How do I make my exhaust system sound more powerful? 1998 Dodge Stealth

ANSWER : There are many options on the market today that only a muffler replacement will improve the sound. You can go on some web sites and they will have sounds of the muffler they have for sale to give you an idea of what it will sound like. You can replace just the muffler or the exhaust from the catalyst back to get a more powerful sound. Talk to other owners to see what they used to get ideas for your car.

ANSWER : Your car should not have any type of silencer on it other than the factory muffler and catalytic converter. In terms of giving it a more impressive exhaust sound, there are certainly options for exhaust by performance exhaust manufacturers such as Mopar performance (Factory Dodge), MBRP, Flowmaster and AFE to name a few. I would recommend investigating some of these brands as they offer many different options related to exhaust. There are generally a couple of options when it comes to performance exhaust 1) "cat back" options which generally include the exhaust from the catalytic converter back to the muffler and 2) headers all the way back to the mufflers. This is an exhaust system that starts at the cylinder heads and goes all the way back to the mufflers, which generally offers a much more "complete" exhaust system allowing for much better breathing when in terms of exhaust.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The noise you are hearing is not normal for most properly functioning engines, and although the damage may not be obvious right this moment, the component at fault may be on it’s way out. With that being said, the drive belt and it’s system of pulleys is most likely to blame. You will want to inspect the belt itself, the pulleys, and the crankshaft seal and pulley which provides it’s power. Since the dealership was not able to provide any information, you may have to wait until the component at fault stands out more, or pay to get a second inspection. For more help with that testing process, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : Noises from the power steering system can be due to low fluid level, as well as a loose drive belt, so be sure to check those two possibilities first. If there is still no resolution, that is if the noise problems persist, you should request a steering noise diagnostic. If faults with the power steering pump are causing the engine to loose power, then you should mention those issues to the mechanic when he does the noise diagnostic so that the mechanic can evaluate the freeness of the pump pulley and look for other faults. If, though, the engine is losing power, due to other causes such as ignition or fuel system faults, those will have to be separately diagnosed.

ANSWER : Is your Tahoe 4 Wheel Drive? If so, there are front drive axles that have rubber boots that will often wear and the grease will leak out as you drive. Once the grease is gone, the joints are no longer lubricated and can make noise as they make contact. If the vehicle is not 4WD, sway bar links and worn control arms bushings are other items that may click and make noise as the suspension travels. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look as your suspension noise to offer a more personal diagnosis.

ANSWER : It’s impossible to say what your engine noise is without hearing it. It could be any number of components each makes it’s own trademark sound. But since you say it only makes a sound in gear, I’m going to make a leap and say you may have a problem in the transmission flex plate. That is a big thin steel plate that links the engine crankshaft to the transmission. Sometimes they make a noise only when they are under stress. But don’t run out shopping for parts yet, somebody with a real knowledge of your type car needs to hear this sound and make the call. If you contact Your Mechanic about this, they can send a technician to your home to diagnose your car and tell you what can be done about it.

ANSWER : Hey there. Thanks for writing in today about the rattling / hissing sound coming from your 2004 BMW. I experienced a similar issue and it was in fact a vacuum leak. However, there are several other symptoms of a vacuum leak that you should consider before diving in and buying replacement parts.

Typically, the hissing sound will be accompanied by a lack of power on acceleration, loss of fuel economy and in some cases, an engine misfire. If your car is experiencing any of the following, then I’d say the issue is definitely vacuum-related.

A worn out clutch will also produce several driving / performance loss issues, as well as commonly produce a rotten egg smell. If you need additional help looking at the problem, contact one of our local ASE certified mechanics, to pinpoint the cause of the hissing noise and make the appropriate repair.

ANSWER : Hello,
There are a number of things that could make an engine noisy when starting up. Depending on the specific type of sound you are referring to, this will determine how to properly diagnose. If there is a bit of a hissing sound, this may be a sign of a vacuum leak. If this is more of a shrieking sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or out of adjustment serpentine belt. If there is a bit of a howling or growling sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or low on fluid power steering pump. A rattling or pinging sound may be caused by an ignition problem. An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). A clattering type sound may be a result of improper lubrication in the valve train which could be a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in proper working order.