98_Martin
Member
- Messages
- 47
- Location
- Inverness, UK
While my 2005 Lotus Elise 111r is taken off the road for the winter I decided it would be a good time to upgrade from the current stock exhaust that feels almost whisper quiet in comparison to the TRD induction from inside the car. The exhaust I choose was an early stage 2 CLF manufactured cat-back which required a bit of a refurb before being fitted. These exhausts are common to crack at the tailpipe support and the reason why Lotus switched to JanSpeed units only a couple of years after introduction. I took the route of a CLF as it was an option for the year of my Elise when new and I liked the challenge to fix it, plus it was cheaper.
I started by using stainless downpipe cleaner to remove the stains and corrosion to the stainless steel construction. It was my first time using the product but after a few applications and some scrubbing with scotch brite I was very happy with the result. Some metal polish and more elbow grease should finish it off nicely.
I then tackled the issue with the cracking support opting to gusket the section in the hopes that it will give enough reinforcement to prevent it from cracking again in the future. I also TIG welded the cracks over which although isn't my greatest welds should hold up with the extra guskets.
With that it just leaves the hangers to be cleaned up as they've suffered the most being made from mild steel, typical cost cutting. I would like to just cut them off and replace with remade stainless versions but that won't be that easy with the bends and precision of fitment required. I've got all winter to make my mind up so I might end up doing exactly that if I make a jig to maintain the positions, would future proof the repair greatly. Below is the worst affected area, how I love galvanic corrosion.
I started by using stainless downpipe cleaner to remove the stains and corrosion to the stainless steel construction. It was my first time using the product but after a few applications and some scrubbing with scotch brite I was very happy with the result. Some metal polish and more elbow grease should finish it off nicely.
I then tackled the issue with the cracking support opting to gusket the section in the hopes that it will give enough reinforcement to prevent it from cracking again in the future. I also TIG welded the cracks over which although isn't my greatest welds should hold up with the extra guskets.
With that it just leaves the hangers to be cleaned up as they've suffered the most being made from mild steel, typical cost cutting. I would like to just cut them off and replace with remade stainless versions but that won't be that easy with the bends and precision of fitment required. I've got all winter to make my mind up so I might end up doing exactly that if I make a jig to maintain the positions, would future proof the repair greatly. Below is the worst affected area, how I love galvanic corrosion.