Making a Barra sound good?

Cobra · 17-08-2023, 10:56 AM

Barras, especially turbo versions, are known for being very good things. Of course, I'm preaching to the educated on a Ford enthusiast forum.

In saying that, one thing even the most ardent Barra fan will admit, is that they generally don't sound all that great. Sure, some sound better than others, however, universally they just aren't renowned for being a great sounding engine.

For anyone who has followed the American YouTuber, AdamLZ, you'd know that he fitted a Barra to his GT350 after the original engine met its demise after catching fire from a leaking oil filter.

For those who haven't followed his progress, I suggest you search for him and have a listen to his car. It is by far the best sounding Barra I've ever heard. So, how is it that a Yank got hold of one of our motors and made it sound so damn good?

I've heard plenty of Barras with all different exhaust combinations, from single 3.5 and 4" systems, to twin 2.5". The only off-the-shelf setup I haven't heard is Manta's twin 3". I have a twin 2.5" Manta on my F6X and it sounds fine, but it's hardly got what I'd describe as a memorable note.

What is it about Adam's exhaust that sets it apart? Well, it's essentially the GT350 factory axle-back, with some modifications to merge a custom 4" cat-back section to the factory twin system. I can't work out why it sounds so good, but it does!

I have a Manta on my F6X, as previously mentioned, and I'm going to fit a Venom twin 2.5" exhaust to my FG shortly. Currently I am running a straight-thru centre muffler, which sounds a little louder than stock, but not exactly a great note.

What's everyone done with their Barras to make them sound better? I'd love to hear what custom combos people have done.

**Polyal** · 17-08-2023, 01:42 PM

Its interesting because the old OHC in my poxy EA/ED and the Ticky I6 in my EL Ghia sounded pretty tough back in the day. I was also younger then and probably easily pleased.

But on a few occasions, I had people stop me and say it sounded good. So not sure why the architecture of the Barra seems to make it sounds like a vaccum cleaner?

Cobra · 17-08-2023, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Its interesting because the old OHC in my poxy EA/ED and the Ticky I6 in my EL Ghia sounded pretty tough back in the day. I was also younger then and probably easily pleased.

But on a few occasions, I had people stop me and say it sounded good. So not sure why the architecture of the Barra seems to make it sounds like a vaccum cleaner?

21 years ago I had an EL XR6. It had a Redback exhaust and Pacemaker headers. I thought it sounded pretty tough back then. However, I too was young, and most probably more easy to please.

Even the BA XR6 N/A around 2007/08 the ex and I had sounded pretty bloody good with Pacemaker comps, Magnaflow cat and XR6T catback with hotdogs in place of the centre muffler.

I'm not sure if it's a combination of the turbo and the twin cam head? Someone one Facebook reckons the head design doesn't lend itself to sounding good, but who knows?

What I do know is that AdamLZ's Barra-powered Mustang sounds great, and all the Yanks who've never heard a Barra before think they all sound like that when in reality they do not.

FlipXW · 17-08-2023, 03:09 PM

I’ve watched his videos and I 100% agree. Sort of sounds like a Barra mixed with an R35 skyline. If I owned one I’d be trying my hardest to replicate his setup.

**DFB FGXR6** · 17-08-2023, 09:23 PM

I'm not going to make friends with this post, but I think Barra's sound best when NOT fitted with an aftermarket exhaust.

I prefer the rasp of the NA, but the deeper tone of the turbo is nice too, especially the fart on upshift.

Listen to it scream at 1.30 -

bangm001 · 18-08-2023, 01:45 PM

I have a Ba Typhoon fitted with a Herrod stainless cat back and a Venom bolt on cat pipe. Car sounds really nice, with a warm deep burble about it, then the cat gives it that angry raspy sound when on boost. Only intake mod is a panel K&N. There are so many ****ty sounding turbos around though so agree with you for the most part DFB.

Hulsty · 18-08-2023, 01:48 PM

The only good one I've heard has been Adam LZ's

**DFB FGXR6** · 18-08-2023, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangm001

I have a Ba Typhoon fitted with a Herrod stainless cat back and a Venom bolt on cat pipe. Car sounds really nice, with a warm deep burble about it, then the cat gives it that angry raspy sound when on boost. Only intake mod is a panel K&N. There are so many ****ty sounding turbos around though so agree with you for the most part DFB.

Would love to hear it one day.

The problem I have is most of the ones I hear are of people trying to make it sound like something it will never be.

Not trying to offend anyone, I'm strange in that I prefer intake/induction noise over exhaust. Or more to the point when both are in harmony, not one trying to outdo the other.

**DJM83** · 18-08-2023, 07:12 PM

I have a Venom twin 2.5 inch stainless system with middle muffler delete and high flow cat. Coupled with a turboside intake i think it sounds pretty good. Havnt recorded the current set up, sounds pretty good from the inside. Nice noises on the down shift too (manual)
I believe and could be wrong. The application can change the note ie sedan/ute/territory etc

Franco Cozzo · 18-08-2023, 08:07 PM

I reckon all 4 and 6 cylinder engines sound absolutely junk, I reckon only a little bit of exhaust but get the intake noise going with the turbo flutter or externally vented blow off valve for maximum Franco

5/8 (except Euro) and 10 cylinder engines sound the best I reckon

**DFB FGXR6** · 18-08-2023, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I reckon all 4 and 6 cylinder engines sound absolutely junk, I reckon only a little bit of exhaust but get the intake noise going with the turbo flutter or externally vented blow off valve for maximum Franco

5/8 (except Euro) and 10 cylinder engines sound the best I reckon

With you on the 4-potters, but what about these 6's...................

Franco Cozzo · 18-08-2023, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

With you on the 4-potters, but what about these 6's...................

There's only one true king for the greatest sounding 6 cylinder engine:

Cobra · 19-08-2023, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangm001

I have a Ba Typhoon fitted with a Herrod stainless cat back and a Venom bolt on cat pipe. Car sounds really nice, with a warm deep burble about it, then the cat gives it that angry raspy sound when on boost. Only intake mod is a panel K&N. There are so many ****ty sounding turbos around though so agree with you for the most part DFB.

Is your Herrod exhaust twin 2.5"? I'd imagine the Herrod unit is fairly quiet - even probably legal db given that Herrod has always been about legal mods.

I am going to go mild steel Venom cat-back. I have the stainless Venom cat. I am hoping the mild (aluminised) steel system sounds better than stainless.

**DJM83** · 19-08-2023, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra

Is your Herrod exhaust twin 2.5"? I'd imagine the Herrod unit is fairly quiet - even probably legal db given that Herrod has always been about legal mods.

I am going to go mild steel Venom cat-back. I have the stainless Venom cat. I am hoping the mild (aluminised) steel system sounds better than stainless.

Ive had both of those on my ute, mild steel first then stainless.
The mild steel rusted behind the rear muffler after about 2 years/very minimal kms sadly.
Went stainless and i know its personal preference, but i think the stainless system in my application sounds better.

Cobra · 19-08-2023, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Ive had both of those on my ute, mild steel first then stainless.
The mild steel rusted behind the rear muffler after about 2 years/very minimal kms sadly.
Went stainless and i know its personal preference, but i think the stainless system in my application sounds better.

That's my concern about mild steel. Rusting. I don't live far from the beach, but not too close where I'd think it was a real comcern (about 5km).

I did speak to George from Venom and he reckons the aluminised steel versions last a fair while with the coating compared to conventional mild steel systems.

ivorya · 20-08-2023, 07:55 AM

This one sounds great!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urx_8xswc4A

Cobra · 20-08-2023, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivorya

This one sounds great!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urx_8xswc4A

Yes, Adam LZ's sounds great. That's kinda the point of the thread...

eb2fairmont · 20-08-2023, 02:36 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH-K44lKPLo

Mirabito performance disagrees that 6 cylinders sound poorly.

Citroënbender · 20-08-2023, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

…I prefer intake/induction noise over exhaust. Or more to the point when both are in harmony, not one trying to outdo the other.

You mean you prefer the sounds of happiness to the sound of yelling? I’d agree, then.

**DJM83** · 20-08-2023, 03:31 PM

Ive not heard mine from the outside until today mind you, the wind noise on the old gopro was quiet loud and it wasnt mounted in the best spot. But gave me a little insight into the sound.

bangm001 · 21-08-2023, 10:42 AM

I'm not sure on the sizing of the Herrod stainless catback, and doubt they even make them anymore, but i will say that it has proper full sized mufflers mid and rear. It has also been on the car for 18 Years and still looks like brand new! One of the benefits of going proper stainless I guess.
I will try to get a video but noone else drives my car so it can be pretty hard to get a video of it!

Franco Cozzo · 21-08-2023, 11:15 AM

I find it strange people are having drama with mild steel exhausts rusting out early, the one on my Focus is coming up on 10 years and she's still good.

Was daily driver though so no chance for moisture to build up and sit in there.

Fair enough if you live near the ocean but makes me wonder if it's a Chinese steel problem.

Cobra · 22-08-2023, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangm001

I'm not sure on the sizing of the Herrod stainless catback, and doubt they even make them anymore, but i will say that it has proper full sized mufflers mid and rear. It has also been on the car for 18 Years and still looks like brand new! One of the benefits of going proper stainless I guess.
I will try to get a video but noone else drives my car so it can be pretty hard to get a video of it!

I don't think Herrod is interested in Falcons any more, other than the Miami intercooler. I haven't looked at Herrod's website for a while, but last time I did there wasn't anything Falcon, only Mustang.

The Herrod exhaust was probably similar to the APS exhaust. Quiet, stainless steel. If my memory serves me correctly, Herrod had its exhausts made by an exhaust manufacturer in Sydney back in the day.

It's great to know that 18 years later, the exhaust is still working as it should. I remember 2005 like it was yesterday - it's scary to think how fast time flies! 😳

Cobra · 22-08-2023, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I find it strange people are having drama with mild steel exhausts rusting out early, the one on my Focus is coming up on 10 years and she's still good.

Was daily driver though so no chance for moisture to build up and sit in there.

Fair enough if you live near the ocean but makes me wonder if it's a Chinese steel problem.

Is that a factory exhaust? Haven't most manufacturers used 409 stainless for the last 20 odd years?

T3rminator · 22-08-2023, 11:38 AM

Make a barra sound good....put a barra 220 in it...

**DFB FGXR6** · 22-08-2023, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra

I don't think Herrod is interested in Falcons any more, other than the Miami intercooler. I haven't looked at Herrod's website for a while, but last time I did there wasn't anything Falcon, only Mustang.

The Herrod exhaust was probably similar to the APS exhaust. Quiet, stainless steel. If my memory serves me correctly, Herrod had its exhausts made by an exhaust manufacturer in Sydney back in the day.

It's great to know that 18 years later, the exhaust is still working as it should. I remember 2005 like it was yesterday - it's scary to think how fast time flies! 😳

They walked away from Falcon the moment Mustang landed. Sad when Falcon's made his name.

Cobra · 22-08-2023, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

They walked away from Falcon the moment Mustang landed. Sad when Falcon's made his name.

The only thing still for sale is a fuel pump module, small supercharger pulley and the Miami intercooler kit.

Everything else for sale is Mustang, and it's all Ford Performance gear.

Even when Herrod sold Falcon products, they always appealed to only a certain market.

Oh well...

Franco Cozzo · 22-08-2023, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra

Is that a factory exhaust? Haven't most manufacturers used 409 stainless for the last 20 odd years?

Aftermarket - local exhaust shop did it, certainly mind steel as stainless was 2x the cost, I do have stainless IC piping though.

EBSXR6 · 22-08-2023, 10:24 PM

[QUOTE=Franco Cozzo;6834091

5/8 (except Euro) and 10 cylinder engines sound the best I reckon[/QUOTE]

I like some of the old Euro V8s, they sounded pretty good.
I remember when the World Sports Car Championship race at Sandown, the Mercedes V8s exhaust note was awesome.

The new Ranger Raptor sounds horrible.

Franco Cozzo · 22-08-2023, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBSXR6

I like some of the old Euro V8s, they sounded pretty good.
I remember when the World Sports Car Championship race at Sandown, the Mercedes V8s exhaust note was awesome.

The new Ranger Raptor sounds horrible.

It's the new 3.8L Ecotec V6

Mang never dies, it just reincarnates