540c 'sports' exhust same as 570s 'standard'

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So I'm due to pick my 540c up in 2 weeks and was watching Seeing Through Glass' video as he is about to fit a Larini system to his 540c. He mentioned that the 540c 'sports' system is the same as the 570s 'standard' system, something I wasn't aware of! When I test drove the 570s the only thing it lost out to the R8 plus on was the noise, but I was told by the dealer that the sport system fixed this.

Anyway I've spoken to the dealer and cancelled the McLaren sports system and will see how STG gets on with his Larini and probably spend the money on something like that. Anyone else fitted an aftermarket system that they can give feedback on?

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Sarnie said:

As you've bought a car already built and in stock, how have you "cancelled" the sports exhaust?

It had the standard system on the car and they were going to fit the sports this week, but I've told them to cancel. Larini etc seem to be about the same price, if not a bit cheaper and the cats are high flow 300 cell rather than the 600 cell so should help with a bit of power.

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RSK21 said:

I was in exactly the same situation as you, ordered car, asked for sports exhaust retro-fit, did some research and subsequently cancelled to go for a third party solution.

Dealer has told me that a cat back system will be fine warranty wise. Beware though because different dealers say different things.

The Larini system looks pretty good https://larinisystems.com/collection/mclaren/540c/... and a lot cheaper than the McLaren one. Have you made a decision on what you are going to fit?

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SFO said:

the dealer is not the decision maker on whether the warranty is voided by non OEM parts

Just spoken to McLaren head office and they say that the dealer is in fact the one that will tell you if the exhaust voids any warranty. Will give them a call this afternoon.

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ferdi p said:

Makes no sense. Surely they can't let the dealer decide what voids the warranty!?

To quote them 'Have you spoken to your dealer? They will be able to advise you'

I rang the dealer and they are double checking but said on the phone they think it will not void the warranty, even if I replace the cats. It will however void the exhaust warranty. Not really sure how that works seeing as it will be sat in my garage anyway!

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FrankieV12VS said:

Why take the risk for a few more decibels and maybe a slight increase in power? The car isn't exactly a slouch is it? I'll be sticking with the factory fit sports exhaust on mine and sit comfortably not worrying if something goes pop my warranty is invalid. I wouldn't trust a verbal nod from either dealer or factory. If you go this route I'd make sure it is stated very clearly in writing it does not affect or void any part of the warranty.

To be honest the noise is a huge part of the experience for me, having come from TVR and then Maserati it brings the experience together. These aren't micky mouse companies that are welding some pipe together, Larini actually helped develop the exhaust for some of the early McLaren range and they are well respected in the supercar folds. I understand your point though, and wont be doing anything without written conformation my warranty is all good.

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So I've had 'official' word back from McLaren after the dealer spoke to head office.

Basically - Any issues with the engine will be assessed on a case by case basis and if the exhaust is found to be the reason then they will not cover. They did say that as the engine is in such a low state of tune (looking at you P1) this is highly unlikely and would be difficult for them to prove. I have never heard of any inherent engine issues?

I'll see how I get on with the standard system next week, but will more than likely go with something aftermarket, still undecided on replacing the cats or not