Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

When I rebuilt my Elan I ordered and installed the complete Tony Thompson 2 inch Fast Road Exhaust system (header, pipe and muffler). The sound is aggressive but not overly loud and I really like it. Except for one thing....after 2 years the muffler baffles blew out and it was horrible sounding.

Here is a video of the exhaust sound before the baffles blew out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgrl1NBuaWc

As most of you probably know, there aren't many exhaust companies that make a performance muffler for the Elan S1 as it is an unusual shape due to the area it has to fit into. So I knew it had to be custom made. But I didn't want to take a chance of what it would sound like. I had heard the sound of Nouvalari Engineering exhaust systems on a number of sports cars in my area over the years and was very impressed. So I contacted them in the UK to inquire about making me a custom exhaust for my Elan S1. They were happy to do so. Plus, they guarantee their systems for life, so this was a worthwhile exercise.

My new exhaust arrived from the UK. The photos are of the Nouvalari muffler (it has the "ribs" on it) next to the Tony Thompson muffler.



Now I just need some time to install the new muffler and make a new video of the sound of the exhaust. Stay tuned (no pun intended).

-if we'd assume the TTR fits, which i do! and by the pictures assume there's a few geometrical differences, then you'll probably need a strong and athletic wife (or so) to get it fitted! sandy PS my "homemade" muffler (2inch from from to rear) is on this site, sounds lovely and fits perfectly! - this one may too, btw: just looks awkward!

Looking forward to the sound/video clip!

el-saturn wrote:-if we'd assume the TTR fits, which i do! and by the pictures assume there's a few geometrical differences, then you'll probably need a strong and athletic wife (or so) to get it fitted! sandy PS my "homemade" muffler (2inch from from to rear) is on this site, sounds lovely and fits perfectly! - this one may too, btw: just looks awkward!

The TTR fits perfectly and the Nouvalari is identical so there will not be a problem with it fitting. Interestingly enough the original muffler was the same design, although small diameter exhaust pipe.

gjz30075 wrote:Looking forward to the sound/video clip!

As soon as I have it installed!

Bit late now sorry, but you could have just tried repacking the original one:
lotus-twincam-f39/how-repack-non-repackable-silencer-t36438.html

Keith Scarfe wrote:Bit late now sorry, but you could have just tried repacking the original one:
lotus-twincam-f39/how-repack-non-repackable-silencer-t36438.html

Keith, you did an excellent job taking apart your muffler and re packing it. Nicely done! I am looking for a dynamic exhaust sound and figured that an exhaust specialist for sports cars would have it figured out. I will soon find out.

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread, but I'm interested to know what difference in sound the replacement muffler provided ? I'm about to order one from Nouvalari too.

Sorry for never posting a video of the Nouvalari silencer sound. I?ve just finished a 3 year frame off restoration on a 72 Lotus Europa Twin Cam that had me distracted.

The idle is very throaty. Much more than the TTR silencer. People turn their heads when you start the engine. It?s a performance exhaust so it?s loud, but not over the top loud. Under full throttle it?s exceptionally loud (won?t be able to use this at most race tracks). Cruising speed it?s great and no drone.

Just like the TTR silencer I?ve blown through the packing the Nouvalari in 2 years. They all seem to do that. Which means it?s even louder when your on it. Other cars know your coming........