Higher rpm whistle?

[sansMYSTi]

Both my Legacy and my wife's Outback whistle at higher rpms under acceleration - what is that? Is this indictative of Legacy/Outbacks over a range of model years? I am hoping that my SPT muffler will get rid of it, or is it intake?

[deadlydave]

Just an observation, I've got a high-rpm wistle too. I've had it ever since I removed the 'snorkus' from the passenger side front fender. I think it's the air rushing through the gap between the fender and the airbox. Hope this helps.

-Dave

[sansMYSTi]

Neither my Legacy or her Outback has had the snorkus removed, and I think they have different intakes, so I don't know if it is intake. It almost sounds like its coming from the exhaust, so I hope getting rid of the stock muffler helps.

[shazapple]

Maybe theres something loose like where the filter is located (those boxes are annoying to put back together!)

[knottwont]

When does the noise happen, at high or low rpm? I hear a noise that sounds almost like a BOV at high rmp, I think its a loose heat shield on the cat.

[ivwarrior]

My '97 does it, haven't noticed it with my wife's '97 (both Outbacks). If I ever remember to mail the check, I'm getting an intake, I'll let ya know if that gets rid of my high-rpm whistle.

[blueb3]

Neither my Legacy or her Outback has had the snorkus removed, and I think they have different intakes, so I don't know if it is intake. It almost sounds like its coming from the exhaust, so I hope getting rid of the stock muffler helps.

I noticed it in mine from the day I bought it, I think it's an exhaust noise though, because the noise comes from the rear. I do have the snorkelectomy though, and the noise stayed the same after doing it, but lately it's gotten a little louder. Only does it while driveing, if it's in nuetral or park, it won't make the sound when I rev the engine. However, I doubt it's transmission related because it's not speed dependent, only load on the engine.

[sansMYSTi]

The noise comes up at medium to heavy throttle in mid range RPM - like maybe 3500 to 4500 range (I have never paid that much attention), and then goes away above 5000. Its really weird. I assumed it was normal as both of our cars do it in the same fashion. I assumed it was a stock exhuast sound as it seems to come from the rear - maybe a slight exhaust leak? It sort of sounds like a slightly wet whistle (weird description, but difficult to describe).

[hyte]

I got a 98 legacy Gt and i have the same whistle. ive been reading around on the boards and have learned that it is a common porblem which noone has found a solution to as of yet. goin to the dealer sometime this week. gonna ask if they have any ideas.

[sansMYSTi]

I took a look at the car today, and the intake/airbox does seem to be loose - possibly sucking air at various joints. But the airbox with filter seems to be tight, so no apparent leak after the filter.

There does seem to be a 3/4" hole drilled in the side of the the intake "scoop", facing the engine. It looks kinda rough like it was drilled. I am not overly familiar with this car (I have only had it for a short time) or this particular Subaru engine (I have owned an '02 WRX and '04 STi), so I am not sure if this was a factory hole or a "previous owner" hole. Maybe under harder throttle the intake charge is strong enough to whistle through this hole? I don't know. I am the kind of person who is driven insane by improper noises, and this whistle really bugs me. At least I am not the only one with this problem. I will have to ask the dealer tomorrow when my car is in.

[sansMYSTi]

SPT muffler installed, whistle gone. Must have been the stock muffler, or at least a leak somewhere. Now she sounds mean. Unfortunately I was hoping for a sound more like the STP muffler I put on my bugeye WRX, but I guess that was hoping for too much. Still better though.

[scottzg]

iirc its the muffler chomesque tips.

[GrassyKnoll]

I had my new exhaust installed and I still have a whistle, but I think it is slightly different from what you describe. With my new intake + all, when I accelerate hard then let off I get a nice whistle that sounds like a turbo blow off... It really doesn't bother me at all. It sounds like my car has a turbo :shock:

[supra90turbo]

It's the muffler. My car does it, and it's getting worse. It's annoying as hell, and it's not the muffler tip, as I don't have one.

New muffler I suppose.

::edit:: this forum is censored? lol

[sansMYSTi]

The whistle on my wifes Outback is getting worse too - I guess it will be a SPT for her too. She digs the wing also, so I guess I have to get her one too - my kind of gal :cool: .

[ryu_haneda]

FYI - I recently bought a 2000 dark green Outback wagon, and I got the whistle under hard acceleration. As a condition of purchase, I had the dealership write that they would look into fixing the problem.

They have a relationship with a franchise car dealer (Toyota) and they had their techs look under the hood. They did not find any busted or loose vacuum hoses or such, but they did find the cause anyway: apparently my issue was related to the alternator. Mine runs around 14 volts.

Anyone else noticed this before?

[backpack09]

Mine runs around 14 volts.


Most cars run around 14 volts when running.

[ryu_haneda]

Mine runs around 14 volts.


Most cars run around 14 volts when running.

Ok... car otherwise has a clean bill of health, so I'm not going to rail on anyone. I like the whistle (as long as it doesn't get horrible, and if the car is running great I can't think of a reason why)... I'll probably keep it until I get an SPT exhaust too.

EDIT: I was checking into the whistle problem out of curiosity and found out more about how the alternator could sometimes be a problem: if the bearings inside an alternator are worn, they'll typically give off a squealing noise as the alternator spins. Has anyone ever experienced this?

[Brockley]

mine does have a crazy loud whistle above 3500...

its FREAKING loud... snorkus removed...

should I just go ahead and put the exhaust up farther on the list of mods? could it be caused by the Cat or something?

mine also stutters low RPM (sounds like its gonna die sometimes) but its completely random. gonna try new plugs and wires, see if thats fixed...

[Svenerachi]

yup, thats what I was going to say, its the alternator for me

I was going to install an sti exhaust but ran out of day light and beer, so i'm driving around with no muffler for now, and i still have the whistle

i was told it was alternator whine, i noticed it after i installed my stereo and amps, but i still have it, was going to look into upgrading my alternator

[Brockley]

so, someone have a real solution for this?!?

[backpack09]

If it is RPM dependant. use a piece of hose as a stethescope and rev the car via the throttle body. and go hunting.

There are about 100000000 things that can cause whistling. Anything from a pinhole leak in a vacume line to a miss-shapen fanblade.

[Brockley]

yea, but its only under load, not out of gear

unless someone wants to come ride around on my hood going full throttle, i dont know how to figure out where its coming from (except for putting it on a dyno and finding it then....)

[ryu_haneda]

Sounds to me like a solution to the problem COULD be replacing the alternator - but a bunch of people seem to have phantom turbos and they have not had their cars break down or exhibit problems.

Some people also replace their muffler and that takes care of their problem.

Dunno of any other solutions. I'll be driving my "phantom turbo" outback this weekend.

[Brockley]

yea, it is kinda great.. at auto-x's some people have asked me why I can run a turbo Legacy in H- Stock... i just laugh

[ryu_haneda]

Went away to Spruce Lake this weekend in the Poconos, Pennslvania... the "phantom turbo" was heard as I drove up through the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. :cool:

I am SOOOO glad I took the outback, those trails would have been boxing my LGT around. :)

[Sarra]

I get the "phantom turbo" sound when I'm in 5th gear, and accelerating. it's caused by the transmission, not the engine, exhaust, or intake.

Though, I don't know if my phantom turbo is different than other people's... I know my fifth gear (and fourth) are very loud, especially around 57 mph, 67 mph, and anywhere above 70.

[ryu_haneda]

Little bit of divine intervention:
I got a voicemail today - turns out it's one of the people at the franchise dealer (Toyota) that handles used car sales (i.e. my 2000 Outback wagon). They were calling to see how I was enjoying the vehicle. I took the opportunity to tell them about my experience with the car so far, and that the alternator may have been diagnosed as the source of the problem, but it was not fixed.

The rep got me in touch with the sales manager, and now the sales manager will be in touch with the used car division where I bought the car from. (I would assume that since it is in writing on the "we-owe paper" that they gave me, which stated they would fix the alternator or other assorted parts causing the turbo whine, that I would not be charged for any labor or parts, and I am going to stick to that, period.)

I am impressed with the follow-through and will be considering another used car purchase from them in the future. My high-rpm whistle problem could be on the way to being fixed...

[Huffer]

I get the "phantom turbo" sound when I'm in 5th gear, and accelerating. it's caused by the transmission, not the engine, exhaust, or intake.

Though, I don't know if my phantom turbo is different than other people's... I know my fifth gear (and fourth) are very loud, especially around 57 mph, 67 mph, and anywhere above 70.

I get a whiney spoolup sound at 50mph in 5th gear.

[ryu_haneda]

The sales manager convinced me to check in with the used car dealership store manager today. I gave him a call, and he and I are going to do a driveabout on Monday night to get him to listen to the engine whistle personally.

There is definitely a difference in noise - my lgt makes a turbo whine when i REALLY stomp on it and get on the gas (mostly at the higher rpms), but it really does sound like a turbo whistle. The oubtack makes a reaaaally raspy whistle in the lower rpm range, once I get past 3500 to 3900 rpms.

Again, this dealership gets props for putting up with me.

[JordanIsHere]

The sales manager convinced me to check in with the used car dealership store manager today. I gave him a call, and he and I are going to do a driveabout on Monday night to get him to listen to the engine whistle personally.

There is definitely a difference in noise - my lgt makes a turbo whine when i REALLY stomp on it and get on the gas (mostly at the higher rpms), but it really does sound like a turbo whistle. The oubtack makes a reaaaally raspy whistle in the lower rpm range, once I get past 3500 to 3900 rpms.

Again, this dealership gets props for putting up with me.

My car used to have the same whistle when I stomped on it. Haven't heard a thing since I put an axle back on though.

WOO WOO!

[ryu_haneda]

It would be REAL neat if the exhaust on the Outback was the problem and the used car dealership swapped us up to an SPT or another exhaust like that :grin:

[Brockley]

i took my muffler off today...

solved the problem...

now i have a flowmaster hanging on one hanger till tomm.. lol borrowed exhaust!!! (from a 2000 impreza outback wagon)

[Sarra]

I get the "phantom turbo" sound when I'm in 5th gear, and accelerating. it's caused by the transmission, not the engine, exhaust, or intake.

Though, I don't know if my phantom turbo is different than other people's... I know my fifth gear (and fourth) are very loud, especially around 57 mph, 67 mph, and anywhere above 70.

I get a whiney spoolup sound at 50mph in 5th gear.

My gearbox is more worn, apparently... I get it all through fifth gear, from 45 mph up to 90 mph (haven't gone faster than 90 yet in the car, not planning on it either). I also get it in fourth, and sometimes in third. I kinda like it...

Brockley: How's the flowmaster sound? If my exhaust manifold cracks, like I think it's about to, I'm gonna be getting a Borla and a cheapie muffler soon. I took off my head shields to find nothing but rust under them. >_<

[ryu_haneda]

I got my 2000 Outback wagon from the used car dealership this afternoon... the store manager told me they were going to replace the alternator, and they did - they got me a brand new unit.



...but it still didn't fix the engine whistle. And to be honest, I'm really not upset at all.

Why? Three reasons:

1. The used car I bought has a pretty smooth-shifting auto tranny (I mean BUTTERY smooth), so tranny concerns are most likely not to blame.

2. They got me a new alternator, which means they put out another $300-$500 in parts and labor to get it installed.

3. I didn't get them to put in a new exhaust system, but that might mean I could take matters into my own hands and get an SPT unit down the road.

Bonus: I got the car AS-IS, and got the dealership to do the replacement for me. I payed ZERO for parts and labor.

Question: how hard is it to put an SPT or axle back system in yourself?
Noob question: what parts did you have to install to get rid of the engine whistle? Did you have to install just a muffler/exhaust system, or did you have to go farther up?

-ryu_haneda
-smart enough to be dangerous (run for cover)

[Brockley]

I unbolted the axle-back section (just needed some new bolts after I cut them off ($2.00 at Lowes)

bolted on a borrowed muffler... took like 15 min of work...
stupid easy.. just need to get the two bolts off..

[sansMYSTi]

Question: how hard is it to put an SPT or axle back system in yourself?

Its a direct bolt-on so the only trouble may be some seized nuts - get some penetrating lube.

[Brockley]

the only trouble may be some seized nuts - get some penetrating lube.

lol had to laugh at penetrating lube.. as always.. hehe :grin:

[sansMYSTi]

the only trouble may be some seized nuts - get some penetrating lube.

lol had to laugh at penetrating lube.. as always.. hehe :grin:

:lol: