Disappointed Elise SC first test drive
Discussion
In the market for a an Elise SC and had my first opportunity to test drive one last week.
There was no doubt about its ability to shift but the sound was uninspiring.
There was no supercharger sound at all.
My missus has a Mini JCW and the induction noise when pressed is brilliant so wasn't expecting this. My old S1 felt more fun.
A TRD was suggested but that would involve a leap of faith as I couldn't hear it first.
I want a car that goes well and gives a thrilling sound.
Appreciate your comments.
There was no doubt about its ability to shift but the sound was uninspiring.
There was no supercharger sound at all.
My missus has a Mini JCW and the induction noise when pressed is brilliant so wasn't expecting this. My old S1 felt more fun.
A TRD was suggested but that would involve a leap of faith as I couldn't hear it first.
I want a car that goes well and gives a thrilling sound.
Appreciate your comments.
I've got the TRD airbox and a Lotus Sport Stage 1 exhaust on an Exige.
End result is a gorgeous induction bark/cough on hard throttle, significant supercharger whine and a reasonable exhaust note (nothing too excessive at idle) with very occasional pops on the overrun.
With breathing systems it's always a bit subjective but I'm sure you can find a fitting solution for you. The TRD airbox gets almost universal approval certainly. (Oh, and it added just shy of 10BHP on the dyno too...
)
End result is a gorgeous induction bark/cough on hard throttle, significant supercharger whine and a reasonable exhaust note (nothing too excessive at idle) with very occasional pops on the overrun.
With breathing systems it's always a bit subjective but I'm sure you can find a fitting solution for you. The TRD airbox gets almost universal approval certainly. (Oh, and it added just shy of 10BHP on the dyno too...
)
Leggy said:
Interesting.
Surely the sound of a car is part of the driving experience.
A quiet sports car?
I have a TRD and 2bular 8x24 exhaust. The supercharger whine is addictive now but not intrusive.Surely the sound of a car is part of the driving experience.
A quiet sports car?
Same goes for the exhaust as it sounds quiet and almost standard at low revs however once on cam with the s/c wailing its sounds mega.
Do it
I moved from a Boxster S to the Exige S with stock airbox and exhaust.
Truly gutted about the noise. Really missed the proper sports car sound of the Porker.
Love absolutely everything else about the Exige though.
My Xmas present to myself will be TRD with 2bular 8x24. (If not sooner...)
Truly gutted about the noise. Really missed the proper sports car sound of the Porker.
Love absolutely everything else about the Exige though.
My Xmas present to myself will be TRD with 2bular 8x24. (If not sooner...)
I am in the band of I don't really mind that mine does not have a great sound (elise sc here).
That said I love it when I hear an Elise with a Larini. Just never bothered me enough to sort on my car and personally i like to listen to the stereo (I have had to stick in a mini sub to get almost ok music out of there). Sacriledge I know !
And the bonus is I have never had (and never will) any issues with any sound checks at any tracks.
If thats the only disapointment though for you - it can be rectified and in fact I would suggest looking at cars that already have a different exhaust, etc
If the car left you underwhelmed in other areas - well then thats a little harder.
That said I love it when I hear an Elise with a Larini. Just never bothered me enough to sort on my car and personally i like to listen to the stereo (I have had to stick in a mini sub to get almost ok music out of there). Sacriledge I know !
And the bonus is I have never had (and never will) any issues with any sound checks at any tracks.
If thats the only disapointment though for you - it can be rectified and in fact I would suggest looking at cars that already have a different exhaust, etc
If the car left you underwhelmed in other areas - well then thats a little harder.
Lotus have the balance just right IMO. By default you have a quiet high performance sports car, with which you can with very easily and fairly cheaply upgrade to sound as aggressive as you could ever wish for. Each to your own, some like noise, some don't.
Edited by SeanyD on Friday 8th November 08:26
I've got a 2bular and a TRD on my NA 111R. I really wasn't happy with the OEM sound, and while it still suffers from a lack of cylinders, it sounds much better now. When I had the TRD fitted, the first time I heard the induction noise at the cam change point I burst out laughing - suddenly gets very aggressive sounding.
The nice thing about a 2bular is that you can discuss exactly what you want with Jim and get just the right exhaust for you. The downside is that lead times can be long if he hasn't got just what you want on the shelf. You'll have to pay to get it fitted whichever you buy (or DIY).
The nice thing about a 2bular is that you can discuss exactly what you want with Jim and get just the right exhaust for you. The downside is that lead times can be long if he hasn't got just what you want on the shelf. You'll have to pay to get it fitted whichever you buy (or DIY).
Leggy said:
Are there many alternative exhaust suppliers? 2bular looks like a one man business and I assume I'd have to fit it myself. Who are Larini, and do Lotus offer any?
2bular, Larini, Janspeed, and Lotus do their own Stage 1/2/3 (although if I recall correctly they may be made by Janspeed).Larini Club / ClubSport being two of the more sought after.
My Exige S is completely standard and while the whine on the supercharger is quite nice it definitely lacks the noise to match the looks and performace of the car!
My christmas present will also be a 2bular and TRD box and have it all fitted by the time the car comes back out to play in March
My christmas present will also be a 2bular and TRD box and have it all fitted by the time the car comes back out to play in March
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff