HOME-MADE EXHAUST PROJECT!!!

[*LUCA*]

Hi guys. I work in a naval mechanical workshop where many workings of steel tubes are made. I would want to take advantage of this resource to construct a good stainless steel exhaust for my Elan.
Someone can gives to me to suggestions or a design?
What I can make with the pre-cat?
Can I eliminate the main-cat?
Thanks to all those that will answer to me.
Luca

[theelanman]

copy the existing exhaust but make it 2.5" in diameter (63.5mm to the metric people on here)....
as for the silencer....I'm guessing a 'sports' exhaust just has less baffling in the silencer......

you could make a 'stiffy' as was done on here a while back....

yes you can take the cat off but you may need to make a switchable piece for such things as emission test.....

think thats about it...
cheers
G

[*LUCA*]

Ah, ok, so you say to leave the pre-cat and to remove the main-cat. For the emission test…no problem here.!
Yes, it's simple, I can make it. Other councils?
Thanks

[*LUCA*]

Ah, ok, so you say to leave the pre-cat and to remove the main-cat. For the emission test…no problem here.!
Yes, it's simple, I can make it. Other councils?
Thanks

[DeeAitch]

Mine is Dia 2 ¼ thickness 1.5 Tube. I don’t think 2 ½ would be any better unless you plan to run high boost. It would also be harder to route without hitting the chassis / ground!
As for a Sports muffler you can spend a fortune and still not get it right. Very difficult to get rid of booming sounds – most boom at around 3000 RPM, just where you don’t want it.
Most are also simple straight through designs (OE is also straight through with an odd 'crimp' BTW, pretty good design if you ask me ) unless you want to try fancy ‘dual mode’ types. Mine has a single ‘perforated’ tube, no baffle, and is filled with long strand Glass wool.
I like it but some may prefer it a bit louder! I did try the Miltek one from PM but sold it on as it was too loud / boomy for me. I kept their Front and Centre tubes as they are cheap (and bending one of tubes to fit is a pain)
One thing to beware of is clearance to the rear wishbone – my muffler now has a dent in it! Some wishbones I’ve seen would not survive such a collision Also clearance around the muffler is tight – again difficult to get it right without touching.

[theelanman]

dave
the 2.5" pipe is quite common indeed......
most people opt for either 2.25" or 2.5" rather than the 2" std pipe....
luca
have a read of the peco exhaust thread.....
you might be able to pick up some tips or even better give the guy at peco a ring and ask
cheers
g

[ailwyn]

Would it really prove cost effective to build your own with the peco so reasonably priced?

Seems that a proven system would be far less hassle than designing your own.

[*LUCA*]

Ok, in some days i can say you the total price for a "home-made" exhaust, but what is the PECO price?...here in Italy it's probably more difficult then in UK to find something of interesting.

[GeoffSmith]

Luca,

You can get a Peco 2¼" exhaust direct from Peco for £300 or ~€440. Delivery to Italy is only going to be ~€40. Check out the Peco thread and if you're interested, contact Peco and quote LEC to get the lower price.

Geoff

[DeeAitch]

Would it really prove cost effective to build your own with the peco so reasonably priced?

Seems that a proven system would be far less hassle than designing your own.

£300 as opposed to.........................ziltch.
Now that's what I call cost effective

As for 'proven' don't some folk have issues with screetching sounds, or has that been sorted?

[ailwyn]

Dave,

I have no problem with my peco, either screeching or overboosting.

It's been proven to bolt straight on without issue, by a company that designs and manufactures exhausts whose engineer (who drove the development) is an M100 owner and enthusiast.

What part of that is not worth £330 vs starting with a blank sheet of paper?

A.

[Rambo]

As for 'proven' don't some folk have issues with screetching sounds, or has that been sorted?

Never had any problems with my PECO either. Transforms the car - rorty sound as well as performance. Only £250, from memory, and fully fitted by the guy who designed it

[johnny]

Front to back, Any size tail pipe. Mines 4"

Powerflow. 180.

[DeeAitch]

Dave,

I have no problem with my peco, either screeching or overboosting.

It's been proven to bolt straight on without issue, by a company that designs and manufactures exhausts whose engineer (who drove the development) is an M100 owner and enthusiast.

What part of that is not worth £330 vs starting with a blank sheet of paper?

A.

Peco have a fine reputation and if the screetching issue is no more (or perhaps falsely reported as being connected to the exhaust) then I'm sure it will be a great option.
We all like a bargain so I still think 'Free' v £300 ish is cost effective tho' assuming you have access to 'Free' facilities of course

For the record mine was designed developed & tested by an Engineer with over 10 years experiance in OEM exhaust design, who just happens to be an M100 owner and general Lotus nutter.
Still not easy to get it right - witness all those souped up Novas etc with Big bore exhausts on
Not that I'm saying mine is perfect. Far from it. As I've said before some will think the noise level is too reserved. Sound quality is very subjective so each to their own. Not everyone falls in love with that Ferrari wail or TVR growl. One day I'll get that helmholtz chamber fitted to cut the booming noise which I hate but some may like.
IMHO try listening to a few before parting with your hard earned. I certainly regret getting the Miltek.

BTW beware the Miltek option even if you like the sound - it certainly does not bolt straight on. In fact I had trouble getting PM to sell it to me 'supply only' as they said they had to 'tweak' each one to get it to fit.