Header design and sound

[boosthead]

How does header design impact sound? Do 4-1 short tube headers like Thunder sound different than a long tube MSDS or F2? How about the 4-2-1 Vibrant? I know sound has to be impacted, but I don't know how. I understand the impact of design on power band, and am willing to give up a few HP if it means avoiding a blatty or buzzy exhaust note.

 

[chrissor]

headers are not designed for sound. two companies could produce the same style header 4-2-1 and it could sound completly different. it all depends on the angles, the lengths of each runner, which cylinders are paired together and so on. sound is not a factor in the manufacturing of performance manifolds, its just a benifit or disadvantage depending on what you are looking for

 

[techspeak]

the length of the primary pipes affects the sound signature. equal lengths mean smooth, even sound. unequal lengths means growly, snarly sound (like a subaru or MS3/6)

 

[lil_red_wagon]

wall thickness of the tubing also will affect the "rattle" of the exhaust tone. a thin walled pipe will be a little more high pitched while a heavy walled pipe will be deeper.