Loud growling noise on acceleration

[Scraggybeard]

I have a 96 Eclipse GST that makes a loud growling noise that seems to come from the back left on acceleration. It isn't really a rattling sound, it's more like the engine noise is amplified louder than normal when I accelerate and sounds like a guttural growl. It doesn't really matter what gear or what the RPMs are, it happens any time I press the accelerator. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Chumpaumpalumpa]

I see what you're doing there. When did you last change the muffler bearings?

 

[Scraggybeard]

I see what you're doing there. When did you last change the muffler bearings?

No, I'm not actually trying to be funny though I now realize it may sound like it given the day. This is actually a real question, it started happening a few months ago where the sound on acceleration is louder and deeper than it was before.

 

[ThunderChild]

Wheel bearing or exhaust leak?

 

[o0GuitarKid0o]

I'd check the flex pipe , exhaust manifold for cracks(be careful tho if your manifold overheats the floor pan falls off!)

Aftermarket exhaust? Or stock?

Straight piped?
Bad catalytic converter?

Just look for cracks in the welds
you'll notice right away if it's bad enough.
if your in a colder climate go out side at night and look for smoke under the car

Lastly I had terrible noises with loose heatsheilds nice quick fix also

+1 for the muffler bearing

What brand of boost juice you running?

 

[curt-s]

Anything audible with a noise clip? With a good microphone, not PoS cell.

 

[PlanZero]

How is this a problem? People pay good money for a growl. Seriously, run a little seafoam through your intake manifold and you will see all your exhaust leaks.

 

[Scraggybeard]

Thanks for all the responses so far. To clarify and edit my original post, I paid closer attention to what I'm hearing and it isn't present in first or second gear, starts mildly in third, and is very noticeable any time I accelerate in fourth or fifth. The sound is not present when I rev the engine out of gear. Exhaust is stock, replaced head gasket two summers ago. Does that additional information shed any more light on the issue?