[shinoo]

There have been a spate of exhaust failures on the racetrack with stock AND aftermarket systems recently. I am encouraging all y'all to check your systems on a regular basis for problems. Last week, I spoke with 2 owners and know of 3 cars that suffered failures and fires.

Track driven cars generate serious heat build up in the exhaust cavity of the Elise/Exige. The heat shielding does a great job in keeping the trunk and rear grills from melting. Unfortunately there does not appear to be adequate provision to vent this heat. So the net result is that the exhaust components are stressed even further. Couple this fact with the significant amount of engine rotation/vibration and you have exhausts (headers, cats & mufflers) that are breaking. Luckily most people are catching it before too much damage - but some are experiencing fires.

The naked rears that we have been promoting seems to help the heat evacuation issue but is not a cure all. Having a completely flat bottom car has its pluses and minuses. So please be forewarned that your track driven car (even aggressive street) should be checked very frequently.