Aftermarket Exhaust

[Burple_X]

Who's running an aftermarket exhaust and what's your opinion of it?  I am especially interested in Elise or Exige exhaust changes.  I would like a little more sound but not at the expense of performance.  From what I have read, the stock exhaust is so optimally tuned that most aftermarket choices actually cost you performance.  All opinions welcomed.

[BobsElise]

I am running a Larini on my Elise.  I like the sound a lot compared to stock.  The stock exhaust sounds weak by comparison.  It just screams above 6000.  Performance wise, I don't think there was much of a gain or loss.  It does weigh about 10 lbs less than the stock exhaust, which is nice.

[talon]

I talked with Michaels Motorsports today about their exhaust system for the Esprit. It eliminates that muffler setup, saving about 90 pounds. The only downside is that is has central exhaust, so I need to buy the 02+ lower valance. It should generate about 20+ more hp plus the weight savings. The car will sounds better as well as the turbos and cats do most of the muffling anyway.

[Burple_X]

I am running a Larini on my Elise.  I like the sound a lot compared to stock.  The stock exhaust sounds weak by comparison.  It just screams above 6000.  Performance wise, I don't think there was much of a gain or loss.  It does weigh about 10 lbs less than the stock exhaust, which is nice.

I've seen a lot of guys advertising Larini in their list of modifications.  Maybe I can hear yours if/when we have our first meet and greet.

[Burple_X]

I talked with Michaels Motorsports today about their exhaust system for the Esprit. It eliminates that muffler setup, saving about 90 pounds. The only downside is that is has central exhaust, so I need to buy the 02+ lower valance. It should generate about 20+ more hp plus the weight savings. The car will sounds better as well as the turbos and cats do most of the muffling anyway.

If you can lop off 90 lbs and gain 20+ HP in the process, that is significant.  I would be extremely pleased if I could duplicate that!

[BobsElise]

I've seen a lot of guys advertising Larini in their list of modifications.  Maybe I can hear yours if/when we have our first meet and greet.

Definitely - the Larini is a pretty popular choice for the Elise.  The worst issue I have heard of with it is the sagging / loose tips, which can be fixed by welding them in place.

[xeeeej]

Stage II exhaust.  I like the sound, and it was definitely lighter than stock.  I don't think any exhaust will net you HP gains on the Elise/Exige.  You might initially gain a HP or two, but the ECU "learns" with time and for whatever reason that seems to offset any gains.  Or so say the Elisetalk people.

[alilbrit]

I don't think any exhaust will net you HP gains on the Elise/Exige.  You might initially gain a HP or two, but the ECU "learns" with time and for whatever reason that seems to offset any gains.  Or so say the Elisetalk people.

That's my understanding also.  If you are looking for a HP gain then you shoudl combine the exhaust with a new intake and an ECu re-map.

I have a Aquaray Twin Tip with a Sport cat.  I'm really happy with it.  I had a Stage II for a short time, but it wasn't very nieghbor friendly, if you know what I mean! 
The Aquaray looks great, has a good tone on 2nd cam and is lighter than stock.

I guess if we're all meeting up in a few weeks we can have a exhaust note sound-off!

[MYRELISE]

Stage II exhaust.  I like the sound, and it was definitely lighter than stock.  I don't think any exhaust will net you HP gains on the Elise/Exige.  You might initially gain a HP or two, but the ECU "learns" with time and for whatever reason that seems to offset any gains.  Or so say the Elisetalk people.

I agree, added the Stage II.  There may be a small HP gain, but do it for sound and maybe some weight reduction - not for a big bump in HP.

[OneEleven]

I have a Aquaray Twin Tip with a Sport cat.

I'd love to hear yours. I got rid of my Larini because it droned from 3500 - 4000 RPM. I do miss the way it sounded on the power cam.

[alilbrit]

I'd love to hear yours. I got rid of my Larini because it droned from 3500 - 4000 RPM. I do miss the way it sounded on the power cam.

I'll be around......you'll hear me   

[lotuschick]

It sounds great btw.

[TRACKTOY]

I have the Topspeed Pro 1, less than $600.  Larini decat.  Plenty loud, 8000 RPM on 4th at 125 is a blast.  Hard to talk on a 'phone, who cares? Partial rear panel delete, I'm happy.   But I would really consider the Larini with the "F1" twin tips through Euro grills, partial panel delete, carbon 5 element diffuser, centered S111 tow hook.  Awesome look and sound.  By the way, with the decat you do get blue flame from the raw gas.  That's worth something?

[ace51]

I have the Lotus stage 2 exhaust, it sounds great and has some cool poping sounds when downshifting at times. I love the look of the Larini se style with the euro grill, I have pondered selling my stage 2 and getting the larini but I want to see and hear it first!

[JnC]

I have the Larini exhaust as well on my Elise. It has more personalities than Andy Kaufman. Pops, gurgles, wails, you name it.

I found that the stock Lotus exhaust droned at a frequency range that was unpleasant when stuck behind traffic at 35 mph. I guess the Larini has a bit of a drone too but I find the tone less offending. So to my ear, the Larini was better behaved than stock, particularly at part throttle. At WOT, it's louder than stock by a sporting margin.

The only criticism of the tone at highway cruising speeds, is it's about the same exhaust note as on a coffee can civic.    Seems to attract them for some reason. Which I suppose is to be expected from a small displacement Japanese 4-banger.

I find the solution to 3.5-4k rpm drone is to drive faster than 4k rpm...    The drone isn't offensive at all if the top is off of the car, which is my preferred driving style.