Is a muffler upgrade worth the money? - LotusTalk

WesP456 · 04-25-2007, 02:42 PM

Is it worth the money, in terms of sound, to upgrade from the standard muffler to the Larini?

codymac · 04-25-2007, 02:46 PM

I don't know about the Larini, but one ride in a car with an exhaust was all it took to convince me.

babak · 04-25-2007, 02:49 PM

Thread moved to Intakes/Exhausts forum.

Randy Chase · 04-25-2007, 02:49 PM

That has to be one of the most subjective things ever.....

Depends on your budget and how much you want to upgrade the sound. Stock is really not so bad.. I kinda like it. But you might want a different tone, loudness. Worth? I would not go without dinner to upgrade, but if you have the cash sitting around for hookers and beer.. sure.

codymac · 04-25-2007, 02:52 PM

Fixed it for you...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

I would not go without dinner to upgrade, but if you have the cash sitting around after paying for hookers and beer.. sure.

Cali · 04-25-2007, 03:05 PM

I have the stock exhaust and it's plenty loud for me... I set off car alarms in our parking structure. I wouldn't mind upgrading to an Arquay or Stage II, but IMHO it's not worth the money...

Bane · 04-26-2007, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali

I have the stock exhaust and it's plenty loud for me... I set off car alarms in our parking structure. I wouldn't mind upgrading to an Arquay or Stage II, but IMHO it's not worth the money...

I thought the sport Elise came with the Stage II already?

I loooooooooove my aftermarket exhaust (Von Hep). Makes the car sound like it should. I really don't like the stock exhaust sound of the Elise as I think it sounds too tinny and "too much like a Kia".

It does get a bit loud at 80+ mph on the freeway but I didn't buy this car for quiet luxury

machine05elise · 04-26-2007, 10:10 AM

I've been shopping a round for a muffler for a long time. I've never had much of a budget set aside for it. I've come to the point that I have decided to build my own. I have the resources, the machinery, and the material. I've been building exhaust for bikes now for the last 11yrs.. I've looked at other systems and found them to be pretty much the same as what I build just larger diameter... If any body's interested I'll keep you posted with build pic's and cost.. I'm not looking to start a new product line or compete with everybody else, just have a little fun and "maybe build a few set's for cheap" ( cost of material )

raggedy1 · 04-26-2007, 06:54 PM

stock exhaust sounds fine from interior, but it is rather flimsy from outside.

upgrade? yes. you can find used stage II's for around 400 I think.

I have a 2bular and love it.

EburgE · 04-26-2007, 06:56 PM

I spent more for an Arguay and I do not regret it. It really give the car even more British racing character.

knucklehead · 04-26-2007, 07:08 PM

I really think it adds to the overall enjoyment of the car, so that's a yes from me. The hard part is deciding which one. I have the 2bular and love it, my other favorite is the twin can Arqray. Many swear by their single tip Arqrays which is not my thing. Forget what people tell you you'll love and find others with different systems and listen and decide for yourself. Different strokes for different folks. Have fun.

Jacob

SweetDaddyD · 04-26-2007, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machine05elise

I've been shopping a round for a muffler for a long time. I've never had much of a budget set aside for it. I've come to the point that I have decided to build my own. I have the resources, the machinery, and the material. I've been building exhaust for bikes now for the last 11yrs.. I've looked at other systems and found them to be pretty much the same as what I build just larger diameter... If any body's interested I'll keep you posted with build pic's and cost.. I'm not looking to start a new product line or compete with everybody else, just have a little fun and "maybe build a few set's for cheap" ( cost of material )

Interested and watching/waiting.

Lotusmotion · 04-26-2007, 08:16 PM

Its all about sound...no extra ponies.

mr t · 04-26-2007, 08:47 PM

I bought the first one from Shinoo a couple of years ago and I LOVE It.

I have not heard the others but Shinoo said he liked it the best too back then.

IT IS THE BOMB!

mr t

lotus54 · 04-26-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machine05elise

..I have decided to build my own. I have the resources, the machinery, and the material. I've been building exhaust for bikes now for the last 11yrs.. ( cost of material )

Yeah, I'd be interested in what you figure out.
I've been working on modding the stock muffler on my Ducati Multistrada. I have it cut apart and finally got some stainless perforated tubing. I just have to make the time to fab one more piece, cut a couple of holes and weld it back up.

mark

CALtd · 04-26-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr t

I bought the first one from Shinoo a couple of years ago and I LOVE It.

I have not heard the others but Shinoo said he liked it the best too back then.

IT IS THE BOMB!

mr t

I heard MW demo the Arqray twin and was smitten.

wildwhl · 04-26-2007, 10:14 PM

It is worth the money for the sound alone - I promise. 2bular oval on the S and I'm jonesin' again for a drive - even worse than before...

WW

Canyon Red Elise · 04-26-2007, 10:29 PM

I got the best price on a stage II(free), I am happy with the sound.

dk10438 · 04-26-2007, 10:51 PM

Personally I love the Stage II!

ZTEC · 04-27-2007, 06:01 AM

Titanium Arqray Twin w/ euro exit - Mmmmm, Tasty

04-25-2007, 02:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
WesP456 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4	Is a muffler upgrade worth the money? Is it worth the money, in terms of sound, to upgrade from the standard muffler to the Larini?

04-25-2007, 02:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
codymac short angry bloke Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: where the east tapers out and the west begins Posts: 9,260 Images: 19	I don't know about the Larini, but one ride in a car with an exhaust was all it took to convince me. __________________ torque (tôrk) n. - an excuse for the lack of momentum. - let's bring back CanAm & Group B! - have you hugged your Exige today? I'm currently working on my performance driving merit badge. There's always somebody faster, sometimes it's me.

04-25-2007, 02:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
babak Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 8,269 Images: 23	Thread moved to Intakes/Exhausts forum. __________________ Babak Club111 Central Plains Coordinator '05 Elise - Touring, HT, StarShield '99 Ducati 996 Bip '05 Freelander SE

04-25-2007, 02:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,174 Images: 761	That has to be one of the most subjective things ever..... Depends on your budget and how much you want to upgrade the sound. Stock is really not so bad.. I kinda like it. But you might want a different tone, loudness. Worth? I would not go without dinner to upgrade, but if you have the cash sitting around for hookers and beer.. sure. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

04-25-2007, 03:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 804	I have the stock exhaust and it's plenty loud for me... I set off car alarms in our parking structure. I wouldn't mind upgrading to an Arquay or Stage II, but IMHO it's not worth the money... __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

04-26-2007, 10:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
machine05elise #88 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Yorba Linda Ca Posts: 539	I've been shopping a round for a muffler for a long time. I've never had much of a budget set aside for it. I've come to the point that I have decided to build my own. I have the resources, the machinery, and the material. I've been building exhaust for bikes now for the last 11yrs.. I've looked at other systems and found them to be pretty much the same as what I build just larger diameter... If any body's interested I'll keep you posted with build pic's and cost.. I'm not looking to start a new product line or compete with everybody else, just have a little fun and "maybe build a few set's for cheap" ( cost of material ) __________________ I've Graduating from Tijuana Community Coastal Collage For the Severely Handicapped. I'm now pursuing a masters in Defensive Driving for the Blind!

04-26-2007, 06:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
raggedy1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: belmont Posts: 3,822	stock exhaust sounds fine from interior, but it is rather flimsy from outside. upgrade? yes. you can find used stage II's for around 400 I think. I have a 2bular and love it. __________________ It's Delux son, Delux. It's not that hard. http://itsdeluxson.com/

04-26-2007, 06:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
EburgE Super 7 Owner In Training Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Eldersburg, MD Posts: 2,416	I spent more for an Arguay and I do not regret it. It really give the car even more British racing character. __________________ '05 Lotus Elise '07 Caterham Seven www.hals7.com

04-26-2007, 07:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
knucklehead TWRD & Blip advertising Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 3,835	I really think it adds to the overall enjoyment of the car, so that's a yes from me. The hard part is deciding which one. I have the 2bular and love it, my other favorite is the twin can Arqray. Many swear by their single tip Arqrays which is not my thing. Forget what people tell you you'll love and find others with different systems and listen and decide for yourself. Different strokes for different folks. Have fun. Jacob

04-26-2007, 08:16 PM	#13 (permalink)
Lotusmotion Keep it simple and real Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 926	Its all about sound...no extra ponies. __________________ '06 Exige - Ph. Black/Touring/Track/LSD/TC/SS. Mods: corner balanced - RTD brace - Manly's inserts - decambered - Pagid Blacks - Motul fluid - tow hooks - Schroth belts - extinguisher - AIM timer - Green Filter - Larini - oil temp & pressure gauges - AO48s & Rotas on track - T1Rs & OEM wheels on street - rear camera & monitor - Stebel horn - speakers upgraded, sub & iPod controller - DRL disable switch - aux. fuse panel - sill pockets - leather console - Bootie - roof scoop functional.

04-26-2007, 08:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
mr t Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 204	I VOTE FOR THE TWIN CAN ARQRAY I bought the first one from Shinoo a couple of years ago and I LOVE It. I have not heard the others but Shinoo said he liked it the best too back then. IT IS THE BOMB! mr t

04-26-2007, 10:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
wildwhl You bought a Locust? Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 782	It is worth the money for the sound alone - I promise. 2bular oval on the S and I'm jonesin' again for a drive - even worse than before... WW __________________ ...................... She's gone.

04-26-2007, 10:29 PM	#18 (permalink)
Canyon Red Elise Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 524	I got the best price on a stage II(free), I am happy with the sound.

04-26-2007, 10:51 PM	#19 (permalink)
dk10438 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hermosa Beach CA Posts: 458	Personally I love the Stage II! __________________ 05 Elise, Phantom Black, Touring, HT, SS, Stage II, Nitrons, Volk TE37's- SOLD! 07 Porsche C4S

04-27-2007, 06:01 AM	#20 (permalink)
ZTEC Third Eye Open Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 1,737 Images: 3	Titanium Arqray Twin w/ euro exit - Mmmmm, Tasty Attached Images __________________ GO: Vision Function Stage II Intercooled Bliss with Charlie's ECU magic and Ronin's Tenacity! STOP: DBA 4000's, Porterfield R4! TURN: Nitron S/A's Toyo RA1's 225/245 on Rota's!

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