2003 Z06 Exhaust tinkle

[rwd]

Clearly, it's difficult to design and tune a free-flowing, quiet exhaust system. Judging by the comments of some people that have changed components and introduced objectionable resonance frequencies, the solutions can be worse than the problem.

Seems to me that a significant part of the problem is that the jingle simply 'sounds' like something cheap and/or broken- not that it is actually cheap, broken or indicative of a problem.

If GM comes up with a fix that doesn't introduce new issues, that'd be great. I can wait.

Rob is spot on about the comments and rumors. And if anybody from GM is reading this, PLEASE speed up the slow steering. Remember the early C4 Z51's...

 

[Z06 JOE]

Exhaust Tinkle

Consider youself validated! I have the same exhaust issues you have. My 2003 Silver Z06 makes the same exact noises. I've already been to 5 different dealerships and they tell that this noise goes with the car as well. After reading the message you posted I feel better, as this noise was eating me up inside. Maybe it's in the color???? :confused

 

[vettepilot]

I made an interesting observation the other day... For the past several weeks I have had the mysterious jingle that was suddenly noticable, but I figured that everybody else has one so why shouldn't mine. Then the weather warmed up for a couple of days, the A/C kicked on and the jingle disapeared, only to reappear again yesterday when the weather was cool enough for the A/C to not kick on. So, here's my thought... the jingle must be from the H pipe, but only when there is no load on the engine, when the A/C compressor is being driven there must be just enough load to cause the engine to have a different exhaust tone. Now for those who are about ready to start ROFLYAO stop and think about what we are seeing, the automatics don't seem to have this problem, the problem in the 6 spd cars goes away when the A/C is being driven, and when riding around, the jingle in my car is present only under very light load, it goes away under acceleration. What say the rest of you?
vettepilot

 

[RocketCityZ06]

Z06 Exhaust Tinkle

I have a new 03 - Z06 and find the exhaust has quite a distinctive tone - metallic could be the best description.. I have gone under the car and check around for loose parts ect (the baffles inside the mufflers too) and have found none.. I get some back pressure back-fires but none that are unexpected with the LS-6 405HP engine..

Once the throttle is opened up - the noise (metallic) disappears under the thunder of the ls6

nothing odd about the tinny-ness of the Titanium exhaust.. Just different...

Also there is an inherent Tinnyness that comes from the rear-mounted Transmission (or rather the Shaft that drives the transmission)... This sound is heard on most Z06's I've been around. Could this be the sound you hear ?

 

[penbrook]

The jingle sounds like a 3/4 inch washer being spun on a 1/2 inch metal rod. Had it on my 02 and now the 03.

I believe its created by the H-pipe at certain exhault frequencies.
An X pipe will remedy but will create an interior drone between 1500 and 2000 RPMs. I believe this is why GM does not have a ready fix.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Exhaust Tinkle

I've heard the sound that you are talking about, and I agree with
Vettepilot. The titanium exhaust does have a thinner wall, and resonates with somewhat of a tinny sound as you let off the gas. The only solution to me would be to go with a set of Borlas. The Borla system I'm talking about is less weight than the conventional (2) muffler (4) outlet aftermarket exhaust. It comes with an excellent vibration isolator kit and it's all stainless. I would hate to add any weight to the car, seeing mine weighs about the same as yours. I have the Borla XR-1 competition exhaust with a center resonator in lieu of the x pipe.
It gives the car a nice deep throaty sound at idle, and has two 4" outlets instead of the 2 muffler (4) round outlets ate the rear. Looks sharp.
The only drawback about the exhaust to some, is the octive at 2000 rpm. To me, it sounds like deep throat serious business. That is the only place in the powerband where this occurs. I'm very happy with it. It solves the tinny sound and the weight problem.

 

[vettepilot]

My car seems to want to tinkle more often in the cold weather....:eyerole :L :L

I can't believe I said that...

 

[Yeller Z06]

I was reading another thread here and the writer's comments got me thinking... I've noticed that the car (2001) has what sounds like bad lifters when cold. A very light tapping noise under light acceleration when cold. Now I'm thinking maybe this is that exhaust sound that people keep mentioning? It goes away when the car (and presumably exhaust) is warm. Or else I just don't notice it because instead of shifting at 2K I'm shifting at 4K. Yeeeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Michael

 

[EJV2002]

HI, I WOULD LIKE TO VOICE MY OPINION ON THE EXHAUST AND JINGLE ON MY 02 Z06. THE CAR I DRIVE HAS JUST COME OFF A 1 YEAR GM EVALUATION IN CANADA. THIS CAR HAS OPTIONS ON IT NO OTHER Z06'S HAVE. IT WAS TESTED FOR A 12 MONTH PERIOD.THE SOUNDS YOU HERE ARE NORMAL AND THE CAR YOU DRIVE IS AS CLOSE TO A ALL OUT RACE CAR AS YOU CAN BUY FOR THE STREET. IF YOU WANTED A QUIET SOFT RIDING CAR YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A COUPE OR A RODSTER.
GOOD POINT ON THE M22. AND YES I AM AN OLD TIMER.