I just ordered some Fenton headers for my 48 Ford coupe. I am wondering if just running the exhaust straight out to the back bumper with no mufflers will be too loud for the street. So, do any of you have experience with straight exhaust on a flathead? You opinions appreciated.
291 desoto firedome, stock exhaust manifold run through these lake pipes. it purrs. even when i get on it, it still isn't obnoxious.
Headers to lake pipes on my flathead, it's not that loud at all. Nothing like a small block, or even a Harley. I was surprised how quiet it was when I first heard it.
Straight pipes on a stock flathead? It’ll sound like a sewing machine at idle it’s so quite. Go for it
My built Merc flatty with torque-tube headers made quite a bit of noise...but they were also out in the open and right next to ya in my T-bucket.
I had manifolds and straight pipes on my ‘42 PU with a 221. Didn’t take me long to put mufflers on it.
Flat heads are so quiet with straight pipes. My Pontiac 462 is so loud, you cant think when its running. I put the Turbos back on in a hurry..
I've got a '46-'48 engine in my '39 Standard. Does that count? Headers. No mufflers. Pipes out the back. Sounds fairly quiet until you hit the loud pedal. Then... it sounds just right! But, I prefer the way it sounded with the system I had on it before this one. Stock manifolds, Thrush steel packs, exiting in front of the rear wheels through scavenger pipes. That would give you an ear-gasm.
Stock motor with headers and straight pipes won't be bad. When you step on it, you will be heard but when cruising down the road, it is perfect. I have the headers/straight pipes with a 59AB and L100 cam which makes it a little louder. I would not want it much louder but I am old. I don't have a radio; I need something to listen to.
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