I have a KH and a KJ AWD.

I know the AWD's have a louder exhaust towards the rear of the car.

My quesion to others who have also both a FWD and AWD, is the AWD's motor noisier in your cabin too?

The FWD KH is nearly dead silent but you can really hear the AWD's motor especially when pushed.

I'm sure there is nothing wring with the exhause anywhere as it has all been replaced from engine to rear recently.

Is it due to the different firewall maybe? Or maybe different sound deadening?

Thanks.

I have a 2001 TJ Exec and a 2003 TJ AWD. I think there is a slightly louder exhaust noise from the AWD, but I admit I would be hard pushed to tell which one was being driven away if I had to rely on sound alone.

From inside the two cars, the only real difference in engine sound appears to be due to the 5 speed AWD changing down more readily than the 4 speed exec.

Yes, I'd be agreeing with Ken L too.

As you know, the AWD has the 5-speed which will make the 3.5 sit a bit higher in the rev range some of the time. Maybe this is what you are experiencing.

Also, comparing both a stock FWD and stock AWD (both cars non-Sports/VRX muffler), the AWD has a more gruff sound by default anyway, as FamilyWagon has said, because the exhaust line is different, to clear all the AWD componentry. As you probably know, the AWD floorpan is actually off the Japanese Diamante, which is different (from the firewall) than the Australian FWD Magnas.

From inside the car, the AWD's sound louder, and if you wind the window down, I reckon they are have more low-frequency resonances too. In terms of noise output, I'd place a stock AWD sort of in-between a standard FWD and one with the Sports/VRX exhaust.

N.B. Out of curiosity then, if the Sports/VRX exhausts fitted to FWD & AWD Sports/VRX models are the same muffler, wouldn't that mean that an AWD Sports/VRX would be "doubly louder" than a FWD Sports/VRX? Was this deliberate or an oversight from MMAL?!

The problem with the AWDs is in the rear bank where the exhaust manifold pipe joins onto the main pipe. It has to double back in a tight bend. This causes a lot more resonance and drone. The rear section of the exhaust is actually much better than FWD ones. FWD ones have it go down the centre, then right towards the right wheel and then over the right axel and then down to the mufler. In the AWD, it goes down the centre and then under the rear diff and then right towards the mufler. Once I've installed the HM Headers, the droning has virtually disappeared. You could hardly hear it during steady cruising or light throttle. There is also a noticable burble as well and howls nicely on full throttle.

If you don't like the engine noise best bet is to dynamat the entire cabin (firewall, doors, floor, roof, rear seat). It'll be quiet as a mouse :)

Thanks guys.
Seems normal which is good.

JZT, i have recently put a Sports muffler on the AWD. it is much louder than a FWD sports.
My honest opinion, the AWD's sound best in totally stock setup. They tend to have a horrible sound/pitch/note to them when you put a sports muffler on them.

I am in the process of going back to a stock exhaust setup.

Thanks guys.
Seems normal which is good.

JZT, i have recently put a Sports muffler on the AWD. it is much louder than a FWD sports.
My honest opinion, the AWD's sound best in totally stock setup. They tend to have a horrible sound/pitch/note to them when you put a sports muffler on them.

I am in the process of going back to a stock exhaust setup.

Or just fit a set of extractors and get extra power/torque as well as reduced droning.

I dynamatted the entire car and it made a HUGE difference, which is just as well as I'm returning to a 3" system (DRONE DOG).

The AWD tunnel WILL fit a resonator style muffler which will take most of the drone out, when you run a hi flow rear muffler. Make sure that neither the muffler or resonator have a 'resonance' chamber in them (they don't work). Get the largest bodied muffler you can find with heavy glass packing. The heavier the muffler and resonator the better the glass pack (99% of the time). Stick to your popular brands helps. Lots of chinese stuff out there. Walker/Lukey, Redback, Genie/Wildcat, Stallion etc make some decent gear.

To date my AWD has had 4 catback systems and 2x sets of extractors fitted. My present combo is the most sucessful by power output, driveability, retention of low rpm torque, reduced drone, and note.

Magna00, BJ31OS, Screamin TE amoung others can vouch for the cars performance and sound.

Hope this helps you get the most out of your AWD while keeping it comfortable. :cool:

I dynamatted the entire car and it made a HUGE difference, which is just as well as I'm returning to a 3" system (DRONE DOG).

The AWD tunnel WILL fit a resonator style muffler which will take most of the drone out, when you run a hi flow rear muffler. Make sure that neither the muffler or resonator have a 'resonance' chamber in them (they don't work). Get the largest bodied muffler you can find with heavy glass packing. The heavier the muffler and resonator the better the glass pack (99% of the time). Stick to your popular brands helps. Lots of chinese stuff out there. Walker/Lukey, Redback, Genie/Wildcat, Stallion etc make some decent gear.

To date my AWD has had 4 catback systems and 2x sets of extractors fitted. My present combo is the most sucessful by power output, driveability, retention of low rpm torque, reduced drone, and note.

Magna00, BJ31OS, Screamin TE amoung others can vouch for the cars performance and sound.

Hope this helps you get the most out of your AWD while keeping it comfortable. :cool:

Speaking of, you getting a new system from the extractors back since your going SC'ed?

Speaking of, you getting a new system from the extractors back since your going SC'ed?

I assume thats why he is going for a 3" system again?

I assume thats why he is going for a 3" system again?

Incorrect again life, He is just getting a 3inch flexi section and midpipe.

Incorrect again life, He is just getting a 3inch flexi section and midpipe.

Actually you're kinda wrong ;)

Upgrading extractor union to 3", 3.5" high flow cat, 3" mid with reso into existing dual 2". Boost ready :D

Actually you're kinda wrong ;)

Upgrading extractor union to 3", 3.5" high flow cat, 3" mid with reso into existing dual 2". Boost ready :D

midpipe = from cat back

but yeah :bowrofl: