Larini exhaust and manifold for Exige V6

[CaptainSlow]

In addition to the previous threads about aftermarket exhaust systems there's also Larini Systems. As per their web site they offer various variants of exhausts as well as manifold and sports catalyst. Systems available both with and without valve control. Link: http://larinisystems.com/collection/lotus/exige-s-v6

I fitted a Larini system to my previous Opel Speedster (VX220) and was very pleased with both the finish and the sound. But given that at least here in Sweden track owners are getting more and more picky about noice I'd go for a system with valve control.

Finally, I'm not in any way involved in Larini systems or any of their retailers.

[Vipers]

This is what I will probably be adding to my LF1 sometime next year after being really pleased with my Larini Race back box that I have been running on my Elise for the last few years, really love the look and sound of the Larini systems, would like to go the whole hog this time with the manifold aswell

[Bibs]

Did you speak to Yvo at the Festival?

[Vipers]

No I didn't Bibs, sounds like I missed a trick there, when I bought my Larini last time I ordered direct from Larini, maybe I should give the Elise Shop a buzz for the V6, do you know if they fit also?

[The Pits]

I really like the look of these Larini pipes but who would you get to remap the ecu so that it all ran properly?

[Bibs]

Elise Shop are based in Holland but have a UK warehouse in Maidenhead on site with Steve Williams Lotus, they'll fit it for you just fine! 

[Vipers]

That's great news, thanks for the heads up Bibs as the guys I used to fit my Larini on the Elise didn't quite fit it straight so the rear pipes look slightly wonky which drives me absolutely mad every time I look at the car from the rear, so be nice to get it fitted properly.

 

I'll have to ask them about the re-mapping also as that is not something I even thought about tbh.

[Bibs]

Steve races an Evora in LCE so knows the car inside out, they're a well reputed outfit

 

[Vipers]

Perfect, thanks Bibs 

[Vipers]

After running my LF1 for a few months I decided to get the Larini backbox fitted today whilst in for its first service, I really wanted the whole system fitted but was warned by Lotus Silverstone that it could cause warranty issues but I should get away with just the backbox, so I will add the manifold at a later date.

 

What a transformation though, I always felt that the stock Exige exhaust lacked any real character, maybe that is because I had a Larini on my Elise for 4 years so just got used to it, but now it really does sound awesome when given some welly, certainly makes you drive like a hooligan though

[Fortis]

You need to post up a sound clip ASAP Paul 

[BillTheButcher]

You need to post up a sound clip ASAP Paul 

+1.

 

I love my Exige but the exhaust note could be better.

[Vipers]

OK guys, I'll try and get a video up over the weekend

[V6Cup]

Yep defo, vid awaited with interest..!

 

if it is not too impolite to ask, what was the £££ for the backbox and fitting?

[Edison Ngu]

Post video pls

[Vipers]

Hi Guys,

 

Didn't manage to get the Exige out this weekend but got 4 days at Silverstone this week though for the GP so will get some Vids shot then and upload.

 

Cheers,

[Vipers]

Hi Guys,

 

I shot the below vids when coming back from the British GP yesterday, not the best but hopefully it will give a good idea to the sound, once revved past 4000 it really does come on song, still can't stop thinking that I need the manifold as well though

 

 

The idea was to do a drive by and then turn round and come back but a Mustang decided to join in, it actually makes a good comparison against the Larini

 

[Neal H]

It does sound good!

 

The big question though is what does it sound like on the inside? I have found in the past that what sounds good on the outside can just sound annoying on the inside, and as that's where I spend all my time it's rather important

[Vipers]

It definitely sounds better on the inside than the stock exhaust but there is no questioning that it sounds better again on the outside, when sitting in traffic on the M1 yesterday when driving home form the GP people were asking me to rev it for them for fun

 

I'm certainly very happy with it although it does make you a more rev happy driver.

 

I'll upload a vid tomorrow from inside the cockpit.

[Vipers]

Here ya go, not as good as the exterior sound but still a lot of fun - 

 

[Fortis]

Sounds great Paul 

[The Pits]

Is it still switchable?

[Vipers]

Yes it is but I can't really hear much difference tbh, in fact I rang Elise-Shop to check the valve still worked the same way which they assured me it did.

[YvoTuk]

Despite what Dealers or even some people within Lotus are saying, an exhaust system will not void warranty as long as they cannot physically prove an issue is caused by the exhaust system.

Funny enough I've heard Lotus sales reps recommending Larini systems while another rep would say it would void warranty.

Warranty is not a guesture from the manufacturer, it's something they're obliged to give. Failing to do so makes a manufacturer liable. The way the warranty needs to be applied is laid out in consumer laws.

I can only guess why some dealers or Lotus are saying these kind of things, might be commercial, might be the good old 'you're not going to change our product' mentality, might be something else.

A remap specifically for the manifold would be great but it will work without. The main gain is the removal of both cats and replacement of the very short manifold into a properly tuned manifold with long primaries etc. it's not just a cat replacement!

Mind you, swapping the OE manifolds for a Larini manifold also means you will need a sports cat as the original cats were part of the manifold.

At the moment, we are offering two different rear silencers for the Evora and Exige V6. The Sports system and the Sports system with valve control.

The Sports system is the quieter version of the two and although that doesn't have a valve it is perfectly fine to be used on an Exige V6 if you prefer it to produce less noise but still want sporty sound.

We are working on a new system with valve control but this is a couple of months away.

[YvoTuk]

Sorry forgot to mention one thing.

 

If you're having trouble with a dealer or even Lotus saying a particular product will void your warranty, best way to get round this is to ask them to put it in writing.

 

If they refuse, put it in writing yourself and send them a recorded letter asking them to confirm what they've already told you.

 

Bottomline is they can't just invalidate a warranty based on a modification when it gets formal they will back away or at least tell you the real story (which is: the warranty on a particular part of the car can only be invalidated if they're able to deliver proof that part failed as a result of you adding or changing the other part)