airflow to your engine, making it sound louder when you rev the engine. 
3. Install a short shifter. If you have a manual transmission, installing a short shifter will also help to make your car sound louder. With a quick shifter, you’ll be able to shift gears faster, making your engine sound like it’s revving up faster and louder. 
4. Get a tune-up. If your car is older, one of the best ways to make it louder is to get a tune-up. This will ensure that your engine is running at its peak performance, making it sound louder and improving its overall performance. 
5. Use synthetic oil. Another tip for making your car louder is to use synthetic oil. This type of oil is designed to flow more freely than a traditional oil, which will help to make your engine sound louder. [2]
6. Install a header. You can install a header if you’re looking for a more dramatic way to make your car louder. This will drastically improve the sound of your engine, but it will also require more work to install. 
7. Use a louder exhaust tip. If you want to make a small change that will make a big difference, you can install a louder exhaust tip. This will amplify the sound of your exhaust, making your car sound louder without making any other changes. 
8. Get a custom exhaust. If you want to really make heads turn, you can get a custom exhaust. This will allow you to choose the exact sound you want your car to make, and it will be sure to turn heads when you hit the accelerator. 
9. Use a straight pipe instead of a muffler to make car louder. Besides making your car incredibly loud, a straight pipe exhaust reduces the amount of pressure exerted on an engine by exhaust gases, allowing the engine to perform better overall. When you install a straight pipe exhaust, you will notice an increase in horsepower and torque.

Whichever route you choose, making your car louder is sure to put a smile on your face every time you hit the gas.

Budget Exhaust Tips To Make Car Louder

Making your car’s exhaust louder usually means buying a new exhaust system or modifying the existing one. But before you start spending money, there are a few exhaust engine tips you can try to make your car louder. 

If your car is equipped with a catalytic converter, removing it is one of the easiest ways to make your car’s exhaust louder. The converter can be removed without affecting the engine’s performance. 

Another way to make your car’s exhaust louder is to install larger diameter pipes. This will allow the exhaust gases to flow more freely and produce a more audible sound.

You can also try installing a performance muffler. This will help reduce the exhaust system’s back pressure and make the car’s engine louder. 

If you are unsure how to modify your car’s exhaust system, it is best to consult a professional. They will be able to advise you on the best way to make your car’s exhaust louder without affecting its performance. 

Costs Of Making Car Louder

As most car enthusiasts know, making a car louder typically comes with a few different costs. In the United States, the three primary cost factors for making a car louder are the initial investment, installation costs, and ongoing maintenance. 

The initial investment for making a car louder can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the route you decide to take. The most common and straightforward way to make a car louder is to install a new exhaust system. 

This typically costs a few hundred dollars, but the price can increase to a thousand or more depending on the brand, size, and materials used. Another popular option is to install a turbocharger or supercharger, which can also cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Installation costs will also need to be considered when making a car louder.

 If you choose to do the work yourself, you may only need to pay for the cost of the parts. However, if you decide to have a professional do the work, you can expect to pay labor costs ranging from $50 to $200 per hour.

Finally, there are ongoing maintenance costs to think about when making a car louder. These costs can vary depending on the route you take and the materials used. 

For example, if you install a new exhaust system made from stainless steel, you can expect to pay annual maintenance, such as polishing and sealing, to keep it looking its best.

Alternatively, if you choose to install a turbocharger, you may need to pay for periodic tune-ups to keep it running correctly.

Overall, making a car louder can be a worthwhile investment for car enthusiasts. However, weighing the initial investment and installation costs against the ongoing maintenance costs before making a final decision is important. [4]

Is It Illegal To Make Your Car Louder?

So we already agree that driving loud cars could mainly be a form of self-expression. But is it actually okay to drive a loud car? If you drive Jaguar, Porsche, Chevrolet Corvette, or any other luxury car designed to be loud, you do not go against any laws. However, any modification to artificially make your car louder should be approved by competitive entities. [5]

So, how to make your car louder legally? The first step is to check your local noise ordinances. Generally, loud cars are generally permitted to install an aftermarket exhaust system that does not exceed 95 decibels. To put that into context, 95 decibels is roughly the volume of a roaring motorcycle engine. 

Still, every city has different laws regarding how loud a car can be, so you need to ensure you’re not exceeding the limit. The easiest way to do this is to consult your local department of a motor vehicle or police department. They can tell you the maximum noise level allowed in your city. [6]

Best Cars To Make Louder

 If you’re looking to add a little more pizazz to your ride, here are four of the best cars to make louder: 

• Toyota 86 

 The Toyota 86 is already a sports car built for speed. But if you really want to get the most out of this vehicle, consider upgrading the exhaust system. A good exhaust system can not only add a few extra horses under the hood, but it can also make your car sound a lot meaner. And on a car like the 86, that additional ingredient can make all the difference.

• Subaru BRZ Like the 86

The Subaru BRZ is another sports car made to be driven hard. And again, a powerful exhaust system can do wonders for this vehicle’s performance and sound. If you’re looking for an extra dose of growl, consider pairing your BRZ with a set of track-ready headers. Not only will they make your car sound great, but they’ll also help improve its overall handling. 

• Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a classic roadster beloved by driving enthusiasts worldwide. And while it might not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of modified cars, there’s no reason you can’t add your own personal touches to this vehicle. One of the best ways to do that is by opting for a louder exhaust system.

A louder exhaust will not only turn heads when you’re driving down the road, but it’ll also make your Miata sound much more aggressive. 

• Nissan Skyline

The Nissan Skyline is a true icon in the world of Japanese cars. And while it might be best known for its killer looks and incredible performance, the Skyline is also a car that sounds absolutely amazing with the right exhaust system. If you’re looking to really turn up the volume, consider adding a set of high-flow catalytic converters to your Skyline. Old ones could be sold for high price.

These aftermarket parts will help your car breathe a little easier, and they’ll also make it sound a lot meaner.

 No matter which car you choose, remember that the best way to make it sound louder is to upgrade the exhaust system. You can transform your car’s sound from meek to downright menacing with the right parts. [7]

Read Next: How To Choose The Right Exhaust 

Bottom Line

So, why do people enjoy loud cars? There are a variety of reasons, but it boils down to the feeling of power and freedom that comes with having a loud car. It’s a way to show off, enjoy the sound of a big engine, and get noticed on the road. Whether you’re looking to show off your ride or just enjoy the experience of driving a loud car, there’s no doubt it can be a lot of fun. However, always make sure you do not go against any laws.