SuperTrap mufflers work?

[Phils]

I'm figuring this post belongs in Modifications, not the PowerTrac thread, correct me if it should be the other way around.

As a new PT owner, I'm already wishing for a little less engine noise. At JacksSmallEngines.com there's info and specs for the SuperTrap muffler and resonator. Looks like it'd be an easy install. Do they perform as advertised? Any other suggestions for quieting small engines?

SuperTrap muffler

Phil

 

[mark777]

Depending on how your exhaust runs and where your exhaust manifold is located, you might consider doing what I did on two of my tractors: I have a 180 degree bend on the exhaust pipe so it flows downward. $15. at my local muffler shop. Better, quieter and good clearance for low hanging branches on trees. I also cleaned, scuffed with scotchbrite and put three heavy coats of 3M rubberized undercoating on the underside of the hood. Those two simple steps have probably cut the noise down to half.

Good luck, Mark

 

[MuncyBob]

Good ideas Mark, but won't work for the PT. The exhaust pipe on mine already points downward..and the engine compartment is not a solid piece..lots of exposed areas for noise. I had previously asked how to reduce the noise of the PT on the PT forum but no responses....love my machine but it is loud!

 

[Phils]

Farmall,

It appears (without measuring, it is/was raining) that the Supertrap will clamp onto the outlet of my existing muffler, once the deflector is removed from the body. Probably only the 3" ones, the 5" might be too big. But take a look at the specs and give me your opinion.... it looks to me like it would help the noise situation at least somewhat, maybe much more. I may be the guinea pig, but that's ok too.

 

[RobertN]

I have used two Super-trapp's, both on motorcycles. One was a street bike. I had a Suzuki GS550 with a Kerker header topped off with a Super-Trapp. It worked very well. The bike ran great, but had mellow tone.

The second bike was a 2-stroke Honda CR450 dirtbike. The Supertrapp worked well, but had to be kept clean. With some oil residue from the 2-stroke, and riding in dusty conditions, it would load up with gunk sometimes.

 

[Phils]

Thank, RobertN. I'll make measurements and order one when this weather lets up (great to have the rain, eh 'neighbor'?)

Phil

 

[mark777]

Sorry, I'm a little PowerTrac challenged.........wouldn't mind owning one for sure.

Mark

 

[MuncyBob]

You may be correct...and I'm all for your guinea pig idea! Be sure to let us know if you try this and how effective it is, wife works 3rd shift and sleeps mainly in the evening which is normnally when I get to cutting the grass and without a/c in the house the windows are always open in the summer. She would be happy to "not hear" the PT! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Phils]

I've ordered one. I'll let you know the unscientific answer on noise reduction since I don't have a decibel meter. It'll either be "... hey, that's much better!" or "well, if I listen really close I almost seem to perceive a difference".

I'll post pictures after I get it installed, as long as I learn how to make the files "no bigger than 100000". Any easy suggestions will be welcomed.

 

[Phils]

Got the Supertrap by UPS yesterday, spent all of 5 minutes putting it on last night.

It works. The PT starts out VERY noisy, the Supertrap cut that noise level by (I'm guessing here) half. It now sounds about as loud as a typical riding lawnmower, which is probably as quiet as is possible. The assembly was $90 total, and worth it so far. I'll be doing some PT work today and will evaluate it more, including whether it's position will be subject to debris being tossed at it from the rear tire.

After installation and starting last night, the first thing that struck me was the noise from the engine cooling fan, which couldn't be heard above the exhaust before. An added benefit is that the Supertrap is an approved spark arrestor, which come the dry season will give me more peace of mind.

I'll post a picture in the PT forum tomorrow with any other comments that come to me during today's tasks.

Phil