Titan's One Ding

airstream · 07-18-2004, 04:38 PM

I am new to this forum, in fact I haven't even driven a Nissan since; well they were called Datsun back in 1971. I bought a 240Z back then and loved it. But that being 33 years ago my requirements for a vehicle are different now. I have been looking at a new vehicle to tow with. The August issue of Trailer Life magazine made my mind up. Buy a Titan LE CC. But I did note that several other highly regarded magazines, which all seemed to take issue with the exhaust noise. So I need to locate a replacement exhaust system to REDUCE that (wonderful music for 30 miles) V8 rumble. It goes without saying that I don't want to kill performance or reduce gas mileage but I can't subject my old ears to a 600 miles of that drone while towing...it tires you out.
What options or suggestions can anyone offer? Can the exhaust system be changed by the dealer at time of purchase? It will most likely affect the emissions computer etc.

Oldduffer · 07-18-2004, 05:22 PM

Howdy,

I drive my truck regularly, every two weeks, on a 354 mile jaunt nonstop. I'm never bothered at all, don't even notice exhaust rumble unless I'm pulling out to pass or accelerating. I'm a cruise control user and CD player user so that may explain my lessened "exposure" to the drone some complain about. Me, I've got no problem with it and I'm no spring chicken either.

ps. I'm the guy you probably saw drooling in envy on the side of the road in '72 when you drove by! Was the Z cool then or what! Still got your eight track?

rvsixer · 07-18-2004, 06:03 PM

I also read about this "negative" in numerous test reports before buying. I also have to agree with Oldduffer, its a non-issue imho. Suggest driving one first, before deciding you "need" a new exhaust.

My drive home from the dealership was 290 highway miles, absolutely no problem. The ONLY time you hear the exhaust is during acceleration, when cruising along at any stable speed you can't hear it.

In fact I gun it once in a while 'cause its sweet music to my 40'ish ears. I dig having a V8 rumble on demand after a 20-yr absence driving 4-bangers. And the reaction from the B3 (big-three) drivers I pass....priceless

.

Good luck!

IMADOGMAN · 07-18-2004, 06:12 PM

Airstream, I put a new engine in my 92 Silverado a couple of years ago. Muffler shop put on a 3" system with a brand name muffler. It was too loud, so I was concerned when I read about the Titan having a noisy exhaust...Well, that was unfounded. I wondered what the reviewers were talking about, because it is not offensive at all, even with the windows down. You might hear it a little bit if you are passing a wall on the passenger side, or as Oldduffer and rvsixer stated, you will hear it when you put your foot down. I find it a plus, as you can certainly tell that your engine is accelerating, and even which gear it has shifted down to when you are passing someone. It is not an issue for me. Go take a test drive...you will be surprised...Oh, and have fun :-)

rvsixer · 07-18-2004, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMADOGMAN

IMADOGMAN

Okay unrelated, but I just realized there are a lot of dog people driving Titans. Should we start a poll

?

Also noticed bunches of pilots/aviation oriented folk here too...

Birdhunter · 07-18-2004, 07:04 PM

Airstream, that "negative" those "truck guys" wrote about is really a bunch of hooey. I took a 4000 mile road trip in my Titan shortly after I bought it, 2000 miles towing a boat cross country to CA from AR and never even noticed the exhaust sound. The truck is well insulated for sound and I drove with the cruise control and CD player on and same as everyone else, if you stand on it you will hear it for a moment, then it smooths right back out. Plus, go figure this, if all the "truck guys" can find to ding the Titan on is a little rumble from the exhaust, then they are really hunting for the nitpicky stuff, cause we all know they can't write a review without finding something to complain about!

IMADOGMAN · 07-18-2004, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvsixer

Okay unrelated, but I just realized there are a lot of dog people driving Titans. Should we start a poll

?

Also noticed bunches of pilots/aviation oriented folk here too...

"rvsixer" Hey, I knew what that meant right away. I am a dog man, and I like to fly too...maybe I will finish my Long EZ some day...???

PanAm Ken · 07-18-2004, 09:09 PM

I'm an aviation guy as well, Flight Simulator Technologist to be exact. I also have a Yellow Lab that is expecting puppies on the next few weeks.

GemInI · 07-19-2004, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvsixer

In fact I gun it once in a while 'cause its sweet music to my 40'ish ears. I dig having a V8 rumble on demand after a 20-yr absence driving 4-bangers. And the reaction from the B3 (big-three) drivers I pass....priceless

.

I might be a little guilty of this too.

FLfinfan · 07-19-2004, 06:57 AM

I had a custom made stainless steel dual exhaust on my 2002 Frontier. It did drone pretty good on the highway, but was enjoyable at lower speeds. It was very noticable but not like a ricer fart can at all. The Titan exhaust is perfect IMO, I love it. The girlfriend didn't like the Frontier exhaust. She loves the Titan exhaust, as do I. It sounds ballsy but won't wear you out on a long highway trip. When my neighbor goes by (has a Titan also) I get to enjoy the sound from outside the truck as well.

mjw357 · 07-19-2004, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvsixer

Okay unrelated, but I just realized there are a lot of dog people driving Titans. Should we start a poll

?

Also noticed bunches of pilots/aviation oriented folk here too...

Yup, I'm a pilot/dog owner too. Actually it's his truck, I'm the driver.

DougC · 07-19-2004, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airstream

I am new to this forum, in fact I haven't even driven a Nissan since; well they were called Datsun back in 1971. I bought a 240Z back then and loved it. But that being 33 years ago my requirements for a vehicle are different now. I have been looking at a new vehicle to tow with. The August issue of Trailer Life magazine made my mind up. Buy a Titan LE CC. But I did note that several other highly regarded magazines, which all seemed to take issue with the exhaust noise. So I need to locate a replacement exhaust system to REDUCE that (wonderful music for 30 miles) V8 rumble. It goes without saying that I don't want to kill performance or reduce gas mileage but I can't subject my old ears to a 600 miles of that drone while towing...it tires you out.
What options or suggestions can anyone offer? Can the exhaust system be changed by the dealer at time of purchase? It will most likely affect the emissions computer etc.

Airstream,

Not really sure, perhaps hit a muffler shop and find out. Personally I love it, but understand your concern. To be honest, when it bothers me (although the cab is really quiet) I just put a CD in and turn it up. I don't believe a muffler change will effect emissions in ANY way, just sound dampen.

greg w · 07-19-2004, 12:44 PM

I didn't like the rumble and almost didn't buy a Titan because of it. Courtesy Nissan, (now one of the sponsers here), told me to have it piped out the back and put a resonator tip on it. This did the trick. You still hear it if you kick it but is much quieter on the highway and your more likely to hear the engine than exhaust. Made it a pleasure to drive on long trips. Easy cheap fix $79 including labor and materials. I was used to the silence in the cab of a GMC. Now the Titan is quieter because it has less wind noise and less road noise than the GMC had.

Funny my daughter just called this morning to ask the same question. She has 1100 mi on her Titan and has decided they would rather not listen to it on a long trip. She and her husband are traveling with 2 large dogs BTW.

TitanBrian · 07-19-2004, 01:29 PM

Ack!!! Plastic airplane alert! Plastic airplane alert!! rvsixer and I fly Van's RV's.

Still, no matter what you fly, if you drive a Titan, you have EXCELLENT taste.

Brian

seoh2max · 07-19-2004, 01:37 PM

[quote=rvsixer]I And the reaction from the B3 (big-three) drivers I pass....priceless

.

[quote]

I lined up with a lightning at a light last night and got a wave from him when he wasnt able to totally eat me alive on the green. of course we only went maybe 500 yards but the sound of his exhaust compared to the Titans was quite a difference.

as for the question in hand if you drive with the radio / cd player on then you shouldnt really hear the exhaust at all....