mx5cartalk.com

Hi guys,

2 years ago I fitted a town and country Geelong exhaust system for my nb. I loved everything about the exhaust from the perceived improved throttle response to the deep throaty sound and burble.

I just got a s2 rover k series elise. I want to replicate that sound. I would be interested in hearing your opinion on whether it would be possible to fit the same exhaust system to the elise. It's a 4 cyclinder in the elise after all and it's lower tech than my nb engine so one could logically conclude that it would be okay ?

You could fit the same components but whether it sounds the same or not depends on the geometry of the engine (doubt it).

Dann

If you really want to keep all the components, from headers to tail-pipe, with minimal change and are willing to go to the expense of having it customised, go for it.
It would look very unique indeed to see a Lotus Elise with the exhaust pipes sticking out the front of the car.

Your MX5 exhaust will not fit at all but there is no reason that a good exhaust man (I recommend Nitrodann) cannot build an exhaust system to your spec.

I think the op was asking if fitting the same exhaust system (components) ie a new t&c exhaust to the Elise would give it a similar note.

I had a T&C exhaust put in my car a few years ago. At that time there was no such thing as an off the shelf T&C system. What there was was a firm with a good understanding of exhaust design, racks full of quality components and some very skilled workmanship. They were tailoring each set-up to the customer's needs. If you wanted more noise or deeper note or higher mounting or whatever then they would do it.

Would I go to them for an Elise exhaust? Definitely. Would it sound like an MX5 exhaust on a mate's car? I reckon they could work out how to do that, but it may not use exactly the same components.

I went to t&c not because I thought they were the best but because I did not know any better. Just sold my car and I had to get the muffler changed as it was deemed too,loud for rwc.

I got my enjoyment out of the t&c exhaust but I agree that a lot of professionals could do it too.

I remembered that the t&c did cost quite a bit for what it was and the welding quality was like a cancer growth on your exhaust pipes but hey it sounded good and I didn't know any better.

It is expensive when you contrast the quality to what you can get form example from varex adjustable sound or anything fitted directly by xforce. Perceived quality wise I reckon the competition is tough.

Made in china by robots is always going to be tough for weld quality and shiny-ness.

However you cannot tailor a system from overseas and you kill its resale if you decide you want to change it up a bit.

There are people who can produce a system of comparible quality to the robot welded systems.

Dann

people with mad welding skillz like ^

Im not the only one, but its not often a regular exhaust shop can or will do it.

Advantage of buying from a shop or local fab guy is a tailored solution, an dif he is any good he will stand by what he builds you.

I for one will stand by my advice, that is to say, If someone tells me what they want and when I build it its louder than they asked for or anything Ill redo it for free.

Only had to do it once, customer agreed he would risk it and try to save money by getting a smaller muffler, it was too loud, he bought the bigger muffler, I bought his old one back and did the work for free.

You wont get that online, but you should at a reputable shop.

or similar.

You know what I mean.

Dann

Pity you are not in vic otherwise i will come to visit you.

I appreciate that.

I have had cars dríven from different states and left with me before.

I dont mind if you are really keen.

Ive done a TT V8 Esprit before but no other Lotii.

Dann

I've read good things about USA exhaust in Thomastown if that's anywhere near you. I'll probably be going to Ron when I do the exhaust on my NB.
As for a Lotus sounding exactly like the MX5, unlikely. Too many variables even though they're both inline 4s. Firing order and cam timing would be the biggest difference.
You could certainly get the sound close though.

Or you could do what a lot of the boys in the Lotus club do and fit a supercharged Honda VTEC motor