Exhaust - but I want a quiet one!

[Tim S]

My exhaust is on the way out (on the car, that is, nothing to do with post-curry problems). Clearly getting nosier. The outside looks reasonable (fingers crossed that it's not about to drop off) so I guess some of the baffles have rusted through.

So...time for a new one. I've seen/heard lots of options, including lots of great-sounding noisy ones, but (perhaps strangely for here) I want to keep the car as quiet as possible. It mostly gets used for jaunts with the baby these days, and more noise would pi$$ us both off.

So, any advice on options?? Obviously I could stick with a standard Lotus one, but I think that most of the stainless aftermarket ones are only about the same price as a Lotus mild steel one.

Car is S2 111S.

Many thanks

Tim

[jj]

I have a standard exhaust from my old S2 Elise you are welcome to FOC until you sort something else - it was so quiet you almost couldnt tell it was running when it was on my car.

[robin]

Can I have your old one

To be honest, given how many miles & years the standard one has lasted, might it not make sense to buy the standard part, assuming it isn't actually MORE expensive than the s/s ones?

I think you won't find a s/s one that is quieter or even quiet as standard. It might be worth checking the various classifieds for second hand standard exhausts - loads of people change them for s/s ones before the standard one has failed.

Cheers,
Robin

EDIT: just seen Jj's post - going to be hard to beat FOC standard exhaust for value and meeting your noise requirements ...

[campbell]

Tim,

Unless you want some mild sonic differences, just trawl eBay - or take up JJ's offer - of a fresher std one. I've got a saved search running on eBay just now for "Elise exhaust" and it's turning up all sorts of interesting things!

I'm no expert on S2 exhausts - currently doing the homework for a similar challenge for my S1 though - however finding an aftermarket version which mimics the OE part is perhaps an impossible task.

What you WILL find are one or two which are not noticeably differnent on cruising up to m-way speeds, but under load or on the over-run sound nicely motorsporty yet without upsetting the neighbours...or the kids...too much. Neil72 has just fitted a Janspeed offering and he is really really pleased with that exact combo. Worth a chat to him, and better still, getting over for a listen.

The other angle is...is your car "std" or a 111S? IIRC, the 111s - and 135r, hence Robin's post - have a mildly tuned std exhaust that is a little rortier under load above certain revs but otherwise v v v civilised. Finding one of those that's been taken off after a couple of K miles might not be too hard?

Campbell

[Neil72]

Tim, I've just fitted a Janspeed Roadsport to my 111S as Campbell has mentioned in the post above.

I was after something civilised and quiet for pootling around, but something that delivered a bit of at high RPM and I'm very pleased with the Janspeed as it ticks these boxes perfectly. It's very civilised and doesn't drone like a Lotus Stage 2 does.

Looks good and comes with a lifetime warranty too

You are more than welcome to come and hear the exhaust on the car if that helps - I'm not too far away from you. If so, just drop me a PM.

[Edin430]

I'll let you hear mine too if you want? I'll turn it over now stick your head out the window

Serious note - Ali (SLS) has a 5 or 6 standard ones he's trying to get rid of so it would be worth giving him a shout!

[Corranga]

currently doing the homework for a similar challenge for my S1 though - however finding an aftermarket version which mimics the OE part is perhaps an impossible task.

I'm by no means an expect (having never actually heard a standard Elise!) but the Brooke Kensington rear section on my S1 is nice and civilised around town, and doesn't blow your ear drums to bits at high revs either.

When the flexi was broken, well that was a different story

Chris

[campbell]

currently doing the homework for a similar challenge for my S1 though - however finding an aftermarket version which mimics the OE part is perhaps an impossible task.

I'm by no means an expect (having never actually heard a standard Elise!) but the Brooke Kensington rear section on my S1 is nice and civilised around town, and doesn't blow your ear drums to bits at high revs either.

When the flexi was broken, well that was a different story

Chris

Thanks Chris.

The BK has certainly been recommended and I am very tempted. However Fd was not impressed by the build quality, felt the welds were all quite weak and fell apart a lot sooner than they should. But in perspective, his car has travelled nearing 100k I think and it has led a busy life

Still waiting on Doctor Welder's diagnosis on my fractured Blueflame first, though!

Nei, for Ali's benefit, if he has that many std units to shift, eBay is his friend!

[Tim S]

Thanks all for your thoughts.

Neil - I'll take up your offer of a listen to the Janspeed please - it sounds like you like it. I'll try and sort out a time when I can get out of nappy-changing duty. You free any night next week??

I can imagine that a standard might be the way to go though - especially cost wise! JJ - your offers v generous - and I'd be happy to give you whatever you could get off ebay for it. Is that for a 111S? I think the non-VVC exhausts are a bit different.

Cheers!

Tim

[campbell]

Tim,

Others will probably advise but I thought the 111S exhaust was fitted to the 135R, which is non-VVC, so unless there is some hookup to the ECU, in terms of fitment they could well be the same.

Worth a bit of googling...

Campbell

[Neil72]

Thanks all for your thoughts.

Neil - I'll take up your offer of a listen to the Janspeed please - it sounds like you like it. I'll try and sort out a time when I can get out of nappy-changing duty. You free any night next week??

I can imagine that a standard might be the way to go though - especially cost wise! JJ - your offers v generous - and I'd be happy to give you whatever you could get off ebay for it. Is that for a 111S? I think the non-VVC exhausts are a bit different.

Cheers!

Tim

Tim, right now I should be free most nights next week but that's liable to change. Let me know nearer the time which nights suit you and we can sort something out

Tim,

Others will probably advise but I thought the 111S exhaust was fitted to the 135R, which is non-VVC, so unless there is some hookup to the ECU, in terms of fitment they could well be the same.

Worth a bit of googling...

Campbell

The only differences, as far as I'm aware, are round pipes on 135R/111S vs oval pipes on std K series S2 and also a vacuum operated flap on 111S which opens at higher revs to give the exhaust a bit more growl.

Obviously my opinion is slightly biased here but I would say that unless you're strapped for cash at the moment Tim, I would personally avoid going down the std back box route. Noticeable difference in weight, quality, appearance and engine note. Well worth the cash outlay IMHO. My old back box already had a fair bit of corrosion on it (from a 55 plate car) whereas the s/s unit feels like it's built for keeps. The std back box looks like something that has been lifted from a Montego, which it probably has.

[campbell]

The std back box looks like something that has been lifted from a Montego, which it probably has.

I did actually wonder if the S2 backboxes, especially the 111S version, was literally straight off the MGF, and then MGTF !! The separated twin pipe arrangement is so similar. (Not so on the S1, obviously, hence a mildly bespoked backbox needed).

Anyway, getting into trainspotter territory now! Go on Tim, get a nice shiny number, Neil is right!

[alicrozier]

The only differences, as far as I'm aware, are round pipes on 135R/111S vs oval pipes on std K series S2 and also a vacuum operated flap on 111S which opens at higher revs to give the exhaust a bit more growl.

Yup, 111S (and 135R ) has round tailpipes (to match round rear grilles and 3 element diffuser) and the vacuum actuated flap. I'm not sure if the 135R uses the flap???

One thing to check Tim is if the vacuum feed is still working. The actuator is on the offside tailpipe, you can see it moving from the rear.
It's default position is open then closes as the engine starts (from the vacuum feed), it then opens again with some reasonable level of revs and throttle.

[meatball]

Jinty has a spare 111s exhaust...might be worth dropping her a PM???

[robin]

135R does operate the valve, unless you disconnect it; when disconnected, the valve is open.

Not sure why anyone would care what your back box looks like, given that you cannot actually see it.

Weight is also irrelevant (go and do the arithmetic!).

The only difference is noise.

So the standard box fits Tim's baby-induced desires. However, once he's heard the sports box, I'm sure he'll be swayed to the dark side

Cheers,
Robin