The "fart can" has arrived!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(apriusfan @ Nov 21 2007, 10:27 AM) [snapback]542457[/snapback]</div>

Not really. A dyno run is done at full throttle always so the engine will always be on. You usually do a run in 2nd gear so because of the CVT a guideline would have to be set - but for this purpose she would do a dyno pull with the stock exhaust, then put on the new one and do another dyno pull.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 21 2007, 01:06 PM) [snapback]542482[/snapback]</div>

Well, yes. Not as simple as a toaster and not an appliance, but transportation. More complicated than a tool but a machine for a purpose.

I do some things for look or function (like the decals or BT plate) but not if they reduce the current function of the car. And I can't see replacing something that works just fine already. Especially if it costs more or works less.

I don't name my cars either.

 

everyone's passionate about different things. Nothing wrong with that.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 21 2007, 10:28 AM) [snapback]542510[/snapback]</div>

I wonder if we have the beginning of another thread like the BT Tech Stiffening Plate thread? If so, only 1,000 or so more posts to go.... Pinto Girl, you are going to have to post pictures of the fart can installed to give this thread the mileage to get to 1,000 posts. You should also ask the moderators to merge the two threads into one. Then, when the post count seems to stall, post a sound clip of the fart can at idle. That will be worth at least 100 to 200 posts debating whether you accurately measured the sound. When the post count stalls again, post a sound clip at 70 mph.... You can do it!!!! I will try and contribute where I can - especially if I get help from creative posts by other members (in my humble opinion, the still idea is unchallenged for creativity).


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vagabond @ Nov 21 2007, 09:33 AM) [snapback]542465[/snapback]</div>

Full throttle could have a result that has both ICE plus traction motor depending on what the HSD computer wants to do. (I am not aware of a way to keep the traction motor from being engaged short of removing a fuse, which may cause the HSD computer to not allow the car to be operated.) The second run with the fart can installed could result in the HSD computer not engaging the traction motor. In that scenario, how does one do an apples-to-apples comparison?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 21 2007, 12:34 PM) [snapback]542567[/snapback]</div>

OKay..I'm just about sold in getting one of my own. If that brazz of the stock muffler gets eliminated, and replaced with a more pleasant sound, that should just about do it for me. . How about a sound clip when you got a moment?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 21 2007, 01:28 PM) [snapback]542510[/snapback]</div>

Actually, I do find the plate greatly improved my handling of the car. I've discussed this at length on the BT plate post. For $150.00 my car is a bit stiffer and takes corners better than it did before. *I* can feel the difference.

And I'm not calling you on the carpet over the stupid muffler. I actually said in a previous post not to beat yourself up over it since you purchased it before your epiphany. Install it or not, the choice is yours.

From what I gather you spent $700 for a replacement muffler that not only doesn't make the car cleaner or more quiet or in any other way improves performance but instead makes the car louder.

I just think that's silly.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Nov 21 2007, 03:44 PM) [snapback]542574[/snapback]</div>

I'd like to know what the decibel levels were before and after. Any measurements?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(apriusfan @ Nov 21 2007, 11:49 AM) [snapback]542527[/snapback]</div>

Because at full throttle we know for a fact that the Prius computer is set to engage both motors at full power when the peddle is pressed to the floor.

And even still, we'll know if the electric was on in one mode or the other by looking at the screen. Someone is in the driver's seat the whole time.

 

I was wondering why no one mentioned that you were engineering the solution to the danger hybrids pose to the blind. (Humor).

Alternatively, the combination of a loud Prius and clever use of the EV button could be quite fun in the right situations. (Different kind of humor here.)

There are more than a couple of drivers I would like to come up behind (after being passed) with an "accelerating" sound while coming to a slow stop....

 

You would struggle to run a Prius on a dyno, I'll explain in 2 words,

Traction Control!

Good on ya Pinto Girl, pleased your happy. Looking forward to a picture and perhaps a sound file.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 21 2007, 10:06 AM) [snapback]542482[/snapback]</div>

No - pretzel class with a group from Greece & Jordan.

Amen - me included.

 

First you say you're not knocking Pinto Girl. Then you say she's silly for spending money on a "stupid" part which has mostly subjective improvements (improvement in exhaust note, improvement in performance/economy, improvement in looks) which could be objectively measured if tested appropriately, when you yourself has done the same thing with the BT plate which subjectively improves the stability and stiffness of the chassis but also could be objectively measured if tested appropriately. Make up your mind! You are the one being silly.

The BT plate does the exact same thing the muffler does. Provide a small improvement in driver enjoyment by tweaking the driving characteristics of the Prius slightly. Many will say that they can't tell any difference with either, so they will that spending money on both parts are silly.

Pinto Girl, I'm glad that the Tom's Muffler is working out for you, and am sorry that so many people here are so quick to judge and be so damn rude about it. Can you tell if there is any difference in fuel economy yet? I suspect that if there is one, it will be hard to measure unless the tests were carefully controlled. Also, like some of the others, I would love to see some pictures of the muffler installed!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 21 2007, 10:06 AM) [snapback]542482[/snapback]</div>

"Y"all" ????? :huh: :blink:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Apr 18 2007, 10:01 AM) [snapback]425440[/snapback]</div>

http://priuschat.com/index.php?s=&show...st&p=425440

I have kept my mouth shut after hearing some of my rich, liberal, Bay Area friends say some outlandish things in defense of their affluenza lifestyles.
http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/

I'll have to add yours to my list, but don't worry, my favorite is still from a friend who said, "the Trickle Down Theory works better in the Bay Area than in Sacramento . . . because we have more money to trickle down to the poor."

 

Thanks Pinto Girl for posting observations on the muffler. I think there are plenty of us on this forum that really enjoy your posts and the posts of others who are trying different things.

Please keep the updates coming and a pic from the rear showing the tip would be really, really appreciated.

 

Holly crap...........3 pages for a fart can. I have a sound level meter and live in Petaluma. If you want to get together and do a side by side test. Lets meet in the middle. The Cheese Cake Factory in Marin.
Don

 

If the sound level is indeed 1db different you will not notice it. 3db is the min. that the human ear can differentiate. It WILL change the frequency range where most of the sound occurs. This will be perceived either quieter or louder, depending on the frequency range. This will not fool a sound meter BTW.

If the muffler has lower restriction it can improve engine output, especially with an Atkinson cycle engine. Whether that would be noticeable "seat of the pants" I can't say. I can say, after spending that much money and effort, it will be "better". Especially as it looks so nice (my car runs better after I wash it, for example ). The final and bottom line is going to depend on -where- in the powerband the improvement (if any) occurs. If it's in the "right place" it can be very noticeable.

I'll believe Pintogirl if she says it's better.

So after so much bashing of the "waste of money", I notice nobody bothered to price the stock muffler for an honest comparison. Toyota price, please. No cheating with an "Econo-Muffler" shop price.

It will be interesting to see if there is any mileage change. This evaluation will, however, take time. The day to day and seasonal changes will have to be averaged out.

Finally, that muffler will be illegal here in Canada. There is a newish law that basically says you can't change the size of the exhaust tip, though there may be a loophole in that law if the tip is "part" of the muffler, and the muffler is not greatly different than the stock one. I ran into this with my RX-7, which had an Apexi "Superdragger" muffler with a 5" tip, welded to the can. It was "legal" sort of, and as the "ultra high flow" stainless cat I also installed dropped the noise level to a reasonable value I was never harassed by the police. My gray hair may have helped with that as well.

 

Whoa, that is a draconian law! So it's illegal to change the looks of the car even when it doesn't change the functional aspect of it at all? That sounds like a backwards law designed to crack down on cars with aftermarket mufflers, but doesn't allow for people who simply prefer a nice shiny, larger exhaust tip.