Postby LaceyDucati » Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:25 pm
From Bob
" Something I've noted-of before with those type mufflers, is the particular-design of the sound-absorbing/silencing-louvers... I believe the louver-openings within the replica-versions face the opposite-direction as those of the real Conti-mufflers (which thusly have THEIR louvers faced in the most 'streamlined' direction [for exhaust-flow]). _ And although I believe that that seemingly minor difference would indeed more-greatly interfere with otherwise less-disturbed airflow, (incidentally, not too-awfully dissimilar in manor, from that as I have proclaimed-of in my recently-mentioned excessively-higher valve-lift, result-expectation),, I would not have actually expected that airflow-interference difference to result with such a large difference in BHP (with a mere 350). _ But if there's no OTHER differences (in any of those muffler's dimensions), then there can be nothing-else left to suspect (for the power-output discrepancy, [expect perhaps things like atmospheric-pressure changes, if the tests weren't all done on the same day] ).
(This idea of louver-shape orientation possibly being responsible, ought-not be of any big-surprise to anyone who can conceive which way a 'funnel' should be faced in order to disturb "
Hi,
Just to confirm a few details. All the "silencers" had louvers cut in the same way around, streamlined to the flow. There were other differences as follows:
Genuine Conti (best performing and mellowest sound) - Has a solid louvred baffle tube, seemingly split in the middle, I cannot confirm any further detail until I get an old one to cut up. The tube is a larger diameter than the header, so the header steps into the baffle tube. This is posibble giving a refected wave and in some way is contributing to the better performance. Obviously the baffle tube is larger and less restrictive which will also play a part. The gauge of steel is heavy and there is no absobsion element so any silencing is via gases entering chambers.
Stainless replica 1 (second best performing) - baffle tube is the same diameter as the header and is perforated with louvres punched into it. The gauge of the stainless is heavy and there is an element of packing in the last section of the silencer.
Stainless replica 2 - (worst performance and harsh sounding) - has a solid louvred baffle tube the same diameter as the header. Light gauge stainless and no packing.
It is probably fairly obvious from these descriptions to see why the Genuine Conti out performs the others, it's less restrictive. But it should be noted marginally quieter (quieter is a loose term when used with a Conti!) My initial reason for mentioning these differences was to highlight the need to be cautious when making choices, as from the outside all these "silencers" look much the same and are marketed as "Contis". From my race engine preparation experience, many seemingly minor or pointless tasks can when added up to make a big difference. If you troll around on a road bike using a fraction of the bikes performance most of the time, then yes most of this sort of discussion is irrelevant. As is porting, high lift cams, large carbs.........
Nothing much to do with Desmo cams, just clarifying my previous post.
Best Wishes Nigel