Chevy & GMC Vans

When I start up my '96 Rav4 or my '87 CRX Si they run so quietly; seemingly breathing like living things. I know that they are two cylinders short of my Astro Van not to mention the displacement differences... but I was really curious as to how quiet the 4.3 liter in my Astro Van could be. I used to have a 6 cylinder 530i ( from 1978 ) and that was quiet as well and wasn't shy on power. At the unintentional risk of offending some of the members, does it really just come down to build quality? I was wondering if some of you visiting this post would mind adding your suggestions for achieving the goal of making the 4.3 run as quiet as possible without impeding on stock performance specs. Is it even possible? My van is stock and has not been modified. I've looked through a couple of the forums and it certainly seems more popular to make the vans louder but I'm looking to go in the other direction. Your comments are welcomed.

Sure you can make the engine quieter. Remove the factory clutch fan and install an electric fan. Once you do this, the 4.3 V6 will be about as quiet as your Rav4 or CRX. Neither of them have an engine driven fan. You could also insulate the engine compartment or at least the underside of the hood.

I do like this topic very much and will be watching it closely to see what the other members say.How about cutting in resonators in the exhaust system guys??.

This is a very good question.

Lower it. It really does help with noise.

I actually thought that this topic would fill up with suggestions. I suppose it isn't something a lot of van owners think about but what has been suggested so far are really great ideas that I will certainly consider. I appreciate it.

Has anyone ever heard of anyone who had success with the Walker Quiet Flow 3 muffler? Also, has anyone ever heard of using two performance mufflers in-line to suppress the sound and would it be legal to do so?
Thanks for your input...

If you want better flow without the noise, bump the pipe diameter up and use a larger stock type muffler.
There's nothing illegal about running two mufflers in series. It'd be interesting to see if it worked. It may reduce the exhaust velocity, so the results might be less than stellar. Exhaust scavenging from the cylinders will diminish with reduced velocity, and your low end torque will go with it. If you look at the horsepower / torque graphs the "performance" mufflers manufacturers post on their websites, you'll notice diminished hp and torque in the normal driving RPM ranges for most of them. The only "performance" enhancements appear as RPM approaches 4000 or so.

earplugs in stereo up problem solved. the fan is the best choice and will give you more power.

I would also agree with Gary and install a resonator in line after the muffler , there is plenty of room to do so . I have a Flowmaster crossflow muffler for a Camaro on mine behind the rear diff and I am gonna install a resonator before the diff to bring the volume down a bit . Kinda draws a bit too much attention , if ya know what I mean .

is it the factory 87 exhaust? that could be your main problem...