Stage 2 exhaust OK for trackdays?
Discussion
I've read differing views on this, but can't find any definite information. Is a stage 2 exhaust too loud for most trackdays in the UK?
If anyone has passed or failed the noise tests at Bedford with an S2 Elise fitted with a stage 2 + Pipercross induction kit fitted, then please let me know
If anyone has passed or failed the noise tests at Bedford with an S2 Elise fitted with a stage 2 + Pipercross induction kit fitted, then please let me know
That's the thing - I don't know what the db level of an Elise with Stage 2 plus Pipercross kit is, and my other half isn't getting her car until March, by which time it'll be too late to change if it turns out to be too loud.
The other thing I've found is that different circuits will sometimes come up with different noise levels as they don't test in exactly the same way, so I'd prefer to hear from people who've got 1st hand experience, as the circuits won't confirm whether your car is OK unless they test it.
Maybe we could have a list of circuits and type of car that was tested?
The other thing I've found is that different circuits will sometimes come up with different noise levels as they don't test in exactly the same way, so I'd prefer to hear from people who've got 1st hand experience, as the circuits won't confirm whether your car is OK unless they test it.
Maybe we could have a list of circuits and type of car that was tested?
I've the stage 2 and Pipercross combo. So far the only UK track I've been to with it is Brands in July and as with all previous visits there I wasn't tested.
The car's very loud at the moment due to the colder, denser air.
Edit:
P.S. Lotus on Track list the noise limits for many of the tracks on their site here www.lotus-on-track.com. Bedford is 101db static/87db at 20m. I know some drivers short shift near the drive-by test points to get round the problem.
I might be able to get hold of a noise meter at work. If I can I'll static test mine and post the result - the Exige won't be that much different to the 111R.
>> Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 26th January 20:32
The car's very loud at the moment due to the colder, denser air.
Edit:
P.S. Lotus on Track list the noise limits for many of the tracks on their site here www.lotus-on-track.com. Bedford is 101db static/87db at 20m. I know some drivers short shift near the drive-by test points to get round the problem.
I might be able to get hold of a noise meter at work. If I can I'll static test mine and post the result - the Exige won't be that much different to the 111R.
>> Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 26th January 20:32
Bookatrack hire out noise meters by post for a very reasonable price, or you can generally just turn up at an existing trackday to just get tested if you're polite. To make sure you can get on most tracks with no hassle you really need to be 98db static. 103 is noisy, but you'll probably get away with it at places like Snett/Brands/Croft/Silverstone. No way at Donington or Bedford or Combe. They get wise to short shifting by the noise meters and in my old Cerbie which scraped the static they made me go out with an instructor to make sure I used full throttle! I didn't even get to do more than a few corners. You've left the cat in or replaced with a sports cat rather than decat? These have a significantly quietening effect.
To be honest, noise is such a hassle these days I would leave the exhaust standard - nothing more annoying than getting no track time after all the time driving and getting no refund.
To be honest, noise is such a hassle these days I would leave the exhaust standard - nothing more annoying than getting no track time after all the time driving and getting no refund.
I've actually got a noise meter, but it's a new car so we can't test it until it's built, with whatever exhaust is fitted. Then of course you've got the issue of different circuits using different meters and testing methods...
My girlfriend is really keen to go for the stage 2 + induction kit, but only if we can be sure that it will be OK at Bedford. The dealer doesn't think it will be a problem, but like you say, noise is a big hassle these days so we'd like to hear from people with 1st hand experience.
If only it was as easy as swapping the cans on my Tuscan
My girlfriend is really keen to go for the stage 2 + induction kit, but only if we can be sure that it will be OK at Bedford. The dealer doesn't think it will be a problem, but like you say, noise is a big hassle these days so we'd like to hear from people with 1st hand experience.
If only it was as easy as swapping the cans on my Tuscan
Sharm said:
The dealer doesn't think it will be a problem
They're having a laugh!
sorry Ed but I agree mate. Having heard the Stage 2 on a 111R erm, it won't pass. Also noteworthy that even non-trackday enthusiasts have ditched the Stage 2's (or offered them for swap) after becoming fed up with the noise continuously.
shnozz said:Ah - this isn't looking so good for the stage 2 then
The dealer doesn't think it will be a problem
They're having a laugh!
sorry Ed but I agree mate. Having heard the Stage 2 on a 111R erm, it won't pass. Also noteworthy that even non-trackday enthusiasts have ditched the Stage 2's (or offered them for swap) after becoming fed up with the noise continuously.
How about the stage 1, or is it really best to stick with the stock system + Pipercross kit?
Chances are whatever you spec won't be fitted at the factory but by the dealer. You could just take the car with the standard system and see how you get on with it, then when you're tracking her check out what others have got on theirs. Later on change the system when the car's in for service and up on the ramps. Unless you absolutely have to have a Lotus exhaust you may even get to save a bit of money.
The joke is Lotus list the stage 2 as "for track use only". Yeah, right.
>> Edited by Sharm on Friday 27th January 16:29
The joke is Lotus list the stage 2 as "for track use only". Yeah, right.
>> Edited by Sharm on Friday 27th January 16:29
Oh dear - this is looking bad for the Stage 2 exhaust (Ed has been asking these questions on my behalf cos I so rarely get to come on PH these days). When I test drove the S2 Exige at the dealer, it had a standard exhaust with induction kit fitted and sounded really sweet. It was reasonably quiet when not giving it stick, but when you did it was so amazing I couldn't stop laughing!
Looks like this is the nail in the coffin for the Stage 2 exhaust. Much as I'm used to the beautiful sound of Ed's Tuscan, I don't want to be stuck with an exhaust I can't change that easily and can't go on track with....
Looks like this is the nail in the coffin for the Stage 2 exhaust. Much as I'm used to the beautiful sound of Ed's Tuscan, I don't want to be stuck with an exhaust I can't change that easily and can't go on track with....
slamm said:
Oh dear - this is looking bad for the Stage 2 exhaust (Ed has been asking these questions on my behalf cos I so rarely get to come on PH these days). When I test drove the S2 Exige at the dealer, it had a standard exhaust with induction kit fitted and sounded really sweet. It was reasonably quiet when not giving it stick, but when you did it was so amazing I couldn't stop laughing!
Looks like this is the nail in the coffin for the Stage 2 exhaust. Much as I'm used to the beautiful sound of Ed's Tuscan, I don't want to be stuck with an exhaust I can't change that easily and can't go on track with....
my sports exhaust came with an engine upgrade package but is quiet when not giving it full beans but then roars. I must say, after the Chimaera with straight through pipes, its quite nice to have the noise on demand and when caning it, but not constantly if I desire.
Personally I would take the advice from the previous poster and have it as standard initially and then see whether you want to upgrade it later. If so, you will have heard loads of different options by then and could possibly cost you less that way anyway...
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