Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Pinging: Removing exhaust cats, modding baffles?

I have been trying to find a way to reduce or eliminate engine detonation at higher revs, AKA pinging (pinking).

Here in the US max fuel octane is typically 93 in my area. Everything I have read on the forum points to a less restrictive exhaust as being effective in helping to eliminating pinging.

I prefer a more quiet exhaust due to having tinnitus in my ears so installing straight pipes is not my idea of fun, and going too unrestrictive can cause potential issues with throwing codes on stock ecm I have heard from S&S.

So what is the advice of people with first hand experience with modifying the stock exhaust system.

There is no emissions testing here for motorcycles so I could remove the cats. What are the pros and cons?

I have also read about folks modifying the exhaust baffles. Again what are the pros and cons?

My experience over the years with cars (not motorcycles) at least from my own experience, and talking to owners of aftermarket exhausts and home made mods has been pretty consistant in my view. Many folks are happy for a bit with the new loud sound but soon grow tired of it. I feel that the majority of mods to stock exhausts, or aftermarket systems create drone and/or are too loud, or some other kind of unwanted result that the majority of folks go back to stock, or a quieter solution IMHO.

Owners with first hand experience: What mods can I do that will not make the pipes too loud, but have a big effect on pinging?

Thanks

Opening the exhaust will generate noise, no matter how you do it. G56, AR Stage 1, or bore out the front and maybe rear baffle. I have the AR Stage 1 and it is loud but combined with the Stealth air cleaner with its trick Venturi stinger it goes really well. Get ear plugs. Leave the cats and you will have no codes.

Bluesman, I too have tinnitus so get a good pair of earplugs and enjoy the ride. I use Decibullz and they are fantastic.

I too suffer from tinnitus and wear hearing aids (which by the way help enormously with the tinnitus). As described in previous posts at first I removed the front baffle on my stock exhaust coupled with a stealth air filter, this exponentially increased the performance with only a slight increase in noise level. I would suggest this is the route for you to go. I would also add that in the 2 years of driving after this mod and a further 3 years of driving with the rear baffle removed I have had no fault codes or any other issues.

Bruce: Thank you for that information. After many years of exposure to radial aircraft engines, I also have tinnitus. I have the same idea of better engine intake and exhaust flows, so I will follow your recommendations, and do the bafflectomies in stages.
I note that you have other 3W pilots in CO, to wit, one in Golden. I am in NM, and envision a day in which we could do some weekend drive in Colorado, with the other regional owners in attendance.

Best regards,

Tom

I leave my hearing aides out. Machine Guns and Recoiless Rifles took out my ears and left me with the buzz, ring, that you all hear. Not fun.

Try that Baffleectomy method as probably being the most cost effective.

Absolutely, we have a few M3W pilots here in CO and it would great fun to meet up for an adventure once we are cleared for flight!! My tinnitus was caused in the Commandos by gun fire and helicopters, we used to ride in the door way of Gazelle helicopters for rapid insertion behind enemy lines and of course had no ear defenders. When you are young and care free but of course pay the price later!!

Similar experiences but they were my weapons, the full tracked vehicle didn’t help either.

Go for the baffle removal.

And thanks a lot Bruce for your guidance in explaining all the different ways you attacked the muffler system.

My pleasure, its all good for us to pass on our personal experiences, good or bad

So where are the baffles located and is anything special required to remove them? Can the be re-installed if wanted?