Comparison: 2008 Viper Convertible with and without Belanger Exhaust System

[rcl4668]

This thread is a placeholder for a comparison between the sound of my 2008 Viper convertible with no exhaust or header mods and then with the Belanger header, high flow cats, mufflers and sidepipe exhaust kit. The first video below is a clip of the stock system in various stages including startup, idle, partial and full throttle. The mileage on the car was approximately 1,460 miles. The in-car recordings were done with the top up and the windows completely closed. I apologize for the extended views of the rag on the passenger seat but I had to put the camera down for safety reasons. Also included is a short clip of the sound from outside the car:

YouTube - 2008 Dodge Viper Stock Header and Exhaust Sound

I will have the Belanger system installed in the upcoming weeks and will then post a clip of the system under similar conditions.

/Rich

 

[CitySnake]

First off, you forgot to mention the V1 "turn on" beeps LOL. I'm so accustomed to the exact same sound!

Thanks for making this effort. I am considering much the same so I'd very much like to hear both the difference and you impressions.

 

[rcl4668]

You're correct; for those that are puzzled by that beeping sound on start up that is a Valentine One radar detector and is not part of the regular start up sound.

/Rich

 

[Nsane1]

Anxious to hear the after. I think the stock is too quiet, and I have a full belanger system waiting for a car...

 

[rcl4668]

Anxious to hear the after. I think the stock is too quiet, and I have a full belanger system waiting for a car...

I obviously agree although I have to say the sound recording equipment in my admittedly cheap camcorder does not really do the stock exhaust sound justice. It sounds much louder and more "urgent" when you are actually in the car.

/Rich

 

[Dave Moore]

It will be LOUD!!! Can't wait to hear it on an 08
I have the full Belanger system on my 05 vert.

 

[SmoknTires]

I have the full belanger headers/exhaust on my 2003, and yes the sound is the best I've heard. The performance gains are noticeable. Can't wait to hear it on the 08, I've been waiting to do it.

 

[rcl4668]

I took an additional clip today which better reflects the sound of the stock exhaust:

YouTube - 2008 Viper Stock Exhaust Sound Part 2

/Rich

 

[rcl4668]

Finally had a chance to put some miles on my Belanger system. Here are sound clips/videos with about 2300 miles on the car and 700 miles on the Belanger system.

The first video was taken outside the car and the second inside while driving on the road:

YouTube - 2008 Viper with Belanger Headers and Exhaust (External)

YouTube - 2008 Viper with Belanger Headers and Exhaust (In Car)

/Rich

 

[ViperGal]

okay now bring up the before and after youtube's side by side - pause and go up and back ... any questions .....

So tell me ... how are your cell phone conversations going in the car? lol

 

[Kadeuces]

I have the Balanger system on my 08 also. Cell phone conversations are admittedly tougher, but not with the wired earpiece- which is what I recommend since there are new studies showing increased risks of certain cancers with cell phones & even blue tooth headsets near the face.
Regardless- you shouldn't be on the phone in this car.
The sound is much more deserving of a vehicle with this much power and the power is blatantly more aggressive. There is definitely more drone at about 2K rpms, I must worn, but overall, I would never go back!
Love it!
I love my Belanger system and would never go back!!

 

[rcl4668]

okay now bring up the before and after youtube's side by side - pause and go up and back ... any questions .....

So tell me ... how are your cell phone conversations going in the car? lol

Actually, if you are not hard into the throttle or wide open throttle the sound is not really that loud. The tone of the exhaust does change to a lower, more lumpy "rumble." If you shift into 5th or 6th overdrive gears, the car is almost silent at highway speeds.

If you do rev it or accelerate hard, the sound is amazing. The video clips I posted give you an idea but don't really give you the full sensation of being in the car. I highly recommend this system.

/Rich

 

[Viper X]

Has anyone done the full Belanger side exhaust system (with their supplied cats) in both an 08 and an 03- 06?

I wonder what the volume difference between the two is. A 2009 Viper is in my plans but I couldn't stand the Belanger system in my 06 coupe. Drone was terrible and the volume was way too high (for my tastes), I had to put the crossovers back on and it's still lounder than I'd like.

Dan

 

[wallbanger]

i pretty much agree with everything rich said above...in fact i've gotten used to my 08 belanger system.....it makes sense for all the right reasons

 

[Grant]

Is it the headers that account for most of the noise increase, or the mufflers? Are the Belanger mufflers larger diameter than stock? Assuming the stockers aren't restrictive, does anyone use them with long-tubes?

I plan on going catless when my '08 gets here, assuming there will be a workaround for CELs such as a reflash or O2 sims. I'm not shy about a noisy car, but I'd prefer it to make less rather than more noise. In my experience, OE straight-through mufflers on other cars are often the best way to go for noise control, provided they flow well (ala C5 Z06 mufflers).

 

[rcl4668]

By the way, here are some pics of the system installed. Note that I had my exhaust tips painted black and that the standard finish is metallic:

/Rich

 

[conceptpi916]

What is the cost to convert to Belanger exhaust? How does this affect the warranty on 08's?

 

[kcobean]

What is the cost to convert to Belanger exhaust? How does this affect the warranty on 08's?

Google "Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act". The short and skinny is that federal law protects you, the consumer in the use of aftermarket parts. The only warranty you void on your car by installing a Belanger exhaust is the warranty on the exhuast system itself, UNLESS the dealer can prove that a failure of any other system on the car was a direct result of the exhaust system.

 

[Nsane1]

Paid the going rate for the bellanger kit (can't recall the exact price), my installer wants 900, and I'm getting it done next week.

 

[radta7]

Belanger system sounds a ton better! Nice job!