Hi Basstrix,
Was wondering when this one would come up for discussion.
We go back to around 2012, about a year after i bought my '73 Vert. I live on a typical small inner city suburban block with my neighbors close by on both sides. My exhaust system has always been very loud, so back then i came up with an invention that would enable me to start my car up to work on it and also exit my home with minimal noise.
I talked to my custom shop exhaust guy, and described to him the concept i was chasing. Basically, my idea was to get hold of some small (standard) mufflers that were like the old Seventies Hot Dog mufflers by design and shape. We got lucky, and modified a pair that could be inserted into the existing stainless steel tip exhaust ends and up and into the pipes. We also set up a thumbscrew idea, at the other end of the pipes, that secured the new muffler pipes once they were inserted, so they could not vibrate loose and come out. Small grab handles were also welded on to make removal more easy.
I also bought a small tool box to carry a set of leather gloves ( for the heat handling)and to store the two mini mufflers away once you were out on the road and decided you wanted to remove them. The end result was a winner, as when in use, the sound was bought back to a stock standard factory quiet noise level. Problem solved. Also, when using the mini mufflers, it did not detract from the performance of the engine as to having them on as such. No difference there at all. The only other idea is to get a custom exhaust system set up where you can remote control and adjust the sound levels when driving inside your car. (shut offs and by pass systems ). I believe these systems are fairly expensive to buy and install though.
Finally, it's a bit of a bore, when you want to use them, in relation to removing and refitting them, but given the big improvement on db reduction, it's worth the effort. I don't have any complaints from my neighbors as it goes. These mini mufflers are great and work well if i am leaving home at odd hours, such as early in the morning or late at night. See my old pics below of what i came up with...........................
Greg.
