"Sound Tube Mod" - foam stuck deep inside, need suggestions..

T32803 · 12-30-2017, 10:01 AM

I finally got around to trying the sound tube mod where you take the foam
out of the tube that pipes engine noise into the cabin.

On my car, the foam was pushed in 2-3 inches and I tried to pry it out but
it only fell deeper into the tube. I see the nut that bolts the tube to the
firewall but I can't seem to get in there with plyers or a socket wrench.

Looking for suggestions/help since I am sure someone else ran into this
problem.

Thanks..

oldman · 12-30-2017, 10:31 AM

I'd straighten a fishhook, push it in and the pull the foam out. It is an intresting mod, I put my tube back in just to fool with it. I have headers, no cat stock exhaust dual outlet. I say the sound is worth 30 HP or so.

Burly · 12-30-2017, 10:52 AM

Long nose pliers.

BlackbeastSS2 · 12-30-2017, 12:08 PM

U can take the bolt off the firewall. It’s not that hard to do.

If you still can’t. Push it all the wall thru and it will come out just above your gas pedal. Try straightening out a wire coat hanger and push it thru. Truly best solution is just getting that bolt off the firewall.

soloknight6 · 12-30-2017, 12:41 PM

https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools...e+grabber+tool

BlackbeastSS2 · 12-30-2017, 01:59 PM

5 cents

T32803 · 12-30-2017, 02:26 PM

I ended up going to the hardware store to get a tiny length 10mm wrench.
The wrench allowed me to remove the hose from the fire wall.

The hose was molded with rt elbows on both ends so nothing worked until
beat up an old fishing rod. Even then if took about 20 tries because the rod
would somehow push by it and come out the other side empty. The trick
was to push the rod all the way through then bend the top eye of the pole
perpendicular to catch the foam from behind and pull it out. Pushing was
no go. Coat hanger didn't work either..

What a pain. Hopefully my solution helps someone like me who has no
business being under the hood.

T32803 · 12-30-2017, 08:24 PM

Near-zero change in the piped-in exhaust note after taking out the
foam.

The note in my car is not right.

When I was shopping I test drove 2 identical v6 auto 2LTs at different
dealers. Both had the stock exhaust, RS package, v6, and A8 auto.
Both had the same sounding exhaust notes piped into the cabin.
Both were equally awesome sounding.

When floored, you would hear a deep powerful note piped into the cabin
with a distinct ratcheting sound in the background as the rpms ramped
up. A deep roar with a distinct ticking. I was sold sold sold...

I ordered one in blue with the same specs. But after I drove the car
away, I noticed the exhaust sounds much softer/mellower with no
ratcheting/ticking sound in the background. Not nearly as loud either.
I'm disappointed with the lack of roar and ratcheting sound.

Things I ruled out:

1. I tried taking out the foam from the "sound tube" that pipes engine
noise into the passenger compartment through the firewall. That had
almost zero change to the sound. Still no ratcheting/ticking sound and
the roar is not there. Still subdued, mellow, and not as loud.

2. The "sound tube" hole through the firewall is not blocked. I shoved a
socket through it and it fell to the front driver side floor mat.

3. I ran the tank bone dry and tested with reg (87) and super (93) unleaded
gas. no change the sound

4. Tried launches with traction control off. no change.

5. Tried launches in both sport and touring mode. no change.

6. I slapped myself in the face (twice) to make doubly sure I was not
trapped in a nightmare. I seem to awake.

Can someone out there give me some suggestions?

BlackbeastSS2 · 12-30-2017, 08:39 PM

I suggest a V8?

T32803 · 12-31-2017, 12:53 PM

If my car's note inside the cabin sounded as good as either of the 2 identically spec'ed
v6 2LTs A8s I drove at different dealers than I wouldn't be writing in.

The v8's 10k extra price and much higher insurance costs were too much for me.
The v6 has enough power and felt more nimble to me than the v8.
The v8 felt heavier on its feet when diving into turns hard.
I am averaging 18.5 MPG and I suspect the v8 would give me 10 MPG.
All around the v8 was much more expensive and the v6 had enough power
and handled more nimbly. The v6 was the better deal for me. If only the
one I got had the same growl as the two v6's that I demo'ed. Something
is different or wrong with my car.

Are there any dealer prep steps that may have been missed having to do
with the sound tube?

Is there any way the sound tube is blocked by the hockey puck or before
that piece? Maybe where it comes out of the air box?

I wouldn't think the single tip exhaust systems have any adjustments..?

Thanks all for the discussion!

Fifty SS · 12-31-2017, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T32803

If my car's note inside the cabin sounded as good as either of the 2 identically spec'ed
v6 2LTs A8s I drove at different dealers than I wouldn't be writing in.

The v8's 10k extra price and much higher insurance costs were too much for me.
The v6 has enough power and felt more nimble to me than the v8.
The v8 felt heavier on its feet when diving into turns hard.
I am averaging 18.5 MPG and I suspect the v8 would give me 10 MPG.
All around the v8 was much more expensive while the v6 had enough power
and handled more nimbly. The v6 was the better deal for me. If only the
one I got had the same growl as the two v6's that I demo'ed. Something
is different or wrong with my car.

Are there any dealer prep steps that may have been missed having to do
with the sound tube?

Is there any way the sound tube is blocked at the hockey puck or before
that piece?

Maybe where it comes out of the air box? I wouldn't think the single tip
exhaust systems have any adjustments..

Thanks all for the discussion!

Are you sure the other two V6's that you test drove didn't have the NPP exhaust?

T32803 · 01-01-2018, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fifty SS

Are you sure the other two V6's that you test drove didn't have the NPP exhaust?

100% sure. Single exhaust tips and no mention on the window stickers.

oldman · 01-01-2018, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T32803

If my car's note inside the cabin sounded as good as either of the 2 identically spec'ed
v6 2LTs A8s I drove at different dealers than I wouldn't be writing in.

The v8's 10k extra price and much higher insurance costs were too much for me.
The v6 has enough power and felt more nimble to me than the v8.
The v8 felt heavier on its feet when diving into turns hard.
I am averaging 18.5 MPG and I suspect the v8 would give me 10 MPG.
All around the v8 was much more expensive and the v6 had enough power
and handled more nimbly. The v6 was the better deal for me. If only the
one I got had the same growl as the two v6's that I demo'ed. Something
is different or wrong with my car.

Are there any dealer prep steps that may have been missed having to do
with the sound tube?

Is there any way the sound tube is blocked by the hockey puck or before
that piece? Maybe where it comes out of the air box?

I wouldn't think the single tip exhaust systems have any adjustments..?

Thanks all for the discussion!

Nothing wrong with the V6 nor the 4 banger. My son is looking at the V6 1le vs the ecoboost with performace pack right now. All great cars, I thought the V6 sounded great.

marknagy13 · 01-01-2018, 06:53 PM

Same thing happened to me. Had to take the tube off and push it out. It's not too hard.

12-30-2017, 10:01 AM	#1
T32803 Drives: Sold it Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: US Posts: 126	"Sound Tube Mod" - foam stuck deep inside, need suggestions.. I finally got around to trying the sound tube mod where you take the foam out of the tube that pipes engine noise into the cabin. On my car, the foam was pushed in 2-3 inches and I tried to pry it out but it only fell deeper into the tube. I see the nut that bolts the tube to the firewall but I can't seem to get in there with plyers or a socket wrench. Looking for suggestions/help since I am sure someone else ran into this problem. Thanks..

12-30-2017, 10:31 AM	#2
oldman Drives: SS 6 speed of course Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Hilo, HI Posts: 4,332	I'd straighten a fishhook, push it in and the pull the foam out. It is an intresting mod, I put my tube back in just to fool with it. I have headers, no cat stock exhaust dual outlet. I say the sound is worth 30 HP or so. __________________ Forged short block, large duration sub .600 lift Cam Motion cam, 7200 RPM fuel cut, Pray Ported Heads, 3.85 pulley D1X, stage II intercooler, DSX secondary low side, DSX E85 sensor, Lingenfelter big bore 2.0 pump, ported front cats, 60608 Borla, LT4 injectors, ZL1 1LE driveshaft and Katech ported TB, ported MSD intake, BTR valvetrain, ARP studs, ProFlow valves, PS4 tires.

12-30-2017, 12:08 PM	#4
BlackbeastSS2 Drives: 2019 Camaro 1LE Shock Candy Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Garage Posts: 1,798	U can take the bolt off the firewall. It’s not that hard to do. If you still can’t. Push it all the wall thru and it will come out just above your gas pedal. Try straightening out a wire coat hanger and push it thru. Truly best solution is just getting that bolt off the firewall. __________________ LT4 1.7 Supercharger snout ported & 100% Meth 103 Katech TB, KATECH Custom Heads, DSX In-line fuel TSP Headers, Spec P Super Twin Clutch, TSP EL C7 CAM Diamond Piston & Manley Rods, Roto Fab Big Gulp BTR Push Rods,LS7 Lifters, ARP, FI Chiller, Kirkey Seats SJM Line Lock, Hurst Pistol Grip. 747/739 RWHP street tune - 821/794 RWHP track tune 101 octane. 2014 Mini Cooper countryman S All4 M6 daily driver

12-30-2017, 12:41 PM	#5
soloknight6 SoCal HT5! SD Drives: 2016 red hot 2ss M6 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: San Diego CA, Posts: 1,929	https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools...e+grabber+tool __________________ http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...37#post5437037 By my deeds, I honor him. V8!!!

12-30-2017, 01:59 PM	#6
BlackbeastSS2 Drives: 2019 Camaro 1LE Shock Candy Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Garage Posts: 1,798	5 cents Attached Images __________________ LT4 1.7 Supercharger snout ported & 100% Meth 103 Katech TB, KATECH Custom Heads, DSX In-line fuel TSP Headers, Spec P Super Twin Clutch, TSP EL C7 CAM Diamond Piston & Manley Rods, Roto Fab Big Gulp BTR Push Rods,LS7 Lifters, ARP, FI Chiller, Kirkey Seats SJM Line Lock, Hurst Pistol Grip. 747/739 RWHP street tune - 821/794 RWHP track tune 101 octane. 2014 Mini Cooper countryman S All4 M6 daily driver Last edited by BlackbeastSS2; 12-30-2017 at 02:50 PM.

12-30-2017, 10:52 AM	#3
Burly Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Spotsylvania, VA Posts: 724 View My Garage	Long nose pliers.

12-30-2017, 02:26 PM	#7
T32803 Drives: Sold it Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: US Posts: 126	I ended up going to the hardware store to get a tiny length 10mm wrench. The wrench allowed me to remove the hose from the fire wall. The hose was molded with rt elbows on both ends so nothing worked until beat up an old fishing rod. Even then if took about 20 tries because the rod would somehow push by it and come out the other side empty. The trick was to push the rod all the way through then bend the top eye of the pole perpendicular to catch the foam from behind and pull it out. Pushing was no go. Coat hanger didn't work either.. What a pain. Hopefully my solution helps someone like me who has no business being under the hood. Last edited by T32803; 12-30-2017 at 04:30 PM.

12-30-2017, 08:24 PM	#8
T32803 Drives: Sold it Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: US Posts: 126	Near-zero change in the piped-in exhaust note after taking out the foam. The note in my car is not right. When I was shopping I test drove 2 identical v6 auto 2LTs at different dealers. Both had the stock exhaust, RS package, v6, and A8 auto. Both had the same sounding exhaust notes piped into the cabin. Both were equally awesome sounding. When floored, you would hear a deep powerful note piped into the cabin with a distinct ratcheting sound in the background as the rpms ramped up. A deep roar with a distinct ticking. I was sold sold sold... I ordered one in blue with the same specs. But after I drove the car away, I noticed the exhaust sounds much softer/mellower with no ratcheting/ticking sound in the background. Not nearly as loud either. I'm disappointed with the lack of roar and ratcheting sound. Things I ruled out: 1. I tried taking out the foam from the "sound tube" that pipes engine noise into the passenger compartment through the firewall. That had almost zero change to the sound. Still no ratcheting/ticking sound and the roar is not there. Still subdued, mellow, and not as loud. 2. The "sound tube" hole through the firewall is not blocked. I shoved a socket through it and it fell to the front driver side floor mat. 3. I ran the tank bone dry and tested with reg (87) and super (93) unleaded gas. no change the sound 4. Tried launches with traction control off. no change. 5. Tried launches in both sport and touring mode. no change. 6. I slapped myself in the face (twice) to make doubly sure I was not trapped in a nightmare. I seem to awake. Can someone out there give me some suggestions?

12-30-2017, 08:39 PM	#9
BlackbeastSS2 Drives: 2019 Camaro 1LE Shock Candy Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Garage Posts: 1,798	I suggest a V8? Attached Images __________________ LT4 1.7 Supercharger snout ported & 100% Meth 103 Katech TB, KATECH Custom Heads, DSX In-line fuel TSP Headers, Spec P Super Twin Clutch, TSP EL C7 CAM Diamond Piston & Manley Rods, Roto Fab Big Gulp BTR Push Rods,LS7 Lifters, ARP, FI Chiller, Kirkey Seats SJM Line Lock, Hurst Pistol Grip. 747/739 RWHP street tune - 821/794 RWHP track tune 101 octane. 2014 Mini Cooper countryman S All4 M6 daily driver

12-31-2017, 12:53 PM	#10
T32803 Drives: Sold it Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: US Posts: 126	If my car's note inside the cabin sounded as good as either of the 2 identically spec'ed v6 2LTs A8s I drove at different dealers than I wouldn't be writing in. The v8's 10k extra price and much higher insurance costs were too much for me. The v6 has enough power and felt more nimble to me than the v8. The v8 felt heavier on its feet when diving into turns hard. I am averaging 18.5 MPG and I suspect the v8 would give me 10 MPG. All around the v8 was much more expensive and the v6 had enough power and handled more nimbly. The v6 was the better deal for me. If only the one I got had the same growl as the two v6's that I demo'ed. Something is different or wrong with my car. Are there any dealer prep steps that may have been missed having to do with the sound tube? Is there any way the sound tube is blocked by the hockey puck or before that piece? Maybe where it comes out of the air box? I wouldn't think the single tip exhaust systems have any adjustments..? Thanks all for the discussion!

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