If in doubt...

If any of you out there have been thinking about adding the switchable sports exhaust... do it. The boys at Paragon have just fitted one for me and I am regretting leaving it 2 years before taking the plunge. One piece of advice though, get it done when the weather is better..... I have now have double pnuemonia from driving everywhere with the window open listening to that glorious sound.

... or have your standard exhaust modded (without the switch) for a couple of hundred quid.[ ]

I know what you mean P, I bought a C4S with one fitted having previously had a C4 with a stock exhaust - I couldn't imagine life without one now. I also got rid of the speed cut off from the relay and it is even better to hear the exhaust across the full range of the rev band. I can't wait for weather to get warmer as I have a Cab and I hope to have the top down to enjoy the symphony up close and personal! You come a fair old way to get it done though - Suffolk to East Sussex? RB

Hmm! Sounds interesting (pun intended). P - can I ask how much? Is there a power/perf change (presume if there is it's an improvement...)? Can it be done to all models (I have a standard '98 C2)? Like the comment about waiting for it to warm up, it made I laugh. John, can I ask you the same questions plus what is the relevance of switchable/non-switchable? Might be interesting to see a comparison of pros and cons for each method against a standard car. Cheers, Martyn

There's no change in performance (that I've noticed anyway) on the modified system. It would be an easy job to do it to a 98 car (basically the same as mine). As far as the switch is concerned, my own view is that if I have a sports exhaust, why would I want to switch it off (except perhaps to keep the neighbours happy)? The earlier cars with the sports exhaust never had a switch anyway. I've noticed the same problem with the windows as well! [ ]

Is it not too loud / annoying at motorway cruise speeds ?

Not at all annoying or boomy on the motorway. That was one of the things I was worried about with the by-pass mod. Also, it isn't much louder than standard at engine speeds below 3000prm, so I don't wake the neighbours. The only downside to the mod is that it would probably fail a noise test at a track day.

I have it and it's switchable. I do actually switch it off sometimes. Sometimes I just wanna get somewhere unnoticed , a bit like a silent predator !! [ ] Most of the time its on and people do hear you coming and look round but loud exhaust save lives !!![ ]

I agree with Richard's points. I had a 'modded' exhaust fitted (made by Oettle - do a search on Ebay). FYI at 3800 revs I was getting 103.9db IIRC (a tiptronic in neutral wont let you rev past 4k I think, so it would be louder at the stipulated sound test revs)

Interesting posts. I have a factory fitted sports exhaust (XLF) fitted to a MY2002 C2 I bought last summer, but it doesn't appear to be switchable, at least there is no obvious switch in the car. I have been told that when originally spec'd one had a choice of having it switchable or not, if that is the case does anyone know if it's possible that the switch can be retrofitted? Why? You may ask, because for sure it sounds fantastic, [ ] like a big angry dog growling "get outta my way" at low revs as I pootle around town followed by relative quiet until you hit 5000 when there's a fantastic flat six wail. Anyway, reason is I did my first track day recently and at 4500 rpm it was measured at 103db which will preclude me from many of the track days I mighht otherwise have gone on. Having a switch would be useful to get through the noise test. Anyone any suggestions? Thanks.

Ther's no reason why it couldn't be retrofitted. It's quite a long job - probably 3-4 hours. I have the instructions for fitting the PSE (which includes the switch) so email me if you would like details.

I agree with Richard and John Ware, no change in performance that I can detect, and it is fine at Motorway speed. The switch is great for the those early morning starts. Also, as I think Richard said, between 2k and 3k revs you can hardly detect a change, above 3k and she starts to sing! I still use the guys at Paragon for my yearly service, and had it done whilst I was there. Nothing against the local guys in Suffolk, just like to stick with those I know. In asnwer to how long, and how much, I haven't got the bill in front of me, but I was quoted about 5/6 hours labour at indy prices plus the cost of the kit (£1,250ish, plus VAT). PS. A little bit of bragging also... my rear tyres passed their MOT, the garage couldn't believe they were the same Contis that I bought the car with 23,000 miles ago (and they were second hand then...). Paul

Interesting ... I would have expected a nice sounding exhaust and 23,000 miles on rear tyres to be mutually exclusive :0)