Exige Stage 2 and 3 exhaust

[albert]

Thanks Vishus... i will stick to stage 2... you made everything so clear good job mate your explaination is perfect. That means i was cheated by the Lotus dealer in malaysia and singapore they both told me stage 3 is louder and i almost BOUGHT it!!! thanks mate

[GNAZZ]

I have a LOTAC05450 un-fitted, and considering putting it on my Exige S.

Does anyone have a sound clip or video of an Exige S with one fitted?

I understand that it is louder than the stock exhaust, but how much louder?

Has anyone had a noise level measured with one fitted?

Would appreciate any help as I dont want to waste money fitting it....

[EricH]

Gnazz,

It sucks! Sell it to me!!!!!


Do you have cat or de-cat?

With Cat, that so so far my fav sounding combo. Stock = hear nothing, the one you have sounds quiet but nice driving. Put your foot in it and it is louder but still no big deal IMO. Sounds great to me.

I would love it but have de-cat so I am worried it will be louder than I would like.

[vincesf]

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

I will do my best to clarify...

Stage 1 - two tips that protrude strait out the back. Very big - almost like stock in appearance and sound to standard NA exhaust. part # LOTAC05334

This is only for NA cars and has a mild sound enhancement

Here is where things get complicated...

Stage 2 - has 2 tips that sit level with the diffuser. Smallest and lightest exhaust Lotus offers at this time. Also the loudest. part # LOTAC05335

This exhaust was originally developed for the normally aspirated engine but was also used on supercharged Exige Cup cars up till 2009 - even the Cup 255 offered this very exhaust as a no cost option (without cat though). Original stage 2 exhausts suffered from weld issues that caused cracks at certain points but Lotus changed manufacturers and current versions are now built by Janspeed. The Janspeed versions do not suffer from the same weld problems and are generally trouble free.

Stage 3 - has 1 tip that sit level with the diffuser. Also built by Janspeed and slightly larger muffler than stage 2 and slightly quieter. part # LOTAC05450

Lotus designed this specifically for the supercharged cars - primarily to tone down the resonance and loud sound db's of the NA Stage 2. When this exhaust came out in early 2007 - the Exige S was already for sale in the US for a few months before - and this exhaust was called the Supercharged stage 2. The diameter of the pipe connecting to the cat is the same as the NA stage 2 (and stage 1 for that matter - it really has to be to be able to fit). What is different (other than the size of the muffler and sound baffling) is the diameter of the pipe exiting the muffler to the tip is the same (2.5 in) diameter as the inlet. Some argue this is important for a supercharged car to breathe. Some argue there is no difference at this point in the exhaust system - especially with the bend needed to get through the diffuser anyway.

Ever since 2005 there had been rumors of a stage 3 kit in the planning stages that also included some kind of intake and filter enhancement - even pictures were circulated at one point of this system - but it never was distributed by Lotus. So to add another layer to all this confusion - some people who were involved with Lotus then think of this when they hear stage 3. It really hasn't been until recently that this single tipped exhaust was called stage 3. The first reference to it as a stage 3 was in the Lotus Sport accessory catalog. It seems now that a new one just came out and they are continuing with calling it a stage 3 that it is sticking. So no matter what, at this point if you have a single tip, non standard, Lotus exhaust - you have the stage 3.

Albert, to answer your question about --

They made it to tone down the resonance and sound for a supercharged car rather than what the NA stage 2 produced. Lotus took the opportunity to ensure the larger diameter pipe exited the muffler as well.

And yes, fitting a stage 3 to a NA car will cause it to produce a slightly different sound but it shouldn't be radically different. The normally aspirated engine's 2nd cam (when standard) kicks in differently than a supercharged car (who's 2nd cam variably kicks in throughout the RPM's instead of all at once). The FI in the intake and breathability differences between a NA and supercharged car also affect the sound.

Bottom line -

• Fitting a NA stage 2 (with dual tips) to a supercharged car can be done (as I said it was fitted to the CUP cars up till 2008) but it is going to be LOUD and produce a great deal of in cabin resonance. So Lotusforsale, if you want the loudest Lotus exhaust you want the stage 2 # LOTAC05335
• Fitting a stage 1, 2, or 3 exhaust (or any exhaust for that matter) will not enhance HP. Even if it did help - the ECU would compensate for that enhancement and adjust out the improvement.
• Stage 3 has a single tip - if you have a single tip exhaust by Lotus that isn't the stock exhaust then you have a stage 3. When it was released this was also known as the stage 2 exhaust but now Lotus Sport seems to be continuing with calling it a stage 3.
• Having a custom ECU tune, LSD, intake, filter and snorkle modifications will change the loudness of the exhaust. You can't easily compare cars that have differences in these areas.

Sorry it is so long but I hope this helps clear up some confusion

Thank you for the above information, which is some of the best information that I have seen on the subject. I am still confused on one point. I am having a Lotus Supercharger dealer installed on my '08 NA. I was also going to have the dealer change the exhaust system. They offered me the option to have a single exhaust tip or a double exhaust tip. From the information you provided, if I choose the double exhaust tip, then I am choosing a Stage 2 exhaust system. If I choose a single exhaust tip, then I am choosing a Stage 3 exhaust system. It seems that I am choosing more than just an exhaust tip, but rather an entirely different exhaust set up. Is this true???

Lastly, what if I keep the stock exhaust on my '08 NA after it is supercharged. Is the stock Elise NA and stock Elise SC exhaust the same, other than the double exhaust tip on my car versus the single tip on an Elise SC? The upgraded exhaust is on backorder and I am having difficulty waiting on my Supercharger install, but the sound of the twin-pipe Stage 2 ( I think Stage 2) at the dealer was incredible. What to do?

vincesf

[Guld]

Thanks for the detailed information Vishus. The only remaining question, given the different styles of tips, do all the diffusers accommodate the different exhausts?

[LordZ]

Originally Posted by Guld

Thanks for the detailed information Vishus. The only remaining question, given the different styles of tips, do all the diffusers accommodate the different exhausts?

No, for the dual tip stage2 you need to widen the holes. I'm not sure about the stage3 single tip.

[vincesf]

Originally Posted by LordZ

No, for the dual tip stage2 you need to widen the holes. I'm not sure about the stage3 single tip.

I can tell you on my '08 NA the diffuser hole is oval and huge, and can accommodate either a single or double tipped exhaust. Seems that they standardized the diffuser hole starting in '08. On my '06, you definitely needed to cut the diffuser and make the opening larger for the newer single exhaust tip and would imagine the double tip exhaust tip is larger as well. I thought that an exahust tip was just that, the tip, I had no idea that an entirely different exhaust system comes with each.

vincesf

[Guld]

Great info! My NA '06 definitively has a peanut shaped hole. Perhaps incompatible with the single tip without calling the Dremel to duty.

[lustrazor]

Hey vincesf,
We drove the same car, right? (white with red stripes). Oh man what a sweet sound! That exhaust is broken in already so it's a bit louder than a new one will be at first.

I heard the internal packing breaks down after 4-5K miles which improves the sound. Can any stage-2 owners out there verify that?

[vincesf]

Originally Posted by lustrazor

Hey vincesf,
We drove the same car, right? (white with red stripes). Oh man what a sweet sound! That exhaust is broken in already so it's a bit louder than a new one will be at first.

I heard the internal packing breaks down after 4-5K miles which improves the sound. Can any stage-2 owners out there verify that?

Lustrazor, yep, white with red stripes, Lotus Supercharger and I believe Stage 2 exhaust, as it had a twin exhaust tips. Yes there was some cabin resonance, but nothing too intrusive, especially when driving the car easy, but open it up and the car screams. Exhaust is on backorder. After reading this thread, perhaps a Stage 3 would be more appropriate with a supercharger, as some have removed their Stage 2 exhaust systems, but the Stage 2 that I drove was sweet. This is not my daily driver, so I believe I can live with it. Pluses: Dealer installed, no warranty issues, lighter weight, great sound. Minuses: No horsepower gain, noise can be intrusive, expensive. I like the looks of the twin exhaust tips, but if the single exhaust tip system (stage 3) is better matched with the Supercharger I'm all ears.

vincesf

[Vishus_1]

The internal packing does break down but some actually claim the exhaust actually gets a little quieter.

The diffuser on Elises up to 2007 needs to be modified to accomodate a stage 2 and stage 3 - check if it has a peanut opening (as described above) or a single large oval opening. You are ok for stage 2 and 3 with the oval opening. 2008 Elises, Elise SC and 2007+ Exiges have this oval opening.

I wouldn't think a standard NA Elise muffler would be the best choice with the supercharger. I personally wouldn't do it but technically it could work. I don't know what Lotus suggests to NA owners who supercharge their cars - if they dont say anything then I guess it is perfectly fine.

Yes Vincesf - the stage 2 and stage 3 are different exhausts - more than just a tip - the size is bigger and heavier on the stage 3. The diameter of the pipe going from the muffler to the tips is bigger on the stage 3 also. It is kind of a trade off - less restriction with the smaller muffler but some added restriction with the smaller pipe (stage 2) vs more restriction with the bigger muffler and less with the bigger outlet pipe (stage 3). Just depends on if you want it loud (stage 3) or extra loud (stage 2).

[HKFEVER]

Currently, I have LTS intake box with TRD filter, RLS cooler, stock cat & stage 2, which sounds:
- Angry row when push the start button;
- Very loud when passing cars at high rpm.

I am planning to replace the stock cat to LTS sport cat and stage 3. But dealer told me that will be very loud

Vishus 1, do you know how's that sound with LTS sport cat + stage 3.

[vincesf]

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

The internal packing does break down but some actually claim the exhaust actually gets a little quieter.

The diffuser on Elises up to 2007 needs to be modified to accomodate a stage 2 and stage 3 - check if it has a peanut opening (as described above) or a single large oval opening. You are ok for stage 2 and 3 with the oval opening. 2008 Elises, Elise SC and 2007+ Exiges have this oval opening.

I wouldn't think a standard NA Elise muffler would be the best choice with the supercharger. I personally wouldn't do it but technically it could work. I don't know what Lotus suggests to NA owners who supercharge their cars - if they dont say anything then I guess it is perfectly fine.

Yes Vincesf - the stage 2 and stage 3 are different exhausts - more than just a tip - the size is bigger and heavier on the stage 3. The diameter of the pipe going from the muffler to the tips is bigger on the stage 3 also. It is kind of a trade off - less restriction with the smaller muffler but some added restriction with the smaller pipe (stage 2) vs more restriction with the bigger muffler and less with the bigger outlet pipe (stage 3). Just depends on if you want it loud (stage 3) or extra loud (stage 2).

Thank you again for the info. At this point I am leaning towards Stage 2, if it ever comes back in stock, as the sound is unforgettable at full scream. And as long as it passes smog and is otherwise legal, the car will finally have the sound that matches the car's looks.

Vincesf

[Mr. Know]

Originally Posted by HKFEVER

Currently, I have LTS intake box with TRD filter, RLS cooler, stock cat & stage 2, which sounds:
- Angry row when push the start button;
- Very loud when passing cars at high rpm.

I am planning to replace the stock cat to LTS sport cat and stage 3. But dealer told me that will be very loud

Vishus 1, do you know how's that sound with LTS sport cat + stage 3.

I know you have said all along that the dealer claims the "Stage 3" is far, far louder than the "Stage 2", but you really need them to come back with a Lotus part number instead of a nickname for the exhaust. That will answer some questions for you.
Switching to a sport cat will increase and change the exhaust note. Going to a de-cat will take that even further.

[HKFEVER]

Originally Posted by Mr. Know

I know you have said all along that the dealer claims the "Stage 3" is far, far louder than the "Stage 2", but you really need them to come back with a Lotus part number instead of a nickname for the exhaust. That will answer some questions for you.
Switching to a sport cat will increase and change the exhaust note. Going to a de-cat will take that even further.

Yes, I did ask them the parts number, and all along I have already knew these 2 parts number and the pysical difference. But never hear the stage 3 in HK, because dealer just keep on saying stage 3 single tip is much louder than stage 2 dual tips, and never mind the sport cat Dealer has replaced couple stage 3 back to stage 2 because driver can't stand it

So the best, if someone can up load the sound clip of these stage 2 and 3. Then we can compare them.

[lustrazor]

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

The internal packing does break down but some actually claim the exhaust actually gets a little quieter.

Maybe it's just hearing loss. hehe. I noticed more frequent ear ringing starting the first week after buying my car -- and that's with the stock exhaust.

[Vishus_1]

HKFEVER

Keep in mind the stage 3 (part # LOTAC05450) is actually quieter than stage 2 (part # LOTAC05335) on an Exige. Before 2009, the Cup cars offered the stage 2 with decat as a no cost option. What you are proposing (stage 3 with a decat) will be a little quieter (mostly at idle) than a decat and stage 2. Just by nature of going without a cat, you will find it louder though than your current setup.

I am not sure what you are going for here - looks or sound (loud or quiet). There are all sorts of You Tubes of the stage 2 and others of stage 3. The trick again is doing apples to apples comparisons - meaning w cat stage 2 vs w cat stage 3 (both on intercooler supercharged cars) otherwise the sound bite is not very telling.

I also haven't heard a You Tube yet that really sounds the same to me in person. It doesn't seem to translate right for the mic. But when you hear stage 2 and stage 3 on video - they seem to sound simular (which they do - its the subtleties that get lost - popping, burbleing, idle, at load, on decel, etc)

[HKFEVER]

Originally Posted by lustrazor

Maybe it's just hearing loss. hehe. I noticed more frequent ear ringing starting the first week after buying my car -- and that's with the stock exhaust.

Ha Ha, 6000Km ago when I first installed the stage II, my right ear (the bones in side ) will vibrate when RPM @ around 5000 or up. But now either the stage 2 got broken in or my ear got the hit

[HKFEVER]

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

HKFEVER

Keep in mind the stage 3 (part # LOTAC05450) is actually quieter than stage 2 (part # LOTAC05335) on an Exige. Before 2009, the Cup cars offered the stage 2 with decat as a no cost option. What you are proposing (stage 3 with a decat) will be a little quieter (mostly at idle) than a decat and stage 2. Just by nature of going without a cat, you will find it louder though than your current setup.

I am not sure what you are going for here - looks or sound (loud or quiet). There are all sorts of You Tubes of the stage 2 and others of stage 3. The trick again is doing apples to apples comparisons - meaning w cat stage 2 vs w cat stage 3 (both on intercooler supercharged cars) otherwise the sound bite is not very telling.

I also haven't heard a You Tube yet that really sounds the same to me in person. It doesn't seem to translate right for the mic. But when you hear stage 2 and stage 3 on video - they seem to sound simular (which they do - its the subtleties that get lost - popping, burbleing, idle, at load, on decel, etc)

I would like to keep the current popping, burbleing, the angry roar @ engine start with the stage 2.

But I don't like the drone.

Just hope the stage 3 + LTS sport cat will keep the popping, burleing, the angry roar @ engine start plus more high pitch F1 sound at high RPM And less drone.

[Vishus_1]

Stage 3 has a little less drone but it is still there. I don't know you will find it to be a lot less.