15 replies to this topic

[jakbvx]

Just browsing youtube as you do and come across this video. love the sound of my vse but this sound is even better in my opinion... what is it???

[MrSimba]

it's inside and against a metal shutter so the sound will be affected by that, sounds and looks like a Larini tho TBH if you've got a VSE already I'd keep it!

[VXTyrant]

That is chrisculpt from this forum. I met him on a NE meet and the exhaust is a full system Larini for the N/A and boy is it loud We were crawling through a town on our way to hartside and chris was behind me and I could still hear it really well! Everyone way up the street was turning round and looking back to see what it was, he was just cruising with the roof off eating digestives haha Can't wait to get my full system Larini on my turbo

[Sammy]

I want a full Larini...

[jakbvx]

i now want a larini then! how much do vse go for second hand?

[BAZ8465]

i now want a larini then! how much do vse go for second hand?

A couple have sold on her for around £175 mark recently.

If you want noise then I've got a Tullett Manifold and 200c Downpipe linked to a Larini back box - It's TOO LOUD

[smiley]

i now want a larini then! how much do vse go for second hand?

Bear in mind, the keyword here, is "full" larini, which means cat replacement also.
I think a 200 cells sportcat and your current vse should come pretty close to the sound you're after.
Would suggest to have a look at a few youtubes for impression, before handing over hard earned cash for a new backbox.

[BAZ8465]

Duncan F - Is your VSE on yet?

[Duncan_F]

Duncan F - Is your VSE on yet?

Nope, not yet, I'm hoping it will be soon though.

[yaaan]

Excuse the thread hijack but a couple of vaguely related (possibly blidingly obvious) questions that might help me get a better idea of the benefits of replacing exhausts: How much performance gain is made by replacing the backbox alone? obviously they are all different but just a general idea. Would a full system (e.g. Larini inc back box) provide more gains than, say, a Larini system with VSE back box? Cheers Ian

[VXTyrant]

Excuse the thread hijack but a couple of vaguely related (possibly blidingly obvious) questions that might help me get a better idea of the benefits of replacing exhausts:
How much performance gain is made by replacing the backbox alone? obviously they are all different but just a general idea.
Would a full system (e.g. Larini inc back box) provide more gains than, say, a Larini system with VSE back box?

Cheers
Ian

Here is the spiel you get from larini themselves if you enquire about their systems. Beware that their gains seem a little exagerated!

1.  Vauxhall VX220 Turbo, Larini 'Sports' System:
 
- Stainless Steel 'fast road' use sports exhaust, from the ‘cat’ back.
 
- Delivers an extra 10 bhp approximately. 
 
- Offers vastly improved low/mid-range Torque.
 
- Produces a fantastic 'Note' under acceleration, without suffering from drone or vibration.
 
- Delivers much sharper throttle response.
 
- Engineered for maximum flow efficiency, using heavily redesigned 'straight - through' pipework.
 
- Incorporates larger diameter pipework.
 
- Accelerated gas-flow reduces engine bay operating temperatures.
 
- Weight reduction of over 50% compared to OE, significantly benefiting handling and braking ability.
 
- Perfectly practical for everyday use: does not suffer from excessive resonance at idle or cruising speeds.
 
- Decibel reading = 95 db from 1 metre at a 45 degree angle. 
 
- Features two stunning 3-inch polished and rolled Round tailpipes, lined with metallic conical cores.
 
- 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 highly polished box casings, pipework and tailpipes, offering a 'chromium' type finish.
 
- Precision engineered for accurate fit. Requires no special procedures or undertray modifications to fit.  
 
 
Superior Sound - The common complaint with the VX220 Turbo is it's 'flat' sound. We have addressed this. Our System sounds phenomenal throughout the rev range and screams in the higher rev range. Using octave band frequency monitoring techniques we have been able to develop a System which produces the Larini 'Note' under acceleration as opposed to the resonance, drone and excessive volume present in other aftermarket systems.
 
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 'pushing', gaining volume with throttle input, and is perfectly practical for everyday use. You’re VX220 Turbo will now sound as spectacular as it looks.
 
 
 
More Power - Our free flow design gives an extra 10 bhp approximately. 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-down torque, with an improved throttle response. 
 
Developments such as redesigned internal 'straight-through' silencer pipe work and larger bore pipe work (where necessary), help emit exhaust gasses quicker - with a reduced build up of back pressure, allowing the turbo and engine to 'breathe' and perform better. Our system adjusts backpressure levels to their optimum to produce the correct levels of supercar performance and sound.
 
Low speed driveability is dramatically improved too. The Larini System reduces backpressure so as to make the power delivery of the car more linear, by aiding smoother turbo-spool-up. This makes the car significantly easier to drive at low rpm and reduces excessive throttle sensitivity whilst actually boosting power at high rpm.
 
 
Additionally, this system has been developed to run on cars developing 300+ bhp, without restricting power.
 
 
Weight - 7 kilograms. 
 
 
Visible Quality - Features two 3 inch inwardly rolled, Dual-Walled, Round Tailpipes, lined with metallic conical cores. Tailpipes, box casings, inlets and brackets are all 'chromium' polished. Our Tailpipes perfectly fit the profile of the rear of the VX220 bumper. Our System features Tig welding and double skinned box casings for maximum durability and sound control.
 
From when you first take delivery and open the box you will see the difference.
 
 
Ease of Fit - Our System fits perfectly to the 'cat' and mountings, requiring no special procedures or modifications to the car or trimming of the bumper exit points.
 
 
Guarantee - Larini Systems Lifetime Warranty.
 
___________________________
 
 
2.  Vauxhall VX220 Turbo, Larini Primary ‘De-Cat’ Turbo Down Pipe:
 
Delivers an extra 8 bhp approximately.  
Delivers an extra 10 lb-ft of torque approximately.  
Vastly freer flowing in comparison to the standard primary catalytic converter. 
Engineered for maximum flow efficiency, using larger diameter, ‘straight-through’, pipe work.
Direct bolt-on replacement for the Primary OE catalyst.
Pipework and bosses are fully 'Satina' Polished and 'Lime Chalk' waxed.
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 boss.
Precision engineered for accurate fit.
Requires no special procedures to fit.
Supported by the Larini Systems Lifetime Warranty.
 
 
The VX220 Turbo incorporates a primary catalyst within the turbo down pipe. This is to regulate low emissions levels for the VX220 Turbo. However, this arrangement saps power and is not required at present to pass a UK MOT emissions test.
 
The Larini ‘De-Cat’ Turbo Down Pipe is a high temperature resistant, hollow pipe, which replaces the highly restrictive OE primary catalytic converter. Exhaust flow is completely unobstructed through this 'straight-through', increased pipe diameter, component and as result there is an extremely noticeable power gain. Temperatures are reduced too, 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. Turbo performance is notably aided, once coupled with the Larini de-cat turbo down pipe.
 
Furthermore, the muffling effect provided by the bulky stock cat is eliminated, subtly enhancing volume levels. 
 
___________________________
 
 
3.  Vauxhall VX220 Turbo, Larini Secondary ‘Sports Cat’ Section:
Delivers an extra 11 bhp approximately.  
Delivers an extra 16 lb-ft of torque approximately.  
200 cells per square inch for maximum flow with minimal backpressure.
No adverse legal, environmental or technical implications.
Guarantees 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 METALLIC Cat ‘cores’ (Larini Metalith).
Increased diameter pipework throughout.
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.
‘Cat’ is rated up to 350 bhp.
Vastly freer flowing in comparison to the standard ceramic cat.
Engineered for maximum flow efficiency using larger diameter pipe work throughout.
Direct bolt-on replacement for the OE catalyst.
Massively accelerated gas-flow reduces engine bay and operating temperatures.
Cat is fully 'Mirror Finish' Polished.
'Satina' polished and 'Lime Chalk' waxed pipe work.
100% Tig welding construction.
Correctly positioned, heat-distortion resistant, CNC-machined stainless steel Lambda bosses.
Precision engineered for accurate fit.
 
Furthermore, torque increase is higher than that of a de-cat pipe as backpressure levels are modulated optimally. Once fitted, no modifications will be required to the engine management system.
 
NB: Vehicles manufactured post 1994 require a catalytic converter for U.K. MOT emissions legislation. Vehicles subject to U.K. police roadside emissions checks may struggle if running a de-cat pipe. They will not if equipped with a Larini 'Sports' Cat - in fact they will register cleaner emissions over the OE catalyst.
 
Technical:
 
The Vauxhall VX220 Turbo incorporates a single, 600 cell per square inch ceramic Secondary 'cat', offering an approximate 55% flow area. The factory cat is hugely restrictive. Ultimately, this combined arrangement saps power. Enhancing power from within this area involves carefully tuning the cat to work with the turbo.
 
A Larini METALLIC ‘Sports’ Cat for the VX 220 Turbo incorporates only 200-cells, is rated up to 350 bhp, and offers a flow area of approximately 96%. This arrangement is the performance ideal - significantly adjusting backpressure levels and enabling increased flow rates. Exhaust flow is almost completely unobstructed through this 'sports' component and as result there is an extremely noticeable power gain and a significant increase in torque. Once fitted, one can expect much sharper throttle response from a now free-revving engine. 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 turbo from damage. Furthermore, a stronger braided stainless steel flexible bellow is incorporated in the cat section, to cope with the increase in engine performance output.
 
A Larini Cat is Euro-3 emissions level rated - returning cleaner emission results than the standard catalyst, making it possible for vehicle tuners to obtain high power gains, whilst meeting government emission levels and staying road-legal with high reliability. 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. Furthermore, fitting the Larini ‘Sports’ Cat guarantees an increase in the crispness of the engine’s 'note' and 'tone'.
 
The improved quality of a Larini ‘Sports’ Cat is immediately noticeable as soon as it is removed from its box.

[Phear]

You will gain virtually no power by changing the back-box alone, in fact i'd bet you gain more performance from the weight loss than any extra power, either way its virtually zero. Changing the cat and downpipe in conjuction with the back box will gain you a few bhp (and a few more with a remap).

[MrSimba]

10bhp from a backbox... Bo11ocks! Loved my Larini sounded superb and was worth every penny but no way did it give me any gains, the De-Cat pipe tho...

[yaaan]

So changing the back box makes next to no difference. Would changing the cat and the downpipe on it's own make less difference than changing cat, downpipe and back box, given that the back box makes little difference? Or in conjunction with the rest the back box makes a difference? I have the VSE at the moment which I quite like the sound of (apart from being a little droney on motorways) so, at some point if I decide to change the exhaust, would retaining the VSE and just changing the cat and downpipe make less difference than swapping out the whole lot?

[VXTyrant]

the De-Cat pipe tho...

I presume you are referring to the De-Cat Turbo down pipe? I'm getting that but I am not opting for the De-Cat pipe, I'll be getting the sports cat instead!

[imperial04]

i want a VSE (for a NA!) :-)