is there a dummies' guide to exhaust upgrades on here?

Budapeststu

New Member
Messages
208
I'm thinking of doing an exhaust upgrade on my 2002 4200 GT, probably Larini. I haven't spoken to them yet but I see I can go for just the rear boxes, the centre section and/or decats.

Can someone give me the basics on the difference between the various combinations so I can make an informed choice when deciding how much to invest?

I'm not worried about increased power, just to make the engine sound like it should. I'm not worried about a making a noise, though it would be nice if the thing wouldn't drone at motorway speeds or even Germany autobahn speeds.

If such a guide already exists can you point me to it? Cheers
 

jpmondalek

Junior Member
Messages
376
If you do Larini X-pipe (club sport centre section) plus Larini mufflers, you car will sound like this...which is a nice thing ;)

[video=youtube;PT8-gsf64GU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT8-gsf64GU&feature=related[/video]

[video=youtube;vPRgcc27Ug0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPRgcc27Ug0[/video]

[video=youtube;T3EGQ_Xvu6k]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3EGQ_Xvu6k[/video]
 
Last edited:

BANANA

New Member
Messages
152
Hi Budapeststu
On hear you will find a lot of differnt advice
BUT if you want your car to sound good try this before spending to much money
Jack her up disconec the back box's then start her up she will sound awesome
then if you like the sound just get a pr of tail pipes made up
might not sound as good as Larini but but dont cost as much
good luck
Find the TUNNEL's
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Well, can only tell you from my experiences. I have Larini de cat (front section) Larini H pipe (mid silenced centre section) OEM link pipes (they are stainless and are just basic straight pipes) Larini valved boxes (rear section).

That system was stupidly loud, so I had Larini mod the de cat pipes, putting in twin non restrictive silencers, and its now how I want it. On my 3200 I had just the Larini rear boxes and that was plenty loud enough.

If I were you, I would fit the rear boxes first, and see how you go. Then if its not loud enough, go for the silenced de cats, that will make it pop and fart, then if you want more volume, do the H pipe.

My system aint cheap, far from it. You may also want to get the valved rear boxes then rig up the solenoid so you can open and close the valves independently from the sport mode, its not difficult. Any auto electrician can do it for you.

Here is a guide on how to mod the GS stock solenoid, all you need to do is add the solenoid as well.

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/showthread.php/313-Exhaust-Solenoid-Valve-Bypass

Here is the system with the silencers added, its more tuned, lowing in volume:

[video=youtube;0OF1R4WVH5M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OF1R4WVH5M[/video]

Here is the system prior to the de cat silencers added, it was very blowy and stupidly loud:

[video=youtube;q5Md8T9OhdA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Md8T9OhdA[/video]


Good luck

Matt
 
Last edited:

Leigh E

New Member
Messages
22
Has anyone tried the rpi straight through rear pipes on the 3200? I noticed my backboxes were looking a little worse for wear when it was up on the ramps today and thought this may be an economic solution?
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
I know one guy fitted them and was stunned just how good it was. If your on a budget, and these suit your needs, simply remove the rear boxes before ordering them, it will give you the same sound.

[video=youtube;Z0cnvckAlOo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0cnvckAlOo[/video]
 

Leigh E

New Member
Messages
22
im scared to remove the backboxes as one in particular is very rusty. The only thing putting me off with the RPI pipes is the single exit. I love the look of the 4 tailpipes
 

Budapeststu

New Member
Messages
208
JP, That's my favourite combination of the sound I'm looking for and the budget I have to play with. I'll talk to Larini and start looking for a way to put the cash together!
 

Budapeststu

New Member
Messages
208
Thanks, Banana, I'll give that a go as well. In the end I'm happy to make the investment in the car as I plan to keep it long-term and Larini seems to offer the best price/quality/results balance.
 

Budapeststu

New Member
Messages
208
Wow, Matt. Now that is an amazing sound. I guess it's the de cats that make the difference between how yours sounds and how JP's sounds. The switchable option does sound wise, as I won't always want to be a noisy boy. I assume this is just as possible with a 4200 GT where the sport button has no connection to the stock exhaust.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Wow, Matt. Now that is an amazing sound. I guess it's the de cats that make the difference between how yours sounds and how JP's sounds. The switchable option does sound wise, as I won't always want to be a noisy boy. I assume this is just as possible with a 4200 GT where the sport button has no connection to the stock exhaust.

Yes, all you will need are several meters of twin core wire, several meters of vacuum hose a few connectors and a solenoid.

you will then have to mount the solenoid, rig up the vacuum lines and then the wiring.

Here is the how to (for modding an existing GS system):
http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/showthread.php/313-Exhaust-Solenoid-Valve-Bypass
 

alexholmes

New Member
Messages
75
Matt, how did you get on with the Larini decats? I was under the impression that European GS had the cat pipes coming off the manifolds with the 2 catalysts in each and that the US spec had 2 manifold cats and a pipe with another 2 cats. I thought the Larini decat was only for use with US cars thus leaving the 2 manifold cats in place so you don't get check engine light? Am I missing something or is my 2005 GS different to later models? Want the pops and farts of decats but without any check engine lights etc
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Alex, on the UK GS, you do indeed get the 2 header cats, which I still have, then further down you have 2 more secondary cats, those are the ones the Larini De cat replaces.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Alex, you could but you would have to put it back on for MOT each time, then without any cats, you might get an engine light.
 

lozcb

Member
Messages
12,304
Alex what year is your GS , i believe the early ones were slightly different and have 4 lamba sensors , one going to each cat , that unfortunately is the dearer option decat wise , best to have a quick look underneath and see how many lambda sensors you have , if its just the two then yours is the later spec same as mine and matts , and all the cheaper options are available to you


regards loz