Thunderhill Db levels, busted.... what???
06-07-2013, 03:06 AM
#47
Rennlist Member
I sent mail to Thunderhill track today and I'm going to take some sound measurements tomorrow at a local lapping event. See response from track below. The issue appears to be stemming from a nearby resident and the track is taking precautions to keep sound regulations from becoming overly oppressive like Laguna. I suppose an ounce of empathy is in order.
I'm not going to roll off throttle exiting turn onto main straight as a means of circumventing sound police. I can pay for 12 unrestricted lapping days up here for what it's going to cost me to make this Thunderhill trip and pussyfoot around the track. No thanks.
If tomorrow the sound as measured is w/in a couple db of limit from 50' then I'll take a chance w/ a deflector, but otherwise I'm out
I'm not going to roll off throttle exiting turn onto main straight as a means of circumventing sound police. I can pay for 12 unrestricted lapping days up here for what it's going to cost me to make this Thunderhill trip and pussyfoot around the track. No thanks.
If tomorrow the sound as measured is w/in a couple db of limit from 50' then I'll take a chance w/ a deflector, but otherwise I'm out
Roland,
Yes, we do have a 103 sound limit and cars must run mufflers. We have always had a 103 limit so this is nothing new. However we have had to enforce it over the last few years and keep records after a longtime neighbor complained. We are diligent about it so we don’t end up with a 92 limit like Laguna Seca.
Sound is measured at a fixed location exiting turn 15 on drivers right at 50 ft. This is the same location used by the SCCA, NASA, PCA, etc.
If you are found to be loud, we will black flag you and give you an opportunity to fix the issue. We will then allow you back out and recheck the level.
If you are still over sound we will bring you in again and give you one final chance to quiet the car down. Once out again if you are still over sound
you will be done for the day.
I hope this answers your questions.
Yes, we do have a 103 sound limit and cars must run mufflers. We have always had a 103 limit so this is nothing new. However we have had to enforce it over the last few years and keep records after a longtime neighbor complained. We are diligent about it so we don’t end up with a 92 limit like Laguna Seca.
Sound is measured at a fixed location exiting turn 15 on drivers right at 50 ft. This is the same location used by the SCCA, NASA, PCA, etc.
If you are found to be loud, we will black flag you and give you an opportunity to fix the issue. We will then allow you back out and recheck the level.
If you are still over sound we will bring you in again and give you one final chance to quiet the car down. Once out again if you are still over sound
you will be done for the day.
I hope this answers your questions.
06-07-2013, 03:32 AM
#48
GT3 player par excellence
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
06-07-2013, 10:10 AM
#49
Rennlist Member
TH don't have a fixed sound booth like LS. but when they measure sound, the humanoid carrying the sound meter is usually at between T14-T15. so point your downpipes to the left. there are RARE days/hours that they are enforcing it. i've been meatballed once with the sharkwerks bypass. side muffler bypass will be fine. it's not as loud as center bypass.
I just see it as a deliberate attempt to discourage people from participating in non-club (I mean, track club) events. go figure.
08-18-2013, 11:32 PM
#50
I sent mail to Thunderhill track today and I'm going to take some sound measurements tomorrow at a local lapping event. See response from track below. The issue appears to be stemming from a nearby resident and the track is taking precautions to keep sound regulations from becoming overly oppressive like Laguna. I suppose an ounce of empathy is in order.
I'm not going to roll off throttle exiting turn onto main straight as a means of circumventing sound police. I can pay for 12 unrestricted lapping days up here for what it's going to cost me to make this Thunderhill trip and pussyfoot around the track. No thanks.
If tomorrow the sound as measured is w/in a couple db of limit from 50' then I'll take a chance w/ a deflector, but otherwise I'm out
I'm not going to roll off throttle exiting turn onto main straight as a means of circumventing sound police. I can pay for 12 unrestricted lapping days up here for what it's going to cost me to make this Thunderhill trip and pussyfoot around the track. No thanks.
If tomorrow the sound as measured is w/in a couple db of limit from 50' then I'll take a chance w/ a deflector, but otherwise I'm out
08-18-2013, 11:36 PM
#51
Btw, what turn/s is the sound police at LS and on what side of the car? I'm going to a Speed Ventures event with a 105db limit but I'm nerve I might trip over that limit if it's cloudy since I'm running with no side or center mufflers.
I used an Iphone DB measuring app and found that I was hitting 103db from inside the car cabinet at WOT on a clear sunny day with both windows fully opened. I'll ask a buddy to measure it from the outside next weekend.
I used an Iphone DB measuring app and found that I was hitting 103db from inside the car cabinet at WOT on a clear sunny day with both windows fully opened. I'll ask a buddy to measure it from the outside next weekend.
Last edited by usctrojanGT3; 08-18-2013 at 11:56 PM.
08-18-2013, 11:58 PM
#52
GT3 player par excellence
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
at LS, it's after T5 you are going up hill at track right
08-19-2013, 12:04 AM
#53
California sucks. And uh yeah so does Portland. I got black flagged on my bike last Monday for sound. What is ironic is that during the riders meeting in the morning the head guy couldn't talk because the Oregon Nat'l guard's fighter jets were taking off from PDX.
08-19-2013, 12:06 AM
#54
08-19-2013, 12:57 AM
#55
GT3 player par excellence
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
for LS turn pipe left
i dont know where TH sound station is at. most cup cars pass with no prob.
i dont know where TH sound station is at. most cup cars pass with no prob.
08-19-2013, 01:11 AM
#56
08-19-2013, 01:55 AM
#58
Rennlist Member
USC -you have straight pipe? No center or side? You are not likely to pass either track, even with turn away tips. I was fine af th with RSS bypass, but Ppl have been black flagged at TH with center bypass.
08-19-2013, 02:12 AM
#59
I guess I'll be needing to be short shifting and cruise past the sound check areas. I'm thinking I'll at least pass the 105db limit at LS.
08-19-2013, 01:48 PM
#60
I ran at Thunderhill in June with my 996-3 that has a Charles Dundon exhaust (no cats and small mufflers). It popped a 106 and I got black flagged in the first session. I asked "Turbo" (who is the track manager) where they were measuring sound and he pointed toward turn Turn 15 and indicated it was on the right. I clamped on my "turn downs" aimed them to the left, and wasn't hassled again.
