HELP! Quicksilver, KMS or Stage II Exhaust - Thoughts?

1533 Views 17 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Stan, Nov 4, 2004

Jasonv44

Discussion Starter · Nov 4, 2004

Now that my dealer has decided to charge almost $1,200 for the Stage II exhaust (installed) I pointedly, and loudly, canceled my order for it.

Originally DE said it was going to be $695 + $100 for Install. They apparently aren't making enough money on their sales so are trying to squeeze more of it out of us.

Need some help, anyone out there know about these 3 systems? I believe the Stage II has a db rating of 105 - 109, what are the other two? Has anyone heard them? Does anyone have experience with the other two companies? Good reputation and products?

Are all 3 currently available, if not when are they "supposedly" coming out?

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

offroadr35

· #2 · Nov 4, 2004

i love my quicksilver. takes about an hour to install and can really be done by anyone with some tools and a little bit of muscle. It's lighter than the Stage II, appears to be of higher quality, and sounds great. I have not heard the Stage II though, only seen and held one.

I don't believe the KMS exhaust is available currently. I'm sure you could resell the QS should you decide to go with something else later.

-Steve

raggedy1

· #3 · Nov 4, 2004

i heard a broken-in stage II yesterday (perry's car). It sounds AWESOME! The sound is similar in tone to the stock exhaust, but louder/more aggresive. I heard his car a block away as it was pulling away from me. To me it made the Elise sound like a well tuned high performance, exotic, motorcycle (a good thing).

I want one!

I'd like to compare it side by side with the QS, but I can't imagine anything sounding better (to me) than the Stage II

Jasonv44

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 4, 2004

Yes, I too have heard that the Stage II is awesome! Might just buy one from a dealer that doesn't charge $1k for it and install myself.

Did anyone out there buy one for $695 at their dealer? Which one? Can always have it shipped.

Stan

· #5 · Nov 4, 2004

>>Did anyone out there buy one for $695 at their dealer? Which one? Can always have it shipped.<<

The list price is a bit over 600..it's around 615-625.

Ideally try to listen to any of the sport exhausts on your list, in person and with about 1000 or so miles on the pipes. The Stage 2 sounds nice and shares the signature sound of the stock exhaust but it's meaner and louder. Pops when you let off the gas. The Quicksilver has a different sound quality to it. It's one of those things like ice cream flavors - there is no right or wrong answer. That's why I suggest in person auditions if you can swing it.

maxxfish

· #6 · Nov 4, 2004

Should there be a concern about warranty issues if you go with an aftermarket exhaust like the QS or KMS? That would be enough reason to stick with the Stage-2. max

Need4Speed

· #7 · Nov 4, 2004

Same dilemma here.

Still hoping somebody will be able to post audio files of the QS and Stage II...

offroadr35

· #8 · Nov 4, 2004

maxxfish said:
Should there be a concern about warranty issues if you go with an aftermarket exhaust like the QS or KMS? That would be enough reason to stick with the Stage-2. max

well they can't deny warranty coverage unless they can prove that the modification led to the failure. I cannot see this ever being possible with a cat-back exhaust.

Surferjer

· #9 · Nov 4, 2004

There should be no warranty issues, and if there's a problem with the exhaust, at least in the case of Quicksilver, there's a 25 year warranty.

I have the QS and have heard both side by side. They are both loud, QS has been described as "throatier" by others, I would describe it as gruffer (you decide if that's good or bad), but both give you the pop and crack as you come off the gas. Sweeeeet. The price of the units is very, very similar, too-low-mid $600s. These are the differences:

1) Sound is different pitch-wise
2) Either can be installed by YOU (I did my QS myself), but the QS requires no cutting of the diffuser. Stage two requires cutting, which might mean you're stuck with the dealer unless you're skilled at this.
3) Both are much lighter than stock, but QS is even 4 pounds lighter than stage 2.
4) QS, because of no cutting, keeps you SCCA SOLO 2 compliant if you plan to race. Stage 2 does not, which is probably only an issue if you go to Nationals or something.
5) QS tips point back, like stock. Stage 2 tips point down, and are less conspicuous. I will try to dig up photos. This has been covered at length in the engine area of Elisetalk.

See less See more

Jasonv44

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 4, 2004

Surfer, do you know what the DB rating is on the QS? Deeper and throatier for me is preferable so might lean towards the QS. It certainly is a benefit that it doesn't require cutting of the diffuser.

Picts would help, THANKS!

Stan

· #11 · Nov 4, 2004

>>Surfer, do you know what the DB rating is on the QS? Deeper and throatier for me is preferable so might lean towards the QS. It certainly is a benefit that it doesn't require cutting of the diffuser. <<

Jason you can find lotsa pics on the car, not on the car with a search.

The dB ratings are not reliable here. The QS is claimed to be noticeably quieter than the Stage 2 but it seems like it may be louder. Randy failed a noise test with it at an event. They have a new quieter version coming...but that will sound different I suppose.

andykeck

· #12 · Nov 4, 2004

Stan said:
Randy failed a noise test with it at an event. They have a new quieter version coming...but that will sound different I suppose.

I missed that little tidbit. Any more info than that?

Surferjer

· #13 · Nov 4, 2004

What Stan said. Here is a link to a bunch of it (but certainly not all):

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6339

Surferjer

· #14 · Nov 4, 2004

Another...

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6594

Stan

· #15 · Nov 4, 2004

If you don't have to worry about noise rules too much, the present Quicksilver sounds terrrific. Randy runs at the exact site that the SCCA is using to develop their noise rules so they are pretty anal about it over there - most autocrosses are not. Many open tracks test a lot too though. I really like the sound of the QS on Jer's car. I don't know for sure but it may be louder than the Stage 2 when you really get on it at high revs. It sounded great when I was following you Jer!

Surferjer

· #16 · Nov 4, 2004

Very cool, Stan! I of course have never heard it from outside the car except in the rain (doesn't count). I may have to have someone run it Sunday at the autoX (assuming I have her back by then). I should have followed you once to hear yours, and we shouild have swapped rides for a brief run to get a feel. Ahhh, next time...

eliseowner2b

· #17 · Nov 4, 2004

I think I'm headed the QS way. 4lbs is 4lbs and obviously every bit counts in this car.

Here's the site with the QS details:

http://www.sector111.com/quspex.html

Stan

· #18 · Nov 4, 2004

Speaking of weight..has anyone weighed the battery yet? If you don't have to stay stock the 8-13 pound options would be a good mod.

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.