Big Valve original silencer (muffler) vs. S/S

[JonB]

This probably came up before but..

I'm looking at a NOS silencer that I recently acquired and comparing it to the S/S item I have fitted to my +2 S130/5. The original part is heavier and seems to be properly packed (has a dull sound when you thump it). Also has a smaller diameter tail pipe.

Should I expect any performance improvement with this original box over the S/S item? Due, perhaps, to increased back pressure? (Should say I'm not fitting it for that - I want less noise - but I did wonder..)

[JimE]

If this is the silencer you are referring (see pic) it's slightly quieter than the original mild steel one on the Elan and the previous oval mild steel one on the +2S/130. It was certainly in keeping with the car as Lotus were moving the +2 up market. That said, they were heavier than the previous oval type and if fitted as standard tended to hang low. Back in the day that was only an issue if you had a couple of kids in the back as you could sometimes ground it. More of an issue in modern day with sleeping policeman and other traffic control measures. When I fitted mine, the back pipe was cut off and rewelded to obtain a proper raised fit. Also modified the fixture to the bodywork as per the photo. Personally I love the sound of this silencer which is why I went to all the trouble of fitting it properly. Jim

[JonB]

No, it's an oval +2 mild steel box. Is that another purple car I see?

[JimE]

It's the same purple one I've posted on here before.