It pains me to admit this...but my ears hurt

[yahrt]

I have ~300 miles on my recently completed roadster, BPE 347 from Forte with Sniper EFI, FFR headers, and standard GasN pipes. That low frequency rumbling feels and sounds awesome but I must be really sensitive to those tones. Wearing custom molded ear plugs and even headphones, and it is still too loud for me. I don't want to lose my hearing. Lots of posts out there but still wondering on how best to solve? Not opposed to cutting the pipes apart if that is the best solution. I am using Drummer Mike heat shields which would help hide some pipe modifications. Thanks for any suggestions.

[RJD]

Maybe different ear plugs? I've had great luck with these - walking around the flight line and while driving the snake.

176697

[GoDadGo]

My wife and I found that wearing earmuff style hearing protectors seemed to make the sound resonate....With that said, we've had good luck by simply wearing disposable 3M Orange Earplugs and nothing else.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-Orange-Disposable-Ear-Plugs-80-Pack-92800-80-6DC/202691611?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AYJSbAfFJ75L_fZcHn9VEXfavqZaH3puXZXjtMCHCp y38uTN2ZQzGNy41xc

[nucjd19]

I have over 1000 miles on mine so far with the standard pipes. I have found that Apple ear pods pro with sound cancellation is just perfect. I hear the rumble through the ear pods but it kills the volume and drone completely. Not sure your laws in your state but in Alabama it is legal to drive with ear pods IMO. I have tried ear muffs, ear plugs etc but the noise cancellation is money as the drone is a constant which noise cancellation is very good at handling.

[JeffP]

I have over 1000 miles on mine so far with the standard pipes. I have found that Apple ear pods pro with sound cancellation is just perfect. I hear the rumble through the ear pods but it kills the volume and drone completely. Not sure your laws in your state but in Alabama it is legal to drive with ear pods IMO. I have tried ear muffs, ear plugs etc but the noise cancellation is money as the drone is a constant which noise cancellation is very good at handling.

I agree the Air Pods pro w/cancellation are amazing. I love mine (even upgraded to the latest this year) and use them every time I mow the lawn and occasionally in the cobra. I've seen these go on sale a few times this holiday season at target as low as $159 which is a steal.

I also have these: https://a.co/d/12lXOrG Which are almost just as good but are just regular ear plugs. They are extremely comfortable to wear and even my wife who can't tolerate anything 'in-ear' wears them without issue. They come with several different size cups and I leave these in the cobra so they're always there and never need to worry about if they're charged. I have severe hearing loss/tinnitus in one ear and I'm very sensitive about protecting the other.

[Fman]

I tried a few different ear plugs and so far this is the best one I have used. It reduces the sound but you can definitely still hear the side pipes. They use attenuating filters and are not even noticeable in your ear and a bonus is they are actually comfortable to wear.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018WPOQSG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[rich grsc]

So he says he's ALREADY using hearing protection, but still too loud what to do for the side pipes, YET everyone suggest's hearing protection????
There is a post about cutting out the FFR muffler section and installing Classic Chamber mufflers. They work really well. I'll see if I can find it.

This is a how to; http://www.classicchambered.com/classic/cobra.html

[JohnK]

People are recommending that he try a different type of hearing protection. You don't think that's worth a try before he starts cutting up his side pipes?

[Hoooper]

What is the NRR of the devices you are using? I found that my molded ear plugs resulted in a pretty intense isolated buzzing in my ears when driving. Not sure why but it obviously wasnt working for me. I went with these which fit nice and snug and made a big difference. I wouldve preferred a higher NRR but 27 is still more noise reduction than most plugs and muffs https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006YTH7I4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[KDubU]

Quality of ear protection greatly differs between solutions. While I am not advocating the full earmuff style, I agree there are likely options that will work for you before you change your pipes. The Gas-N’s have a mellow sound compared with the “bark” of the FF ones but you may have sensitivity to the tone as you stated. I never wore any driving but have multiple options for the various other activities like chainsaw work, tractor, etc. I suggest you do some analysis of the options as there are many.

Here are some and keep in mind there are partial and full plugs.

SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders Plus filtered Earplugs, triple flanged design, reusable, Black, Medium https://a.co/d/47bMAry

Or go crazy with these albeit these are for shooting:

Walker's Silencer 2.0 Bluetooth Wireless Smartphone Control Rechargeable 24NRR Electronic Hearing Protection Earbuds for Shooting, Hunting, Range https://a.co/d/7UaICdF

[Norm B]

Wearing hearing protection or earbuds while driving is illegal in some jurisdictions. Check your local laws. That said, I wear one earplug in my left ear while driving to protect from the wind noise.

Now back to the OPs original question. I have modified my pipes by installing augers. The pipe tips were also indexed down 30 degrees. The augers got rid of the metallic ring from the FFR pipes and result in a low rumble sound. The exhaust cannot be heard over the wind noise from inside the car while cruising unless you are standing on the go pedal.
If you want to see what I did PM me.

HTH
Norm

PS Camshaft choice can make a huge difference in exhaust sound.

[MisterAdam]

I have over 1000 miles on mine so far with the standard pipes. I have found that Apple ear pods pro with sound cancellation is just perfect. I hear the rumble through the ear pods but it kills the volume and drone completely. Not sure your laws in your state but in Alabama it is legal to drive with ear pods IMO. I have tried ear muffs, ear plugs etc but the noise cancellation is money as the drone is a constant which noise cancellation is very good at handling.
AirPods are not hearing protection….you are still damaging your hearing. They just mask the sound

[rich grsc]

People are recommending that he try a different type of hearing protection. You don't think that's worth a try before he starts cutting up his side pipes?

He posts: "Wearing custom molded ear plugs and even headphones, and it is still too loud for me", and "Not opposed to cutting the pipes apart if that is the best solution."

[Madfor67]

It's not just the loud sound, but it's the engine and road vibration that resonates your head. The resonating sound seems to get worse when the ears are plugged up... I had a similar experience prior to my rebuild. 3M molded ear plugs wasn't getting rid of low buzzing sound in my head. During my rebuild, I put 4 3/4 inch-thick rubber mounts in between the seat and the floor to absorb the vibration, and that definitely helped out with that buzzing sound. Now, I put regular ear plugs for street driving, and put Bose noise canceling headset on top of that for highway/interstate driving. I also have Boig sidepipes, which is supposed to be the quietest pipes out on the market.

[JohnK]

He posts: "Wearing custom molded ear plugs and even headphones, and it is still too loud for me", and "Not opposed to cutting the pipes apart if that is the best solution."

The OP has tried a couple of options. People are recommending he try a few others. I've been in some pretty loud environments (much louder than riding in a roadster) and none of those were so loud that they couldn't be mitigated with proper hearing protection. Not sure why you're so opposed to him trying out a few brands of $3 earplugs before starting to cut up side pipes. :rolleyes:

To the OP - don't ignore the noise and vibration from wind buffeting. Do you have wind wings and visors installed on your build? Wind noise alone can generate noise in excess of 100db. From my experience riding motorcycles, very small changes in windscreen angles, heights, helmet shapes etc. made a massive impact on noise and buffeting on the highway. Much more than the exhaust noise of the motorcycle.

[yahrt]

Yes, wind wings and visors installed, I have been surprised at how little airflow there seems to be in the cockpit. I started with orange 30 db rated disposable plugs, and then got custom fitted with an audiologist. Pretty sure the solution for me will be the Classic Chamber mufflers as posted by rich. Thanks for all of the suggestions so far.

[rich grsc]

The OP has tried a couple of options. People are recommending he try a few others. I've been in some pretty loud environments (much louder than riding in a roadster) and none of those were so loud that they couldn't be mitigated with proper hearing protection. Not sure why you're so opposed to him trying out a few brands of $3 earplugs before starting to cut up side pipes. :rolleyes:

To the OP - don't ignore the noise and vibration from wind buffeting. Do you have wind wings and visors installed on your build? Wind noise alone can generate noise in excess of 100db. From my experience riding motorcycles, very small changes in windscreen angles, heights, helmet shapes etc. made a massive impact on noise and buffeting on the highway. Much more than the exhaust noise of the motorcycle.
I don't know. Why are you opposed to answering the question he asked?

[JeffP]

AirPods are not hearing protection….you are still damaging your hearing. They just mask the sound

Not exactly, may want to research "phase cancellation".

[cob427sc]

I typically, on a long drive, wear just the disposable orange ear plugs. Around town, no ear protection at all and enjoy the noise but still able to hear all the surrounding noise, sirens, etc. I have been told by the State Police that any kind of ear protection or using ear buds to listen to music or phone messages is illegal in Massachusetts. Just be glad you didn't build a coupe -- even louder than the roadster.

[richtersand]

I blew out my eardrum without ear protection!

[rich grsc]

Yes, wind wings and visors installed, I have been surprised at how little airflow there seems to be in the cockpit. I started with orange 30 db rated disposable plugs, and then got custom fitted with an audiologist. Pretty sure the solution for me will be the Classic Chamber mufflers as posted by rich. Thanks for all of the suggestions so far.
Sorry no one else is giving you any other ideas. I have a set of Classic Chamber on my car now. I didn't build them, bought them used. The difference was almost unbelievable, before you could not drive without hearing protection, now I can actual have a conversation while driving. They are almost too quiet.

[TBull]

I'll keep that in mind Rich

[Fman]

I have ~300 miles on my recently completed roadster, BPE 347 from Forte with Sniper EFI, FFR headers, and standard GasN pipes. That low frequency rumbling feels and sounds awesome but I must be really sensitive to those tones. Wearing custom molded ear plugs and even headphones, and it is still too loud for me. I don't want to lose my hearing. Lots of posts out there but still wondering on how best to solve? Not opposed to cutting the pipes apart if that is the best solution. I am using Drummer Mike heat shields which would help hide some pipe modifications. Thanks for any suggestions.

One other idea is to sell your Gas'n pipes and order the Touring Gas 'n Pipes. They will be more tame and easier on your ears, there is a noticeable difference between the two. You would have no problems selling your standard Gas 'n pipes.

[NYMike]

One other idea is to sell your Gas'n pipes and order the Touring Gas 'n Pipes. They will be more tame and easier on your ears, there is a noticeable difference between the two. You would have no problems selling your standard Gas 'n pipes.

+1 on the touring pipe recommendation. At highway speeds they are about the same volume as the wind/road noise. My dad has some ear issues that cause some pitches to be extremely sensitive and we were worried about it during the build. So far he has not had any issues with the touring pipes and we have no regrets. He will wear ear plugs on the highway just to be safe but around town is fine without them.

[Nigel Allen]

AirPods are not hearing protection….you are still damaging your hearing. They just mask the sound

My ears have taken a reasonable amount of abuse over the years, so I am keen to protect them. At a recent test, I have confirmed with my audiologist that noise cancelling ear buds do not damage your hearing. This audiologist is highly respected in our state and his word is good enough for me.

I use Sony WF-1000XM4. Properly fitted, without switching them on, they work well at reducing the noise, just like an ear plug would.

Can you pass on the reasoning for your post? I am keen to know the science behind it. In fact, you could say "I'm all ears" :eek:

Thanks,

Nigel

[VKannan]

Do you know if the classic chambered mufflers you have on your car are the packed or unpacked version? And do you know what length muffler body was used? I would love to know the specs to go with this great review, I am also going to be going this route!


Sorry no one else is giving you any other ideas. I have a set of Classic Chamber on my car now. I didn't build them, bought them used. The difference was almost unbelievable, before you could not drive without hearing protection, now I can actual have a conversation while driving. They are almost too quiet.

[MisterAdam]

Not exactly, may want to research "phase cancellation".

I have…..there is a difference between harmful noise and unwanted sound, AirPods/Bose only cancel unwanted sound. You might want to take your own advice and do some research. Also AirPods are illegal in quite a few states but ppe hearing protection is not….even in California

[SteveHsr]

I would think a pair of Classic Chambered Exhaust Cobrapak mufflers , 28 inches long with 2.5 inch packed cores, would result in a pretty mellow sound from a 347. (30 inch might fit?)

[MPTech]

I've ridden in many friends roadsters and mine, but I still believe the wind noise is worse than any sidepipes I've experienced. I use the inexpensive disposable orange ones and bought these for my wife, she really likes them:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015WJQ7A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you want to go to the source, I've heard the Gas-N Pipes has an option that significantly reduces the side-pipe volume (I won't call it "noise"). I have the standard Gas'N pipes and enjoy the song they sing.

[Jrmotorsports55]

I was thinking of adding small cats in my J pipes to help with both sound and smell. I did this on a prior build and it did cut down on both noise and smell. Not sure if this is an option with your setup.

[Hoooper]

30" classic chambered would fit. I have 28", packed, 3" classic chambered turned the quiet direction and they are still pretty loud. Definitely no conversations being had in the car while driving. Solid roller 376, so a hydraulic 347 might be somewhat quieter but I wouldnt expect to be easily talking to your passenger

[GTBradley]

I was thinking of adding small cats in my J pipes to help with both sound and smell. I did this on a prior build and it did cut down on both noise and smell. Not sure if this is an option with your setup.
I would think that a combination of cats and Gas-N Touring pipes would do about as much as can be done for one of these cars. I've read that even under-car mufflers don't help much.

I went so far as to cut the tips on my Gas-N standard pipes and added Car Chemistry inserts (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?30668-GTBradley-s-build-Heat-deflectors-for-footbox-air-vent-tubes-that-actually-work&p=491400&viewfull=1#post491400). This does cut the sound down, but for car shows, etc I switch back for that original rumble. It's nice to have the option as my wife really doesn't get the attraction to loud pipes.

[J R Jones]

The ultimate solution?
I worked with Willie G Davidson in Harley Davidson development. He requested my contribution on many of his projects. As you would expect, he loves the Harley exhaust sound, and I have created louder exhaust to meet his specification. I asked him once how he deals with the sustained noise in his cross country trips? He smiled and pointed to his ear, "I wear hearing aids and usually turn them off when I am riding".
Amusingly the hearing aids were also an executive asset. Wille was not a "meeting guy" and occasionally turned off his hearing aids when the conversation annoyed him.
Consider that hearing aids could solve your issues in the future.
jim

[JohnK]

That's a funny story Jim. My grandfather would also turn off his hearing aids whenever my grandmother started to annoy him.

I guess the point of this whole thread is to avoid ending up needing hearing aids in the first place (or at least delay it as long as possible). :)

FWIW - Many others have made this point already but it bears repeating. Believing that a quieter exhaust will somehow obviate the need for hearing protection is clearly setting oneself up for needing hearing aids down the road (not saying that this is what the OP was implying, BTW). Wind noise by itself is more than enough to cause permanent hearing loss.

[rich grsc]

Do you know if the classic chambered mufflers you have on your car are the packed or unpacked version? And do you know what length muffler body was used? I would love to know the specs to go with this great review, I am also going to be going this route!
They are 28" long, I don't know if they are packed or unpacked

[nucjd19]

I have…..there is a difference between harmful noise and unwanted sound, AirPods/Bose only cancel unwanted sound. You might want to take your own advice and do some research. Also AirPods are illegal in quite a few states but ppe hearing protection is not….even in California

Not being smart and genuinely curious. Could you point me towards some research papers regarding this. I am a physician and always want to learn new info. Thanks!

[Nigel Allen]

Not being smart and genuinely curious. Could you point me towards some research papers regarding this. I am a physician and always want to learn new info. Thanks!

X2, per my earlier post #25

Cheers,

Nigel

[MisterAdam]

Not being smart and genuinely curious. Could you point me towards some research papers regarding this. I am a physician and always want to learn new info. Thanks!

Here is one: https://ehs.umass.edu/sites/default/files/Noise-Cancelling%20Headphones%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Another: https://entinstitute.com/noise-canceling-hearing-protection-does-it-really-exist/

There is plenty of data out there but I am just an engineer who will follow the data as well as the direction from my audiologist.

[Nigel Allen]

Thanks for the info.

Nigel

[Hoooper]

Those articles dont really say that noise cancelling head phones dont work for hearing protection, just that they are not rated or designed for hearing protection. They also arent studies and dont reference any studies. Noise cancelling headphones likely arent useful for occupational protection since they are designed to cancel ambient noise and may not react quickly enough to cancel occupational noise which can be transient such as hammering or gunshots, and they are not as useful against high frequency noises. Past the limit of their high frequency use they still work as ear protection to an extent, just like putting regular ear buds or toilet paper in your ears.

Since we are only talking about sound in the low 100 dB range its not like you need all that much protection to prevent long term hearing loss, the ear buds might work perfectly fine for this use even though they may not be adequate protection against 140dB.

[nucjd19]

Here is one: https://ehs.umass.edu/sites/default/files/Noise-Cancelling%20Headphones%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Another: https://entinstitute.com/noise-canceling-hearing-protection-does-it-really-exist/

There is plenty of data out there but I am just an engineer who will follow the data as well as the direction from my audiologist.

Thank you for the links/ articles!!!! They are very helpful!!! So from what I am reading they are not tested and do not have a NRR. And the noise cancellation does not protect from loud high frequencies. Thanks again. Learning everyday :)

[Papa t]

I have flown helicopters both military and civilian for 40 years and have tinnitus and hearing loss in both ears and I can tell you from experience you need to protect your hearing. Now I have use hearing aids. When I drive the cobra or my Superlite SLC and use ear plugs.

[JohnK]

Has anyone tried this headset?

https://senaindustrial.com/collections/communication-headsets-with-hearing-protection/products/tufftalk-m?variant=32304361177139

I used Sena bluetooth headsets (with custom molded earplugs) in all my motorcycle helmets for years. Their electronics and microphone noise cancellation are considered best-in-class in the motorcycle community. This particular headset is meant for industrial use with a 26db NRR rating, can be paired with an unlimited number of other headsets within a 0.7 mi range, and can be paired with your phone for music/calls/navigation prompts, etc.

It's pricey at $499 and frankly it's hideously large and I'm not sure I want to be seen wearing this thing around, but it's the closest I've seen to something that has the feature set I want for rated hearing protection and comms in the car. I've looked at some aviation headset and haven't seen something comparable but would love to know if someone knows of something else that has an NRR rating and a similar feature set.