Standard Backdraft pipes, internal rattle noise

Jimbocobra · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 02:28 PM

I have a noise coming from inside the side pipe. It is absolutely not a bracket or external piece making the noise. What's inside the standard BDR pipe? Any idea what it can be or how to fix it without tearing up the pipe?

I have seen threads that the internals appear to be a solid core with two "shotgun" barrels going through it. It looks like solid fiberglass, but I just can figure out what is causing the rattling noise.

Any help would be appreciated, the thought of dropping two grand for new pipes or cutting them up and ruining the appearance is not appealing to me.

undy · #2 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbocobra

I have a noise coming from inside the side pipe. It is absolutely not a bracket or external piece making the noise. What's inside the standard BDR pipe? Any idea what it can be or how to fix it without tearing up the pipe?

I have seen threads that the internals appear to be a solid core with two "shotgun" barrels going through it. It looks like solid fiberglass, but I just can figure out what is causing the rattling noise.

Any help would be appreciated, the thought of dropping two grand for new pipes or cutting them up and ruining the appearance is not appealing to me.

You've got busted spot weld or two on your internal baffle.

madmaxx · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 06:53 PM

It may be possible to locate the baffle and in a spot under the side pipe hidden from view drill a hole and use a screw to force the baffle to one side to quite. Other than that I am afraid you will have to cut it open.

Don · #4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 08:15 AM

madmaxx mentions the approach I had previously used on my sidepipes, and either being lucky of fortunate, the drill/screw approach worked.

Have you contacted the Backdraft dealer for their opinion/suggestions ?

aspenbubba · #5 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 12:39 PM

Use ear plugs. Cost 2.00

BDR #334

MFE III · #6 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 01:09 PM

Had the same problem. Tried to locate where the rattle was coming from with a stethesic scope for the down-and-dirty soloution madmaxx suggested, but couldn't pinpoint it.
Soloution: ordered a new set of pipes
Matt

FUNFER2 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 01:37 PM

If you want the best stainless pipes made, that will never have rattles or blow out the fiberglass muffler, shoot me a email or PM.
They are expensive but, should last you the life of the car.

Jimbocobra · #8 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 01:52 PM

Thanks all, I'll try the screw thing first and see if I can find it. Any particular type of screw?

Mark Brye · #9 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 03:57 PM

I had a couple rattles in mine when I first got the car. One was a washer that was down in the pipe. I have also gotten rocks down inbetween the four tubes before the collector. They made a rattle that drove me crazy. I took the pipes off several times before I figured out that it was not inside the muffler. I would just take the side pipe off and stand it on end. Tap the muffler to see if the rattle moves around. Then try to shake out whatever is stuck in there.
If the baffles are loose, then you may have to open up the pipes if you can't get to them.

mtpockets · #10 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 07:19 AM

It's a baffle broken loose. The stock side pipes have two small and IMHO very restrictive baffles. When mine started to rattle I cut them off, both side pipes GONE> Bought Cobra Paks> you can roll a tennis ball thru these front to back. Great sound and I picked up 20 hp and 23 ft lbs tq. PS< had the entire system chromed to match the 17" full chrome knock off wheels.

Mark Brye · #11 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 02:34 PM

I think there is a picture in my gallery of the stock internals if anyone is interested.

Clois Harlan · #12 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 06:15 AM

Let me say this about the spot welds coming loose. It is not a problem unique to Backdraft. I am on my second set of side pipes on my Cobra and it is 10 years old.

I don't think it is the hours on the engine so much as it is the heat cycles and the corrosion that gathers from the condensation etc. Just like most things, time has an effect on all things recycleable.

Good luck with your fix.

Clois

vipertocobra · #13 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 06:34 AM

Has anyone just replaced the mufflers? I was thinking of going to a more "free Flowing" one anyway.

Mark Brye · #14 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 07:07 AM

VipertoCobra, you can read about what I did a couple years ago here:

New Mufflers for the BDR;)

cobra cowboy · #15 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 07:11 AM

New mufflers are cheap

cobra cowboy · #16 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vipertocobra

Has anyone just replaced the mufflers? I was thinking of going to a more "free Flowing" one anyway.

What mtpockets wrote. We both have redone ours. Much better sound and few extra ponies
Muffler and tip replacement. Parts are like $250

vipertocobra · #17 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 07:31 AM

Where did u guys purchase your mufflers? Part #?

cobra cowboy · #18 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 08:39 AM

http://www.classicchambered.com
Depends if you want packing or not. I have no packing in mine.
3028-cobra or 3026-cobra can't remember plus tip

Mdman352 · #19 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 01:32 PM

I had "Cobra Pack" installed in my pipes. They are louvered to attenuate the noise some. They work great.
Contact Nick Acton at

http://www.actoncustom.com/Home_Page.php

Jimbocobra · #20 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 10:00 AM

Thanks for the advice. We were able to cut a tiny hole near where the rattle came from near the under/backside of the pipe and weld it internally and then filled the hole. You can't even see it. Problem solved for now and I didn't have to cut up the pipes. Nice to hear the only the Ford V8 again!