The DC2/DB8 is gradually becoming a classic car. As you may know, this car is equipped with the legendary B18C Spec R engine.
Because of this engine, the car inherently sounds great. I think aftermarket mufflers typically offer “slightly more volume than stock” along with “something extra.”
I’ve tried the following two mufflers:
- Spoon N1 Muffler: The sound at high RPM is open and resonant, which feels great, but the droning noise is really loud. The “bwoaaah” sound when you lift off the throttle reverberates through the cabin, and I found it exhausting to drive more than 50km. It might be nice if you’re just driving around the neighborhood occasionally or hitting the track.
- 5ZIGEN Pro Racer: I had this installed during the pre-delivery inspection. I’m grateful they actually made a muffler for the DB8 when I ordered it in this day and age. Compared to the Spoon N1, there’s no droning noise, making it comfortable. However, the open, resonant sound at high RPM is also quieter—it’s decent, but nothing special.
Personally, I’ve always wanted to try a muffler from SACLAM on my car someday.
They conduct research that could be described as a pursuit of sound, and while they sometimes can’t commercialize products for modern cars due to volume and sound quality issues (mainly volume), they provide the finest mufflers for select exceptional cars.
The cars they offer products for seem to be limited to “truly great cars,” regardless of status. The fact that none of my previous cars, except for the NA Roadster, are in their lineup makes me question my car-choosing abilities…
When I checked SACLAM’s website after a while, I found that the DC2 was in their lineup—with this comment, no less:
The B18C Spec R already has excellent characteristics. I wondered what it would sound like paired with SACLAM’s instrument-like muffler. I called them right away and arranged a visit.
My Integra Type R is a ’98 Spec, so it’s basically exempt from noise regulations. The exhaust note I got to hear was exactly as I’d hoped—truly exceptional.
