Hi everybody!

[ArchRival]

Hi everybody!

This is my first post ‘cause I just picked up my Storm Ti Exige on Saturday and finally have something to report after lurking for a while.

First, I want to say that after putting on 1,000 miles in 3 days carving the sublime mountain roads of Colorado, I at last understand what all the “buzz” was about…and also the creaking and squeaking, the knocking and popping, the banging and clanging, the rattling and clattering, not to mention the shrieking and screaming (some from the car and occasionally from the occupants; myself not the least) as well as uncontrolled giggling and spontaneous, downright, laughing out loud!

OK, all kidding aside; it really didn’t produce a significant amount of unwelcome noises. What I’m talking about is the sheer outrageous, kick-in-the-ass joyous, unbridled, unmitigated, fun, FUN, FUN!!! You know what I’m talking about; THAT’S what I’m talking about!

What else can I say? Anyway, my adrenal glands needed a day off to recharge while my little “joy generator” received her first major service at Ferrari of Denver on Wednesday. Now I’ll really be able to explore the depths of her visceral and forbidden delights.

This would be a good time to say what a truly outstanding experience it was dealing with Mike Parmakian at FoD. He’s a real car guy that can entertain you with stories of his pioneering exploits in the car business that go back decades and decades. He knows what makes car guys tick; always seems to know what it takes to make you happy and just makes it happen. Since I’m the kind of person that can’t stand to hear a bunch of wailin’ and blubberin’, and just wants to see the baby; Mike really delivers.

Props to Mike, all the way!

Car details:

Exige Storm Ti
Touring
LSD/TC
Track Pack (Shipped without – dealer will install)
StarSheild

Plans:
Forced induction once Lotus puts to rest the rumors of the Exige S for the US market or at least a DI kit.
I’ll probably go ForcedFed if Lotus fails to deliver.

Other cars:

’02 E46 M3 w/SMG
’00 ML55 AMG (Been my trusty work wagon)

Last, a little about myself.

Inventor (30 or so utility patents, US and abroad)
Product developer/designer
Business founder and eventually, happily, seller

[tidalwdave]

Congrats and welcome!

Car looks good....

[babak]

Originally Posted by ArchRival

as well as uncontrolled giggling and spontaneous, downright, laughing out loud!

welcome to the gang, and happily I can say that the above does not go away as the miles increase.

[zvezdah1]

Can't really be sure from your post. So do you like the car huh????

Chris

[wallabyguy]

Welcome and congrats!

You have a great dealer in Denver. Enjoy the car.

[Exigent]

Congratulations! Nice looking car. I'd love to drive an Exige out west someday. I need some wide open spaces and low humidity.

Enjoy.

[DealMan]

Congratulations on the new car, and if you like the sound of the stock exhaust, you will love the sound of some of the aftermarket options. I have owned both a Stage II and Larini exhaust, and absolutely love the sound of the Larini exhaust, especially at WOT, not to mention the cool "burbling" sound on deceleration.

[milehitom]

Welcome to the Mile High Division, Arch! And you're right about Mike and FoD! They treat you like a member of the family, a happy high-functioning family, not some family out of a Eugene O'Neill play. It took me four days of mountain roads to reach 1,000 miles last year...you got me beat!

Tom

[Andrikos]

Welcome and congrats Archrival!
It's great to see another elated Elise owner that is well spoken and with a sense of humor.
I have a feeling you'll fit in just right here.

[mini63]

Originally Posted by DealMan

Congratulations on the new car, and if you like the sound of the stock exhaust, you will love the sound of some of the aftermarket options. I have owned both a Stage II and Larini exhaust, and absolutely love the sound of the Larini exhaust, especially at WOT, not to mention the cool "burbling" sound on deceleration.

Hey DealMan - I recently purchased a leftover '05 Elise from a dealer and am having them put the Stage II on it before I take delivery on Saturday. I'm wondering...does the Stage II have any of that cool burbling on deceleration that the Larini has? Thanks for your help!

[LARRY]

Nice car! Beautiful.....

FunFunFun

[DealMan]

Mini63, Yes, the Stage II does have some of the "burbling" on deceleration, but the Larini has much, much more. The other main difference between the Larini and the Stage II, is that the Stage II has a noticeable drone between 3-4K RPM, whereas in the Larini it is significantly reduced. However, both exhausts have a deep and throaty sound overall, which I prefer.

[ArchRival]

Originally Posted by DealMan

Congratulations on the new car, and if you like the sound of the stock exhaust, you will love the sound of some of the aftermarket options. I have owned both a Stage II and Larini exhaust, and absolutely love the sound of the Larini exhaust, especially at WOT, not to mention the cool "burbling" sound on deceleration.

Thanks, DealMan,

My only concern is the maximum volume outside (let’s just say we don’t want any Imperial entanglements) as well as inside.

My worry about cockpit noise is the potential for hearing loss when subjected to high decibel levels for sustained periods, not to mention spikes. Some sources say that anything over 85 dB for sustained periods can result in permanent hearing loss.

Now I realize that the key phrase here is “sustained periods” however, the way this car feels at 6200 RPM+ suggests that I’ll find myself there consistently on some drives.

Another issue is the difference in the way a car sounds at altitude. I would love to hear a Larini at high elevation to really hear the relevant sound quality. I know that my other cars sound much better (deeper and throatier) at sea level. They are more tinny and wheezy at high elevations.

Question: is the Larini louder or does it improve the sound quality or both and if it’s louder, by how much (interior at WOT)?

Cheers

[Eclise]

Congrats, that's a beautiful picture you posted of the Exige with the background.

[DealMan]

ArchRival,

I hear your concerns about the interior noise level, and haven't noticed a significant difference between the Larini and Stage II. To answer your question: Overall the Larini sounds much better than the Stage II, but clearly this is a subjective area for car enthusiasts. When reviewing the Sector 111 comparison report, one can see that the Larini is actually much quieter at idle, only marginally louder at 4,000 RPM, and slightly quiter at 6,000 RPM (http://www.sector111.com/images/prod...omparison.pdf). Additionally, with the Larini, you can shave another 2.2 lbs. off the car's weight .

[Lotus182]

Beautiful Car (though you already know that) Congrats!

[mini63]

Originally Posted by DealMan

Mini63, Yes, the Stage II does have some of the "burbling" on deceleration, but the Larini has much, much more. The other main difference between the Larini and the Stage II, is that the Stage II has a noticeable drone between 3-4K RPM, whereas in the Larini it is significantly reduced. However, both exhausts have a deep and throaty sound overall, which I prefer.

Thanks a lot, DealMan!!! I appreciate the info. Dang it! Though I had read similar things on the board prior to purchasing the car, I felt more comfortable at the time having the dealer install the "Lotus" part (under warranty) rather than add an aftermarket exhaust months down the road. I'm too impetuous, I guess. I should have waited for the Larini!

[ArchRival]

Originally Posted by Eclise

Congrats, that's a beautiful picture you posted of the Exige with the background.

That's overlooking Cripple Creek, a sad little gambling town.

[ArchRival]

Originally Posted by DealMan

ArchRival,

I hear your concerns about the interior noise level, and haven't noticed a significant difference between the Larini and Stage II. To answer your question: Overall the Larini sounds much better than the Stage II, but clearly this is a subjective area for car enthusiasts. When reviewing the Sector 111 comparison report, one can see that the Larini is actually much quieter at idle, only marginally louder at 4,000 RPM, and slightly quiter at 6,000 RPM (http://www.sector111.com/images/prod...omparison.pdf). Additionally, with the Larini, you can shave another 2.2 lbs. off the car's weight .

Any Colorado folks out there with a Larini?

I'd love to have a listen!

[Abe]

Archrival,

From what it sounds like (or don't want to sound like ), you're probably better off with the Larini.