328 Exhaust Packing

Yep, it's supposed to be there, but it probably gives your car a more throaty sound with it gone. As the 308QVs and 328s age (US models share the same muffler), the packing starts to deteriorate and gives a "chirping" noise like an older VW bug. You've avoided that! But I've never seen a car with it completely *gone*... it must have been intentionally removed (though I don't know how you'd do that).

 

Mine has no packing that I can see---36,500 miles

 

Mine must be going or gone because I've developed the VW Beetle chirping within the last 1,500 miles. I kind of like it though.

 

Move on, Put some inserts in the pipe to eliminate the "chirp" Thats what I did and it sounds great. you can make them yourself or purchase from silicon valley auto for $40

 

How do you put the inserts in and what type of material did you use to make them? The chirping annoys me!! I did just install a test pipe and Im glad I did. Sounds better.

 

See the thread at http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56322

 

I checked my exhaust and everything looks good. There is a honeycomb looking insert in each pipe and all look to be in great shape and original. I don't see how replacing these will make a difference on the whistle. Any thoughts?

 

Actually it is to further muffle the exhaust noise because of the packing material behind them, like a silencer on a gun. Putting solid sheet inserts in your tailpipes *might* slightly decrease the flow, but will eliminate the chirp/whistle. I did that for a short while, then did it one better by putting on a Stebro exhaust!!

 

The packing around the perforated holes in the tailpipe is similar if not exactly the same as that used on two stroke motorcycle exhausts. On them, the silencer tip can be removed and they can be re-packed with fiberglass mat. They get caked with oil/gas and breakdown to the point that they burn and simply blow out the tailpipe.
Mike is correct that it's there to quiet the exhaust. If it's gone, no big deal. Throw in some stainless inserts to rid yourself of the "beetle syndrome" and move on. FYI, the inserts *should* in theory help flow as opposed to hurting it. Problem solved and better sound for $45 or less. Way cheaper than a Tubi.

pcord,
Don't sweat it. It happens to all of these cars sooner or later. Sitting for long periods of time may have an effect on whether it's sooner or later. I'm sure your car is as legit as the experts have proclaimed. It's really no big deal.

Enjoy,
John

 

I just installed the inserts myself and the chirping is 100% gone. Took 15 minutes and $6.00 of metal sheeting from Home Depot. I highly recommend it!

 

They sell it in rolls in the roofing section at home depot. I am not exactly sure what it is but I know it is used for flashing on roofs oh houses.