MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => General => Topic started by: Zxrob on September 12, 2019, 19:55

Title: A bit of guidance
Post by: Zxrob on September 12, 2019, 19:55
Hi folks
Recently got my 04 red edition,  planning on keeping it pretty standard, however,  I do want a bit more engine/exhaust noise

I ain't looking for more performance so was thinking of an aftermarket intake, new headers and decat exhaust, obviously something that will go through an MOT

I know it's all about personal choice,  but any recommendations that won't break the bank and are pretty easy to fit for an average DIY guy

Cheers Rob
Title: Re: A bit of guidance
Post by: Ardent on September 12, 2019, 22:47
"decat exhaust, obviously something that will go through an MOT"
Might be a desire to far. There are folks on here strugglingto get through a MOT WITH a cat, let alone without.

Many threads on here re zorst options. The search is your friend.
A lot of evidence of after market induction systems giving the desired sound increase, but often at performance decrease.
Title: Re: A bit of guidance
Post by: Zxrob on September 12, 2019, 23:23
Quote from: Ardent on September 12, 2019, 22:47"decat exhaust, obviously something that will go through an MOT"
Might be a desire to far. There are folks on here strugglingto get through a MOT WITH a cat, let alone without.

Many threads on here re zorst options. The search is your friend.
A lot of evidence of after market induction systems giving the desired sound increase, but often at performance decrease.

Thanks for the reply, search functions are great but tiresome,  just thought I'd ask as to folks experience,  for a lovely looking sports roadster it just sounds lame standard

Cheers rob
Title: Re: A bit of guidance
Post by: Carolyn on September 13, 2019, 08:29
More 'sporty' sounding exhausts are out there, and do occasionally come up for sale in the club.

You might enquire with our breakers as to what they have.

The 'TTE' seems to be popular.

As for the inlet.  It really is best left alone.  The car might sound more sporty with an aftermarket one, but it almost certainly won't run as well.

'Schnazzle' (one of our committee members) has had a lot of experience messing around with intakes over several years.  He recently went back to the stock set-up. You might want to look at the recent thread @the last word on intakes'.
Title: Re: A bit of guidance
Post by: 1979scotte on September 13, 2019, 08:34
Fit a Tte cobra fox Che whatever exhaust you like but leave the rest alone very little to be gained except noise from messing about with cone filters and the like.
Bracing and tyres along with a good maintenance regime are best.

Or you could put a V6 in it. 😈
Title: Re: A bit of guidance
Post by: Ozzy on September 16, 2019, 12:57
A free mod you can do without sacrificing power is drill the bottom of your airbox with loads of holes. That'll give you a nice induction sound but without any of the problems... I know alot of you are not going to like this but hey, it works and sounds nice.

If you're still wanting more noise, how about an electronic exhaust valve? This is basically adding an extra bit of piping splitting off from your exhaust (ideally before the silencer) and can be opened/closed remotely, allowing you to switch between loud and stock.

Not the best but here's a quick video of mine.

Title: Re: A bit of guidance
Post by: shnazzle on September 16, 2019, 13:48
Quote from: Ozzy on September 16, 2019, 12:57A free mod you can do without sacrificing power is drill the bottom of your airbox with loads of holes. That'll give you a nice induction sound but without any of the problems... I know alot of you are not going to like this but hey, it works and sounds nice.

If you're still wanting more noise, how about an electronic exhaust valve? This is basically adding an extra bit of piping splitting off from your exhaust (ideally before the silencer) and can be opened/closed remotely, allowing you to switch between loud and stock.

Not the best but here's a quick video of mine.

Can't really endorse this for 2 reasons:


1) MR2 breakers are not as well-stocked as they used to be so if you want to get back to stock, you may struggle to find an airbox. Not so much NOW, but the time will come
2) The airbox sits about 4 inches from the exhaust. It's shielded from direct heat, but if you drill holes in the bottom of the box, you are actually sucking flaming hot air into the intake that would otherwise pass by.

If you want a crude approach to more noise that is a lot less destructive, just remove the elbow pipe from the intake box to behind the rear light. Same effect, no damage, less chance of sucking in hot air. It really does add a fair bit of induction noise. Try it out, if you don't like it, put the pipe back. Requires only a Philips screwdriver to remove the rear light. 3 minutes work.
Title: Re: A bit of guidance
Post by: jonbill on September 16, 2019, 18:29
How about this?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F401196994752