Sound restrictions at ALSCCA Solo events

[viccath5]

I am happy to see ALSCCA taking this initiative. As most are aware, TAC/TVR has been doing sound at MFS this year. Our limit of <96 dB is written into our agreement with the city schools but we would be foolish not to self impose it anyway. It takes only one complaint and a seemingly uncaring car club to loose a site over one loud car. I have found that most of our regulars understand and support the limit but you will have occasional cars you will have to eliminate from your event and that can be tough to do. Be prepared to stand firm thru all types of arguments and let people know they will need a bit of cushion. Just because you only blow 95.5 last weekend won't mean you won't blow >96 another time.

It will continue to be even more challenging to find sites. We must do everything possible to keep the general public from having any problems with us using the sites. This can be difficult, especially when it can take only one complaint from Mrs. Green E car driver about the unabated noise.

[Focus]

You were joking about "sound tech" so I gave you one back. It should be apparent from my previous cars that I don't like them loud. It's just trickier with this one because there's actually power being made.

[JohnW8]

I've measured GT1 cars at Road Atlanta (including PLN's Corvette, a few years ago) with sound levels of 92 dBa. That's right, 92 decibels for some of the fastest cars on track that weekend.

But Chuck, those are just v8 cars and everyone knows they don't rev up to 10-12k like a Miata or a Focus. Of course their gonna be quieter.

[rodhx]

You were joking about "sound tech" so I gave you one back. It should be apparent from my previous cars that I don't like them loud. It's just trickier with this one because there's actually power being made.

that's funny...

I wasn't joking though. Can't recall sound being a tech inspection item. Other than the tech guy saying "wow that's pretty $%@# loud" it is typically not considered, nor enforceable, at tech. The exception would be the statement in our supps which would allow us to disallow a car at any time, like in paddock or even as it comes off the trailer, if it was particularly offensive.

[Focus]

Yep. The old car made "none." The new car makes "some."
What's the technical term for the measurement and enforcement of a maximum decibel level?

[fwman1]

Site preservation.

[rodhx]

What's the technical term for the measurement and enforcement of a maximum decibel level?

Necessary evil?

Site preservation.

+1

[FVee90]

Followed by if not heeded.... we used to run there.

[biqut2]

I like to make sure I comply with all the rules. Is there a time or place I can have my car checked before I show up at the event and find out I'm too loud? I'm putting the engine back in my car one day this week hopefully and I have purchased a new muffler to replace my damaged one so I think I should be okay, just want to be sure.

[SamC]

There is really no way to test it until you actually run an event.

[SamC]

If you are concerned I would bring some form of a silencer with you. This can be steel wool w/ some sort of metal mesh or fencing that can attach to the tailpipe to keep the wool inside. Kills horsepower but makes it quiet.

Or most muffler shops can weld in a resonator that can quiet it a lot without causing you to lose much if any power.

[rodhx]

Yeah, what Sam said. The sound equipment is also used for club racing so it is not always readily available.

[biqut2]

Eh I'll just hope for the best I suppose and then change it if its to loud. At the test-n-tune I distinctively remember the guy working start kept covering his ear each time he'd signal me to go, However I do believe most of the packing material was burnt out of that muffler when I dissembled it.

[rodhx]

If you think "wow that's kinda loud" once you get it running, it probably is

General comment...even without running the sound equipment, if the starter feels the need for ear protection when a car runs we're probably going to have to get it fixed.

[YoursTruly]

Eh I'll just hope for the best I suppose and then change it if its to loud. At the test-n-tune I distinctively remember the guy working start kept covering his ear each time he'd signal me to go, However I do believe most of the packing material was burnt out of that muffler when I dissembled it.

BHR resonator is your best option. No packing to burn out, no appreciable back pressure, designed for rotary quietness, and incredible exhaust tone.