Fitting a new exhaust

[Neil72]

In addition to the actual exhaust, what is required to do this job ? eg gaskets, brackets, bolts, clamps etc

[Paolo]

...a car??

Sorry.

[campbell]

And from the constructive corner...

...what model, exactly?

[gorrie]

Did you finally get a Larini for your S2 Neil?

[Neil72]

...a car??

Sorry.

Thanks Paul, I've always wanted to use both of these

And from the constructive corner...

...what model, exactly?

It's a 2005 111S.

Did you finally get a Larini for your S2 Neil?

I'm planning to order a Janspeed Roadsport tomorrow Andy I went off the exhaust idea for a while but I've decided that I'll hang onto the Elise for a few years now, so I need a more tuneful exhaust note.

[campbell]

Well I haven't scrambled around under an S2 exhaust but have some experience (including recently - thanks Robin!) of doddering about under an S1's.

If just the tailbox being changed, you are involving only these parts:

- tailbox
- hanger rubbers (x2 on an S1 for tailbox only, plus 1 for cat plus 1 for downpipe...dunno if S2 any different)
- 3 nuts / studs for tailbox to cat joint
- gasket for tailbox to cat joint

In the case of my S1, the smaller bolts (M8? M6?) securing tailbox hanger rubbers sheared when undoing. Fiddly but not difficult to replace.

More importantly, depending how long the current tailbox has been welding itself to the cat, the 3 nuts/studs there could be nearly impossible to shift. Robin removed 2 out of 3 for me with broadly orthodox means (WD40, breaker bar, strategically lodged or animalised spanners), but resorted to the friendly old angle-grinder for the 3rd. Which luckily was quite accessible. Far harder job if it's the one up the back!!

Screwing together all the shiny new parts is really the easy bit.

I know of a few people who have changed their exhaust on axle stands or regular wheel-ramps, I have to say unless your exhaust bolts shift easily it's a job better left to someone with proper lift and all the medical equipment to hand...

Campbell

[Alex 111s]

Neil,

quite easy job. i managed it in a couple of hours. Worst thing that could happen is the bolts have seized up so if you can, try and do them when the system is still hot. (i.e. get the back end up & remove the rear defuser first, soak the bolts in penetrating oil then heat up the exhaust system - cup of tea time, then attack the bolts.)

the S2 has three rubber mounts (if you include the one on the Cat pipe) it's worth replacing them all while your there.

mounts, bolts & gaskets can be be sourced locally or if you're lazy like me, just order the lot from elise parts. (came next day recorded delivery)

& not to influence your choce of exhaust, my Larini Club Sp. is great.

[MacK]

If it's a 2005 I wouldn't bother changing the rubbers, unless they look perished. I never bothered doing them on my '02 a couple of years ago, and had no issues.

Where in West Lothian are you, I may be able to help*, depending on when you'll be doing it.

[Rich H]

Did my tatty S1 on axle stands, don't be a mincer
The bolts were properly stuck too. I had to extract the exhaust complete with CAT then get medieval on the nuts.

[BiggestNizzy]

Did my tatty S1 on axle stands, don't be a mincer
The bolts were properly stuck too. I had to extract the exhaust complete with CAT then get medieval on the nuts.

me too It took an entire evening to get the diffuser off (well 3 hours) then a further 3 hours to get the cat bolts off (some idiot had used nylocs ) the fitting was easy and being a pikey I used the same gaskets and rubbers(exhaust hanging ones!) I still have to tweak the back box though as I am not happy with the way it is sitting, waiting for a good day to sit underneath it getting rust in my eyes as I hack all those old rusty bolts to bits

[Peter]

I still have a 2" scar from doing my S1 exhaust. Hacksawing in a confined space then continuing through the back of my left hand.

Still every time it catches my eye it brings back fond memories of a better sounding car ( and that of a nurse with a nail brush)

Good luck!

[Neil72]

Thanks for all the feedback on this . MacK, thanks for your offer, I've sent you a PM.

Does the car have to go up on axle stands, or can sufficient access be gained by removal of the rear diffuser ?

Plan B, in case I get a sudden dose of cannae-be-arsed-itus, how much does Ali charge for an exhaust swap, does anyone know ? Think I'll have a go at it by the DIY route though

Just going to order the Janspeed right now.

[Alex 111s]

I'd say axel stands are a must for the DIY approach.

[Rich H]

Yes you can do it on the deck.
Its not easy though and if your car has been lowered at all forget it, minimum axle stands or mini ramps (Or planks and chocks.)

Personally, from bitter experience, I would also wear gloves and goggles while under the car...

[DJ]

Plan B, in case I get a sudden dose of cannae-be-arsed-itus, how much does Ali charge for an exhaust swap, does anyone know ? Think I'll have a go at it by the DIY route though

You sound exactly like me back at Easter time. Was looking forward to doing this myself (Janspeed Supersport on my 111S) but plan B very quickly came in to play!

As others have said, dead easy job if you can get the 3 nuts off. After two nights under the car - scraped knuckles, rust in eyes and hoarse from shouting lots of sweary words - I eventually got 1 nut off, rounded another and the 3rd wouldn't budge.

Best £20 I spent was a backhander at my local national tyre and exhaust garage who officially only fit their own exhausts. They had to burn the other 2 nuts/bolts off with a gas blowtorch thing, although my car is a few years older than yours.

Like MacK, happy to offer help if you want to try the DIY route. I can't be too far away either. Can supply the garage name by PM too if you take the CBA route !