Hi everyone, I’m looking into upgrading the exhaust on my 1.3L (L881) Copen and I’m considering the D-Sport Sports Muffler Type-II. According to the manufacturer specs, the nearby noise level is 92dB. Since the stock 1.3L is rated at around 71.1dB, this is a massive jump in volume (effectively doubling the perceived loudness twice over!). I’ve been checking the UK MOT guidance, and as most of you know, there’s no official decibel limit during the test. It’s a subjective assessment where the tester judges if the noise is "unreasonably above" a standard vehicle at 2,500rpm. A few questions for those with aftermarket exhausts: · Has anyone fitted the D-Sport Type-II or similar? How is the "drone" at motorway speeds? · Have you had any issues with MOT testers or "Major" fails due to the volume? Any experiences would be massively appreciated!
I have the HKS Legamax on my 660cc Copen and the mot didnt complain about it at all despitie it being a little bit louder than stock.
Hi Afron, thanks for the tip. I looked up the HKS Legamax and the near-field noise is 85dB, which is quite similar to the D-Sport. I think I’ll speak with an MOT tester/servicing garage to get their take on it.
Hi Shahram.....Apologies for not picking your post up sooner although Afron has "a nose on the ground for all things Copen" does post replies regularly ... I was advised when after a year of ownership in 2011 that the Exhaust was ready, a guy welded it up to get it through the MOT but suggested getting one made in Stainless Steel! At the time a local dealer could still get factory replacements @Circa £700.00 !! We found a man in a lock up making "Motor Bike Exhausts" our 54plate .66 Copen was just small enough to fit on his workshop floor! At the time just a third of that price. We didn't remove the Cat as that was "a big job"! ??? .....Anyway some how it was fixed, been fantastic, we could have spent more.....Technically it will out live the car! Hope this post isn't to late? Cheers Norman
Hi Norman, Your post definitely isn't too late! I’m still weighing up a few options. I’ve spoken to an MOT tester, and they confirmed that while being a little louder than stock shouldn’t cause a failure, they can't give a 100% guarantee. Since it’s a subjective assessment by the person doing the test on the day, there’s always that "grey area." I also got a quote from Powerflow Exhausts for £750. They would basically replicate the stock system in stainless steel but with a much smaller silencer than the original 1.3L unit. They reckon the sound would increase, but not substantially, and it would definitely pass the MOT. Thanks for the help, everyone! Shahram
