What exhaust for my 550?

Following on from houties thread on the 355, i'm looking for the right setup for my 550 due shortly.

I've had a 355 previously, and opted for a TUBI (box only) and was very happy with the result.

However, not too convinced with the sound of the TUBI on a 550 as it just bellows at low revs and then disappears when you get further up the band.
I don't want something that will drone or drown me out but do want something with a good sporty note.

Any ideas or links people?

 

had the Tubi on my 550 and it sounded fantastic but was very loud on tickover.

when you put your foot down it sounded sweet

 

any sound bites?
most of what i have heard have been bellowing at low revs, but then just die after that!
did you have the centre replaced also?


...so far, i like the sound of the larini...

 

just been on to the folks at Verdi and they do a Capristo for a 550 as well as a 355 - they've suggested I go there and listen to the system on a 355 - from what they said they keep a few models in and around their depot for customer assessments. As you're in London why not give them a bell? (020 8756 0066)
http://www.capristoexhausts.co.uk/

 

houtie, thanks for the info.
spoken to them last week about tubi and capristo. was given some good advice on how extreme various options can be and they helped steer me with regards what might be best suited for my application.

however, i'm always one to shop around properly before i enagage/investigate with any one supplier.
no dis-credit to scuderia (as i've used them before and have no complaints), but they are in a better position to sell Tubi/Capristo to me, as opposed to Larini, quicksliver, fuchs etc.

 

Yeah -every supplier has their "favourite" system - it's up to us to sort them out. I done a bit of digging on Larinis - some independents around me rate them, but the proof of the pudding is in the hearing. The cooment in the thread about side by side tests of Tubu vs Cap is interesting. I'm sure you do pay for brand names here, but I object to being asked to pay a 50% premium just because the system is made for a ferrari.

My summary seems to be :
Capristo : v expensive but you get what you pay for
Tubi : v good but boomy at low revs and tiresome on a 60+ mile trip
Larini : not enough of a customer base to back up the independents enthusiasm, but seems value for money

I have an inckling I'll end up with a Capristo, but like you don't fall for the spin

Having said that, heres the Larini spin, if its of interest....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your e-mail enquiry. We welcome the chance to supply you with one of our high performance, stainless steel exhaust systems. Please view http://www.larinisystems.com/video.php for video footage of our F355 System in action. You can expect a pure Formula 1 scream from your car once fitted with the Larini System. The sound of our ‘Sports’ System is just incredible, and quite simply nothing sounds like an F355 with a Larini.

We can offer you the following:

1995-1998 Ferrari F355 Spider, Larini ‘Sports’ System … £1296.00 plus Vat = £1522.80

1995-1998 Ferrari F355 Spider, Larini ‘Test’ Pipes … £255.00 plus Vat = £299.63

1995-1998 Ferrari F355 Spider, Larini ‘Sports’ Cats … £1196.00 plus Vat = £1405.30

* Delivery = + £15.00 plus Vat = £17.63

* Delivery schedule = IN STOCK

__________________________


Ferrari F355, Larini ‘Sports’ System:

** Our clever design ensures that with increasing revs the tone, note, and volume also increase. Decrease throttle opening, and volume levels reduce. Our system does have more volume than the original but it is not offensive, simply offering one of the most satisfying ‘tuned’ exhaust notes. Our free-flow box internals allow torque and power gains while maintaining driveability. Fit and finish are better than original: -
Stainless Steel 'fast road' use sports exhaust system, from the ‘cats’ back.
Delivers an extra 17 bhp.
Offers vastly improved low/mid-range Torque.
Delivers much sharper throttle response.
Engineered for maximum flow efficiency, using expertly engineered performance muffler box internals.
Accelerated gas-flow reduces engine bay temperatures.
Weight reduction of 12 kilograms, significantly benefits handling and braking ability.
Produces the sophisticated, ‘tuned’ authentic Larini 'Note' under acceleration when 'pressing on'.
Develops a fantastic ‘tone’ under acceleration, in keeping with the sporting image of Ferrari.
Perfectly practical for everyday use: does not suffer from drone, resonance, 'boom' or vibration.
Constructed using aircraft grade T.304 Austenitic Stainless Steel.
Features Mandrel bent pipe-work allowing a constant internal diameter, maintaining a smooth, constant gas flow.
100% Tig welding construction.
Features stunning, increased diameter, Dual Walled, Slash Cut, Mirror Polished Tailpipes
Precision engineered for accurate fit. Requires no special procedures to fit.


Superior Sound - Our System sounds phenomenal. We have developed a 'Sports' System which produces the Larini 'Note' under acceleration as opposed to any resonance, drone or excessive volume. Expect a pure F1 howl under throttle!

Our System does have more volume than the original but it is not offensive. The volume increases with revs so as not to intrude into the cabin, but sounds fantastic when 'pressing on', and is perfectly practical for everyday use. Our 'Sports' System exaggerates the existing exhaust note.... it lifts the volume, makes it deeper at low rpm, adding a subtle, aggressive 'tone' and then lifts the pitch at high rpm, so when matched with throttle opening it develops a beautiful sound. It really is just one of the most satisfying 'tuned' exhaust notes.

This is a sophisticated sports exhaust designed and tested for the Ferrari F355.


More Power - On the rolling road our free flow design gives an extra 17 bhp. This is based on customer feedback. Once the 'Sports' system is fitted to your car you will find that the engine is more free-revving and that there is an increase in low/mid-range torque.

Developments such redesigned internal 'straight-through' silencer pipe work and performance chambers (where necessary), help emit exhaust gasses quicker - with a reduced build up of backpressure, allowing the engine to 'breathe' and perform better. Expect much, much sharper throttle response.

This System is VASTLY freer flowing in comparison to the standard item. Low speed tractability is increased too, temperatures are reduced and it is 12 kg lighter than the stock item.


Visible Quality - Box casings and Pipework are all ‘Mirror-Finish’ Polished. Tailpipes are dual walled, and Slash Cut finishing of the rear profile of the F355 beautifully. Tips size = 4 x 70mm, which is larger than the original trims.

Our System features Tig welding and double skinned box cases for maximum durability.

From when you first take delivery and open the box you will see the difference.


Ease of Fit - Our System fits perfectly to the cats and mounting points, requiring no special produces or modifications to the car.


Guarantee - Larini Systems Lifetime Warranty.


All our exhaust Systems come with our Lifetime Guarantee and are designed to fit accurately, look correct and sound authentic.
__________________________


Ferrari F355, Larini 'Test' Pipes:

** These replace the massively restrictive catalytic converters, with 'straight-through' pipework.

Deliver an extra 19 bhp.
Deliver an extra 50 lb-ft of torque.
Vastly freer flowing in comparison to the standard catalytic converters.
Accelerated gas-flow reduces engine bay temperatures, protecting the manifolds from damage, while optimising performance.
Pipework and bosses and are fully 'Mirror Finish' Polished.
Mandrel bent pipe work allows a constant internal diameter, maintaining a smooth, constant gas flow.
Constructed using aircraft grade T.316 Austenitic Stainless Steel.
100% Tig welding construction.
Correctly positioned, heat-distortion resistant, CNC-machined stainless steel Lambda bosses and heat probe connections.
Precision engineered for accurate fit.
Requires no special procedures to fit.
Supported by the Larini Systems Lifetime Warranty.


Larini ‘Test’ Pipes are high temperature resistant, hollow pipes, which replace the F355's catalytic converters. Exhaust flow is completely unobstructed through these 'straight-through' components and as result there is an extremely noticeable power gain. Temperatures are reduced, as accelerated gas-flow minimizes engine-bay temperatures by dissipating heat more effectively. This is particularly important for improved performance, as cooler temperatures boost engine efficiency while protecting the manifolds from premature failure.

Furthermore, the muffling effect provided by the bulky stock cats is eliminated, subtly enhancing volume levels. While 'Test' Pipes offer one of the most economical means of releasing power from the Ferrari F355, there are technical and legal implications to be considered.

__________________________


Ferrari F355, Larini ‘Sports’ Cats:

** Larini 200-cell sports cats clean the F355's emissions while permitting a huge power increase - without any technical or legal issues. Once fitted, no modifications will be required to the engine management system.

Deliver an extra 16 bhp.
Deliver an extra 40 lb-ft of torque.
200 cells per square inch for maximum flow with minimal backpressure.
No adverse legal, environmental or technical implications
Guarantee a more free-revving engine with improved throttle response
Significant horsepower gains and a huge increase in torque.
Engineered for maximum flow efficiency, using complex internal Cat ‘cores’ (Larini Metalith).
Parabolic megaphone inlet cone design guarantees even flow distribution across the Metalith core - whilst minimizing packaging length.
Reversion pulse outlet cone activates catalytic material for full length of the Metalith.
Ultra durable T.316 Austenitic stainless steel heat casing protects components from heat distortion.
Each 'individual' Cat is rated up to 300 bhp.
Mandrel bent pipe work allows a constant internal diameter, maintaining a smooth, constant gas flow.
Vastly freer flowing in comparison to the standard ceramic cats.
Pipework, bosses and Cats are fully 'Mirror Finish' Polished.
100% Tig welding construction.
Correctly positioned, heat-distortion resistant, CNC-machined stainless steel Lambda bosses and heat probe connections.
Precision engineered for accurate fit.
The original lambda probes are retained in their correct positions for the proper operation of the OBD II (On Board Diagnostics II) system.


Technical:

The stock Ferrari F355 catalytic converters have 600 cells per square inch (cpsi). These original cats are restrictive in their flow, only allowing an open area of approximately 55%. A Larini Systems ‘Sports’ Cat, alternatively, has only 200 cpsi, an open area of 92%, and offers near unopposed gas flow. The resulting increase in flow rates - with a virtual elimination of backpressure, allowing the engine to 'breathe' and perform better. Due to the removal of the 'sound - deadening' stock cats you're Ferrari will now sound as it should - ferocious.

Larini ‘Sports’ Cats clean the F355’s emissions while permitting a significant horsepower gain and a huge increase in torque. Unlike illegal De-cat/Test Pipes, there are no negative technical consequences associated with fitting these innovative products - the original lambda probes are retained in their correct positions for the proper operation of the OBD II (On Board Diagnostics II) system. As well as offering major performance gains, fitting the Larini ‘Sports’ Cats guarantee an increase in volume, 'note' and 'tone'.

Larini Cats are Euro-3 emissions level rated - making it possible for vehicle tuners to obtain high power gains, whilst meeting government emission levels and staying road-legal with high reliability.

Weight loss:

- Larini ‘Sports’ Cats weigh 70% less than the stock F355 cats.

Superior Construction:

- T. 316 stainless steel's ability to resist corrosion and maintain its strength at temperature extremes makes it the only material suitable for a Larini ‘Sports’ Cat.

- Unique, thick-walled, stainless steel Lambda bosses can withstand temperatures in excess of 1600°C, and will not distort. Conversely, regular thin-walled bosses expand and cause the threads to bind - rendering future removal of the Lambda probes near impossible.

- Advanced construction techniques, dedicated fixed-jig equipment, and 100% Tig-welding ensures maximum durability and a perfect fit.

- Lambda probe positions remain unchanged from the original equipment, allowing for the proper operation of the OBD II (On Board Diagnostics II) system.

Visible Quality:

- Pipework, bosses, Lambda probe connections and Cats are all ‘Mirror Finish’ polished.

- The improved quality of a Larini ‘Sports’ Cat is immediately noticeable as soon as it is removed from its box.

Ease of Fit:

- Our System fits perfectly to the manifolds and mounting points, requiring no special procedures or modifications.

- We only develop our Systems to the vehicle, as opposed to just replicating the components off the vehicle.


___________________________


Re-assurance:

We supply our Systems to car collectors all over the world, such as the Danielli Collection (Italy), the Jordanian Royal Family, and the Alain Bourgeois Heritage (France). Poor fit and finish is not an option with our products. I attach some examples of our work.

All of our exhaust Systems come with our Lifetime Warranty and are designed to fit accurately, look correct and sound authentic. We value our reputation and your driving pleasure. We only develop our Systems to the vehicle, as opposed to just replicating the components off the vehicle.

Recent Larini ‘Standard’ System specialist commissions include a Ferrari 275 GTB Longnose (only 205 built) and a Ferrari 400 Super America (only 47 built).

Recent Larini ‘Sports’ System specialist commissions include a Ferrari 500 Superfast (only 36 built) and the Warner Bros. 2004/5 Batmobile (only 13).


Ordering:

To order your Larini System please contact us via telephone, online order form, fax or e-mail, with a credit card.

All orders placed will be invoiced and charged in GBP (£). Quoted foreign currency prices are subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuations.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Kind Regards,

Neil Macauley
(Technical Director)

Larini Systems Ltd.
2nd Floor LPL
145-157 St John Street
London
EC1V 4PY
United Kingdom

 

thanks for that houtie - was interesting to read through their 'gumph' as it gives a little more technical info.

ideally, i would like to hear these systems in situ and decide from there which is best suited to me.
like you, i don't think the 'boomy' low revs nature of the tubi will fit the bill
the cappy, is a tad pricey for what it is.
this leaves the larini - which i did manage to hear a sound file of - and it does suond rather racous!

however, on a slant, how many people have had their systems made up from people like shiltech? are these better suited? are they of lower suitability to a Ferrari than those made by manuf's mentioned above?

 

The key is to get rid of the centre exhaust silencer/muffler and replace it with a X-pipe which will give a more equal sound throughout the rev range . Once you've done that you can either keep the original back boxes with the valves which some people swear by or go for after market sports back boxes. I've had various different set-ups on my 550 and found that a Tubi X-pipe with Tubi back boxes to give the best sound by far . Currently I have Tubi X-pipe with X-OST back boxes which has quite a harsh sound to it and the build quality of the back boxes that I recieved was nowhere near as good as the Tubi back boxes . If you want the car to sound quiet at low revs get an X-pipe put in and get sport back boxes with valves or simply keep the original back boxes on . The best person to speak to is Manu at Scuderia Systems Uk he seems to know more about this subject than anybody else I know. It's all down to personal taste but I would start with the X-pipe . Good luck .

 

thanks for that James - it's a good insight.
How much did the Tubi X-pipe set you back? any links for information on the X-pipe?

 

I can't honestly remeber cost if I had to guess for the X-pipe , back boxes and fitting somewhere between 2-3k . There is not alot of tech info on the X-pipe largely due to it being just what it it sounds like , a pipe in the shape of an X, but as I said it gets rid of the big centre muffler which kills the sound . Give Manu a call at Scuderia Systems 01784 43 43 95 he knows far more about the ins and outs and if you tell him the sound you are looking for he'll be able to tell you exactly what to get and the pros and cons .

 

jemes - will these X pipes get you through an MOT?

 

Yes no problem . It only really makes a difference at higher revs , basically makes it sound like a V12 Ferrari should do . Also on later 575's even Ferrari removed the centre muffler so that tells you something . My car is probably a little too loud for some but that's mainly due to the back boxes .

 

The other thing that can be done but which I haven't tried is to keep the centre silencer/muffler and have straight pipes at the back ie no back boxes , I haven't heard what it sounds like so can't comment but it's another idea .

 

thinking the xpipe might just be exactly what i'm after - was also thinking of fixing the butterfly valve on the 550 in the mean time also.

anyone done this?

ps. thanks for all your help so far!