Dear Ferrarista! I have had an 812 GTS since new, now 1600 km on the clock. I've already installed the Capristo valve controller, and now I'm considering an upgrade with Novitec x-pipe + Sport cats (including Novitec Tectronic). Not to include the back boxes. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to hear an upgraded car in person. I've already searched the related FC threads but have not find my answers: 1- Would the upgraded car (Sport cats) illegal on public roads (I live in Ontario, Canada)? 2- Any harsh sound on start-up? 3- Any droning at any speed? 4- Any smell of fumes (Sport cats)? 5- Would Novitec Tectronic drain the battery? and overall, would you recommend such upgrade? I would greatly appreciate your feedbacks and experiences! Many thanks!
No. I do own an 812 GTS. I do want to install the Novitec. But I haven't gotten around to it. Right now (this week) I am installing a Capristo and Fabspeed headers on my 355. So one car at a time.
I consulted my dealer and he recommended me to try first by upgrading with x-pipe and sport cats. He said it would increase the volume without affecting the character of the sound. He said often that would be sufficient, or else we could go with replacing the back boxes too. Would be nice to hear a feedback from someone who has already done this.
I have the full Novitec setup with Xpipe and 100 Cell Cats on my TDF. Whilst it is totally wild, I am not sure that it suits the character of the GTS. One thing that I would do, I were you would be, go straight over to the sports Cats as these are the things that muffle the noise the most. Then see what you think. For a pure sound bite;
no fumes and no droning. small HP and Torque gains. muffler delete - mufflers removed from exhaust system.
I agree with that already. Start with downpipes with race cats for big increase in sound. Then if you want higher-pitched sound, add the x-pipe. The muffler/back-boxes should be the last priority as they make minimal difference.
1. The Novitec downpipes will delete the OPF/GPF filter (if your car has one), which is definitely illegal here in Australia. But how likely are police to check and to know that that particular car had an OPF/GPF originally. Not even the Ferrari dealerships know without checking. 2. With Novitec downpipes, cold start is very loud & harsh with valves open. But with the Novitec valve controller you can set it to closed before start-up and it will be much quieter. 3. Not droning but there is a background sound at idle or low revs 4. Can't comments, haven't installed the downpipes (yet) 5. Can't comment, haven't installed (yet) Here is comparison of stock sound with just Novitec muffler & X-pipe only (stock downpipe): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FtGhDNfO3V4 In short, the downpipes make the big difference in sound volume and I would definitely start there first. If you then want a higher-pitched sound, add the x-pipe. Only do the muffler/back-boxes if after all that you still want to try it, as the muffler won't change the sound much and is expensive.
Can you post a video or sound file so we can hear what that sounds like? I assume there are no valves now? (i.e. no valves to quieter the sound when desired)
Hi I have a fair amount of experience with different exhaust set ups (having spent too much time & money on such products!). I have a 812 GTS with X pipe, Novitec rears, 200 cell cats and exhaust valve controller. The sports cats are the things that make the biggest difference for volume. Adding the X pipe ensures it has the scream at high revs. To answer your questions 1) Difficult to answer as each country has different rules. The key things to check are (1) is it illegal to remove a GPF device (which fitting sports cats will involve) and (2) will the car still pass smog test / annual vehicle check (whatever that is called in Canada)? For the second, you should be fine because the car still has cats and should pass emissions (mine did). As noted by someone else, the risk of getting busted is pretty low. Your average cop is not going to know the details of GPF and which cars are supposed to have it. The other consideration (and I think it's a remote risk) is that if you have an accident AND the insurer deems your car was not road worthy (since GPF removal might be illegal) they might try to deny a claim. This didn't stop me doing it. 2) Yes, the cold start is pretty brutal as a result of the sports cats being far less restrictive (i.e. a lot louder)! Not recommended if you will be leaving early and have neighbours (that you like) 3) No, not an issue 4) No, not an issue. This is only really a problem if you de-cat (which is WAY too loud and will be illegal) 5) No, not an issue. But put the car on trickle charge anyway, like all Ferrari (unless you drive regularly) Hope that helps, Karl
curious do the 200 cell cats requrie a tune for the o2 sensors to adjust and prevent check engine light or its not an issue?
If the car is not fitted with GPF then the 200-cell cats may be OBDII compliant and not cause a CEL. If it is equipped with GPF (most GTS are) then you will need to remap/install OBD unit to avoid CEL. Best to install the Tectronic unit to be safe
I have a full Kline inconel system on my car with straight pipes instead of catalytic converters. So no Cats, no GPF on my 812 GTS. 1) Illegal in Ontario, but I've never had any issues without running cats for years. Just don't drive around like a dummy attracting attention and cops will leave you alone. We don't have smog checks anymore so this shouldn't be an issue. 2) With valves open, brutal. With valves closed, slightly less brutal but still very loud. 3) Some drone with valves open, with valves closed zero issues. Honestly there's more wind noise than drone on the highway. 4) I don't have cats on my car so I have a very strong fuel smell at idle. 5) No, never had an issue with the Techtronic and my batteries.
Never heard of anyone de-cat'ing a GTS! I salute you, sir! It's plenty loud with my 200 cell cats (and not sure I could deal with the fuel smell) so I wouldn't but glad to hear people out there are more crazy than me Fully agree about the risk of getting busted - like most car modifications, if you don't drawn lots of attention unnecessarily, you will generally be fine.