Cracking in exhaust final stage...

[u769345]

Hi all,
I suspect I have a crack in the exhaust system in the final pipe (leading to the chrome ends) just aft of the rear box.
Has anyone experienced this. If so what can one do about it and if the whole rear exhaust system needs replacing, is it an easy job to do by oneself?
I think I remember seeing something along the lines on an Esprit site so will check there but any info would be appreciated...
Kind regards,
Ed
('97 Esprit V8)

[kmaier]

To date, I've had two exhaust systems replaced under warranty for cracking in the exit pipes. It would appear that the vendor has sent out quite a few exhaust systems which have stress welds, ie, the pipes are not formed correctly so they "hold" it in place while they weld on the small support brackets. The end result is the exit pipes start cracking... and buzzing. It's a fairly quick job, in fact, Rob recently replaced his exhaust with one from Moto-Concept and posted pics as well. Now that my car is approaching the end of warranty, if it cracks again, I'll most likely use a non-oem unit like Rob did.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[rob.ellis]

Ed - taking the unit off is very easy, even i can do it(!) two bolts and two clamps and its off - you don't event need to a lift or stands.

The easiest fix is get to get the unit off and take it to someone who can weld. It will be a five minute job to fix for a skilled welder. If you go this route, get the guy to put a blob of weld on the chrome tips at the same time as these are prone to rattling when the welds break.

I recently "retired" my sports exhaust and replaced it with one from moto-concept. I've kept it as a spare so i can return the car to factory spec if required if i ever sell it. That sports exhaust was welded up (cracked in exactly the same place you describe) over 12 months ago and was still holding up fine. The moto-concept system is very similar in design but is of better quality manufacture and has some additional bracing to stop the cracking problem.

There's some good info on andy whittaker's site on remove/refit procedure:
www.andywhittaker.com/lotus/v8gt-exhaust.htm

hope that helps.
Rob

ps - where are you based? If you want to borrow my sports exhast whilst you get yours fixed your welcome - just let me know.

[u769345]

thanks for the replies and that is a very generous offer Rob. Just out of interest, and apologies if posted earlier, but how much should a new Lotus sports exhaust system cost(just the rear box bit) and how much was your new exhaust system, Rob? By all accounts the V8 sounds better for a new exhaust.
I was considering in the meantime patching the old fella up with exhaust tape as a stopgap measure.
You sound confident, Rob, that one could order the exhaust and fit it by yourself (maybe with Dad helping!!!). Long job?
Thanks again for the very prompt replies,
Ed