Perceived problem with exhaust system - LotusTalk

shay2nak · 11-02-2009, 10:17 AM

something happened to my exhaust while driving yesterday. It was much louder (and more drone) than usual so I pulled over and couldn't see any obvious cracks or anything on the can, decat, flex pipe or the header. The clamp was on there tight, I'm thinking maybe the flex pipe is damaged? The car probably would stall a lot if there was an exhaust leak, but it behaved pretty much the same as before. I really haven't heard about any failures on the 2bular systems. I'll smoke test it by week's end to find out. Could the muffler's packing be damaged and cause it to sound loud?

Just wondering if anyone else had experienced something like this. I know the stock cat's welds will fail and that would make it loud, for example.

FunElan · 11-02-2009, 10:31 AM

This happened to my BMW once, turned out there was a hole in the end of the downpipe. Probably not your problem though.

Zen Dude · 11-02-2009, 10:46 AM

Your car sounds loud?

Your car IS loud!!

And are you saying that it's now some sort of problem?

yellowlotus · 11-02-2009, 10:48 AM

my stage 2 exhaust broke and started rattling inside

LordZ · 11-02-2009, 11:09 AM

I've seen one ultra's packing come loose. Take the muffler off or the cat/decat and look down in it. They are straight through cores, so any packing that is loose you can see pretty easily.

Demonized · 11-02-2009, 11:17 AM

I had one of the "downpipe" spring loaded bolts come loose, which made it extremely loud.

apk919 · 11-02-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shay2nak

something happened to my exhaust while driving yesterday. It was much louder (and more drone) than usual so I pulled over and couldn't see any obvious cracks or anything on the can, decat, flex pipe or the header. The clamp was on there tight, I'm thinking maybe the flex pipe is damaged? The car probably would stall a lot if there was an exhaust leak, but it behaved pretty much the same as before. I really haven't heard about any failures on the 2bular systems. I'll smoke test it by week's end to find out. Could the muffler's packing be damaged and cause it to sound loud?

Just wondering if anyone else had experienced something like this. I know the stock cat's welds will fail and that would make it loud, for example.

My car's exhaust got louder just before the cat pipe cracked completely in two. It had clearly already started cracking when the sound level increased.

Definitely inspect all the joints and bends for cracks, fittings for tightness, and muffler packing...

shay2nak · 11-02-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen Dude

Your car sounds loud?

Your car IS loud!!

And are you saying that it's now some sort of problem?

Yeah Mark, it's not supposed to be this loud! It only gets loud when I give it tha beans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordZ

I've seen one ultra's packing come loose. Take the muffler off or the cat/decat and look down in it. They are straight through cores, so any packing that is loose you can see pretty easily.

I actually did see a few small white spheres stuck onto the perforated pipe within the muffler on the tip side. I suppose I could remove the whole exhaust and shake it around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by apk919

My car's exhaust got louder just before the cat pipe cracked completely in two. It had clearly already started cracking when the sound level increased.

Definitely inspect all the joints and bends for cracks, fittings for tightness, and muffler packing...

It doesn't help my inspections that my header & decat are coated black ceramic.

But for it to be this much more drony and loud would be a big crack or the muff being f*cked up.

shinoo · 11-03-2009, 05:46 AM

Ara, all exhaust are getting brutalized by SC. I've seen and heard about all makes failing so don't be surprised. Truth is, an exhaust is a somewhat consumable item in these cars. We have been testing TurboPhil's new race exhausts (both Fatty & Skinny) on our Elise. They are pretty cool but do need to be repacked as the internal material will get consumed. Smart solution for a common problem.

HKFEVER · 11-03-2009, 07:30 AM

Anyone know the average life span of the LTS Stage 2?

shay2nak · 11-12-2009, 11:54 PM

update: I smoked the exhaust system and no leaks that would cause the loudness and drone. Tripoint agreed it was the packing that had been damaged. Hopefully I can get a new one soon because I'm wearing my earplugs again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shinoo

Ara, all exhaust are getting brutalized by SC. I've seen and heard about all makes failing so don't be surprised. Truth is, an exhaust is a somewhat consumable item in these cars. We have been testing TurboPhil's new race exhausts (both Fatty & Skinny) on our Elise. They are pretty cool but do need to be repacked as the internal material will get consumed. Smart solution for a common problem.

I didn't know it was common issue. I haven't had it long either. I am putting out a lot more power now and the exhaust I had before really didn't have any packing. LOL I would guess it's more of an issue with a decat than sport cat?

Mr. Know · 11-13-2009, 12:15 AM

My Janspeed Stage III produced some smoke after I first installed it. That normal? It sounds ok now, especially around town, but on the freeway at 3.5k RPMs its horribly loud when I need even a small acceleration (but steady speed is fine). Not sure if that's just a resonance thing or not. I'm not sure what they are supposed to sound like so I don't know how to gauge it.

Certified Lotus · 11-13-2009, 03:32 AM

I have had several exhausts "blow out" after about 4000 miles of driving. It's the high rmp's that do it. You just burn out the packing. It's pretty normal if you track the car. By the way, i have used the factory CAT and two different sport cats, didn't make a difference.

LordZ · 11-13-2009, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shay2nak

I didn't know it was common issue. I haven't had it long either. I am putting out a lot more power now and the exhaust I had before really didn't have any packing. LOL I would guess it's more of an issue with a decat than sport cat?

That is why the last two exhausts i've ordered from Jim I let him know the heat and power levels I'm putting out. He said he packed my latest 6" just for my numbers. Whatever that means.

shay2nak · 11-13-2009, 10:13 AM

ah damn, i didn't know all that otherwise I would have said something. I have the header & decat ceramic coated also, so that's keeping the heat in along with 270whp pushing through.

LordZ · 11-13-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shay2nak

ah damn, i didn't know all that otherwise I would have said something. I have the header & decat ceramic coated also, so that's keeping the heat in along with 270whp pushing through.

Yup, probably just cooking it out. I got a new 8" high exit that will withstand the heat better if you want something more quiet.

No wait on shipping!

lt0302 · 11-13-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordZ

That is why the last two exhausts i've ordered from Jim I let him know the heat and power levels I'm putting out. He said he packed my latest 6" just for my numbers. Whatever that means.

"he packed my latest 6" just for my numbers".......can you elaborate

LordZ · 11-13-2009, 11:32 AM

You would have to ask Jim... He is an exhaust god, so I trust him and his building skills. He was concerned about the heat and power that I put out at my levels (292hp) and said he would pack it himself.

He said the 8" would be fine though since it is much larger and won't get as hot.

qball · 11-13-2009, 10:27 PM

My first 2bular sport cat cracked on the welds. There is a post about it here somewhere.

Car ran rough and would stall. Was VERY obvious when I checked it.

I suspect the packing came loose inside, or there is a crack "somewhere"... but if you "smoked" it, then I suspect the packing.

Let us know if you discover anything else

I'm going to switch my 7x24 2bular to the new BOE Race Exhaust. The drone on my 7x24 has increased at highway speeds over the past year.

I'm a big fan of the Coast Fabrication exhaust units... will report next weekend.

Q

Frank Amoroso · 11-14-2009, 04:39 AM

Does no one offer a baffle-style design utilizing something like a Flowmaster? Anyone try something similar? I assume it would be quieter, but I don't know if you can plumb a large enough unit into the space confines of the Lotus?

From Corky Bell's Supercharged! pg. 185...

"The choice of muffler styles is limited to straight-through glass-pack types or the relatively popular 'turbo' mufflers. Generally, straight-through units offer better flow capability, while baffle-style turbo mufflers provide superior silencing. Glass or steel-pack units have the reputation of burning the silencing material out an an early age. Fear of excessive noise with straight-through mufflers is usually valid.

Two types of cores are popular in the glass-pack units; drilled and louvered. Drilled cores have a much cleaner, thus less restrictive, flow path. If drilled-core units prove scarce, louvered-core mufflers work better when flowed backward."

11-02-2009, 10:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
shay2nak I <3 chicken, I <3 liver Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Land of da 1000 Oaks, CA Posts: 15,060	Perceived problem with exhaust system something happened to my exhaust while driving yesterday. It was much louder (and more drone) than usual so I pulled over and couldn't see any obvious cracks or anything on the can, decat, flex pipe or the header. The clamp was on there tight, I'm thinking maybe the flex pipe is damaged? The car probably would stall a lot if there was an exhaust leak, but it behaved pretty much the same as before. I really haven't heard about any failures on the 2bular systems. I'll smoke test it by week's end to find out. Could the muffler's packing be damaged and cause it to sound loud? Just wondering if anyone else had experienced something like this. I know the stock cat's welds will fail and that would make it loud, for example. __________________ save ~10 lbs gain 1 hp EQ: Y=(190X) / (1984-X) where Y is (HP) and X is (lbs) '07 EXIGE S * MY CAR ** VIDEOS! '08 ACURA TSX 6-speed http://www.makeNYNYagain.com

11-02-2009, 10:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
FunElan Finally drove it! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Beach/Manhattan Beach, CA Posts: 1,178 Images: 19	This happened to my BMW once, turned out there was a hole in the end of the downpipe. Probably not your problem though. __________________ 1969 Lotus Elan 1968 BMW 1600 Livin' life in the '60's ;-)

11-02-2009, 10:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
Zen Dude Learning Self-Control Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 226	Your car sounds loud? Your car IS loud!! And are you saying that it's now some sort of problem? __________________ 07 Lotus Elise – Krypton Green – Sport Pack, Touring Pack, Cilajet, Stage 1 Exhaust, Pagid Blue brake pads, Other Sector 111 / BWR Accessories 02 Mazda Miata MX-5 SE – Blazing Yellow Mica – Hard Top, Boss Frog Clearview Roll bar 05 Mazda3 – Laser Blue, 2.3L 84 Mazda B2000 SE Pickup – White – 296,000 miles

11-02-2009, 10:48 AM	#4 (permalink)
yellowlotus Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: taxachusetts,usa Posts: 248	my stage 2 exhaust broke and started rattling inside __________________ 05' US Elise.190hp,HRM edition,Sport pack,Touring pack,starshield,custom painted engine covers,S111 boomerang rear hook,k&n air filter,Stage II exhaust(actually just customised),Lotus driving lights,Infinity speakers,Lid Bone,V1 radar with remote audio/display,JVC stereo-subwoofer-rear cam,TRmotorsports wheels,lightweight Braille battery,alotaluv....

11-02-2009, 11:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
Demonized NOT ßANNED! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,546	I had one of the "downpipe" spring loaded bolts come loose, which made it extremely loud. __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise, Katana Supercharger, LSS Wheels, 2Bular exhaust & cat, rear panel delete, Cup Airbox, Volt / Oil temp gauge, Ohlins double adjustable coilovers, Dual Oil Coolers, S111 RTD Brace, Moroso Oil Pan, MicroMirror, S111 "V-Force" Harness bar, Manly Engine Mounts, Odyssey PC680 & RLS Bracket, Saikou Michi OCC, CF Scoops, CF Bootlid, CF Front Lip.

11-02-2009, 11:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
LordZ 06 S280 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,319	I've seen one ultra's packing come loose. Take the muffler off or the cat/decat and look down in it. They are straight through cores, so any packing that is loose you can see pretty easily.

11-03-2009, 05:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
shinoo Project Nirvana Elise Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 2,617	Ara, all exhaust are getting brutalized by SC. I've seen and heard about all makes failing so don't be surprised. Truth is, an exhaust is a somewhat consumable item in these cars. We have been testing TurboPhil's new race exhausts (both Fatty & Skinny) on our Elise. They are pretty cool but do need to be repacked as the internal material will get consumed. Smart solution for a common problem. __________________ shinoo sector 111 - tasty bits for your elise & exige

11-03-2009, 07:30 AM	#10 (permalink)
HKFEVER Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 314	Anyone know the average life span of the LTS Stage 2? __________________ 2008 Exige S Sport in HK (S240) almost stock.

11-13-2009, 12:15 AM	#12 (permalink)
Mr. Know British by extrapolation Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Marin, California Posts: 3,350 Images: 6	My Janspeed Stage III produced some smoke after I first installed it. That normal? It sounds ok now, especially around town, but on the freeway at 3.5k RPMs its horribly loud when I need even a small acceleration (but steady speed is fine). Not sure if that's just a resonance thing or not. I'm not sure what they are supposed to sound like so I don't know how to gauge it. __________________ 07 Magnetic Blue Exige S Join the Blue Lotus Team on Facebook.

11-13-2009, 03:32 AM	#13 (permalink)
Certified Lotus Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 173	I have had several exhausts "blow out" after about 4000 miles of driving. It's the high rmp's that do it. You just burn out the packing. It's pretty normal if you track the car. By the way, i have used the factory CAT and two different sport cats, didn't make a difference. __________________ '07 Exige S,LSD,2bular Header,SportCat & GT3 Exhaust,Gotham Tune ECU, V2 Fuel Cell,BOE Surge Tank,MWR Fuel Rail,RLS Intercooler&Pipes,CircuitWorx Oil Pump Gears,Moroso oil pan, Accusump,Fidanza 3.2 Kevlar Clutch & Alum Flywheel,Nitron GT3,V2arms,AP Racing Brakes(315mm),SS Brake Lines,Prototype Composites CF Roof,ReVerie CF Front Splitter,diffuser & 1650MM Wing,RTD Brace, SSC Shift Cable, Lotus Racing M Mounts/High Perf.Air Box,Defi Gauges,RAC Monolite Wheels,Safecraft 5 Point Harness,Traqmate.

11-13-2009, 10:13 AM	#15 (permalink)
shay2nak I <3 chicken, I <3 liver Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Land of da 1000 Oaks, CA Posts: 15,060	ah damn, i didn't know all that otherwise I would have said something. I have the header & decat ceramic coated also, so that's keeping the heat in along with 270whp pushing through. __________________ save ~10 lbs gain 1 hp EQ: Y=(190X) / (1984-X) where Y is (HP) and X is (lbs) '07 EXIGE S * MY CAR ** VIDEOS! '08 ACURA TSX 6-speed http://www.makeNYNYagain.com

11-13-2009, 11:32 AM	#18 (permalink)
LordZ 06 S280 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,319	You would have to ask Jim... He is an exhaust god, so I trust him and his building skills. He was concerned about the heat and power that I put out at my levels (292hp) and said he would pack it himself. He said the 8" would be fine though since it is much larger and won't get as hot.

11-13-2009, 10:27 PM	#19 (permalink)
qball Wizard of Pugz! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 4,516 Images: 3	My first 2bular sport cat cracked on the welds. There is a post about it here somewhere. Car ran rough and would stall. Was VERY obvious when I checked it. I suspect the packing came loose inside, or there is a crack "somewhere"... but if you "smoked" it, then I suspect the packing. Let us know if you discover anything else I'm going to switch my 7x24 2bular to the new BOE Race Exhaust. The drone on my 7x24 has increased at highway speeds over the past year. I'm a big fan of the Coast Fabrication exhaust units... will report next weekend. Q

11-14-2009, 04:39 AM	#20 (permalink)
Frank Amoroso Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Boulder. CO Posts: 358	Does no one offer a baffle-style design utilizing something like a Flowmaster? Anyone try something similar? I assume it would be quieter, but I don't know if you can plumb a large enough unit into the space confines of the Lotus? From Corky Bell's Supercharged! pg. 185... "The choice of muffler styles is limited to straight-through glass-pack types or the relatively popular 'turbo' mufflers. Generally, straight-through units offer better flow capability, while baffle-style turbo mufflers provide superior silencing. Glass or steel-pack units have the reputation of burning the silencing material out an an early age. Fear of excessive noise with straight-through mufflers is usually valid. Two types of cores are popular in the glass-pack units; drilled and louvered. Drilled cores have a much cleaner, thus less restrictive, flow path. If drilled-core units prove scarce, louvered-core mufflers work better when flowed backward." __________________ Frank Amoroso Whatever Press Vehicle(s) I'm driving this week www.twitter.com/famoroso Ever take a risk? A real risk? The kind of risk that makes you feel alive? It's... spectacular, isn't it?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode