Exhausts & Legality

[BouClio]

Hi all

This is my first post, so if I'm in the wrong section or anything, let me know!

I'm looking to buy a Renault Clio 2006 spec and above (face-lift) for my first car, but there's some mods I want to do including new rims, lowering etc but what does the law state about exhausts?

I was just looking to replace the back-box and give the car a bit more of a rumble (considering it will be a 1.4 or 1.6) but I saw somewhere that the car's exhaust isn't allowed to be modified whatsoever and it must be to the original spec of the car, otherwise it's illegal

Although this may sound stupid considering I see custom exhausts all the time, I just want to double-check considering I will be a new driver and the last thing I want to do is to get caught up with the police: Eek:

If anyone knows about the regulations concerning exhaust modifications please let me know, because I really want to replace it aha : D

Thanks!

 

[jesus]

As long as it's not deafeningly loud, no one will bat an eyelid.

 

[imprezaworks]

ive never had an issue, ive had some loud systems too. if you drive like you stole it, it will be another tick on the sheet.

 

[BouClio]

As long as it's not deafeningly loud, no one will bat an eyelid.

That's the last thing I want aha! It would be cool to have a loud exhaust on a 2 litre and above but not a 1.4 clio Have you had any experience with Sportex exhausts, that's probably what I would get but I dont think they are too loud?

 

[jesus]

That's the last thing I want aha! It would be cool to have a loud exhaust on a 2 litre and above but not a 1.4 clio :smile: Have you had any experience with Sportex exhausts, that's probably what I would get but I dont think they are too loud?

A good idea is to search Youtube for different ideas.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=clio+sportex

They do seem quite loud from what I've heard on there!

 

[BouClio]

ive never had an issue, ive had some loud systems too. if you drive like you stole it, it will be another tick on the sheet.

Sorry Im being stupid but another tick on the sheet? Im guessing you're saying i shouldn't drive like an idiot, which I won't

 

[BouClio]

A good idea is to search Youtube for different ideas.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=clio+sportex

They do seem quite loud from what I've heard on there!

Yeah they do! So, in your opinion, is this loud for a custom exhaust or is this the normal if I did make an upgrade? Are there any other decent companies which provide back-boxes that are good, or is sportex a good enough entry-level system for new drivers?

 

[@Spoonie]

Will your insurance company cover you for mods, not sure of your age..

 

[jesus]

Yeah they do! So, in your opinion, is this loud for a custom exhaust or is this the normal if I did make an upgrade? Are there any other decent companies which provide back-boxes that are good, or is sportex a good enough entry-level system for new drivers? :smile:

It's pretty loud in my opinion yeah! I can't think of any off the shelf ones that you can just buy and fit because I had a custom system on my non-sport Clio (expansive jobby though). I'm sure someone will be along with more information though

 

[BouClio]

Will your insurance company cover you for mods, not sure of your age..

Yeah loads of insurance companies will, the ones on confused.com do anyway It is really expensive but I'm prepared to save

 

[BouClio]

It's pretty loud in my opinion yeah! I can't think of any off the shelf ones that you can just buy and fit because I had a custom system on my non-sport Clio (expansive jobby though). I'm sure someone will be along with more information though :smile:

Yeah I was thinking about a custom system, but it's probably too expensive for me atm :/ Thanks for your help!

 

[imprezaworks]

Sorry Im being stupid but another tick on the sheet? Im guessing you're saying i shouldn't drive like an idiot, which I won't :tongueout:

No not atall mate. Was just saying if you got pulled for driving enthusiastically, they will no doubt check the exhaust out

 

[Sonic1]

I have a sportex exhaust on mine it's good and quiet at low revs and when u put the boot down gives of a good sound was considering straight piping it but still not sure yet lol.

 

[levaz]

I've got a sportex and a decat on mine, and at tickover / town speeds its fine, it's not until I hit 70mph that I notice the noise.
but by that point your on motorway, so it's not really an issue

(that's on a 2.0 aswell)

I had a sportex on my 1.4 megane and was actually disappointed with the lack of noise lol

 

[KevF182]

Re. the OP's first questions - You've done the right thing to check before doing anything, but moddifying your car is not illegal, and that includes the exhaust. However it is a bit more strict than many realise. Rather than go off other peoples opinions though, check out what the authorities actually say on it:

http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/modified-cars-what-you-need-to-know

The only stipulation that matters here regards the loudness element - "emit a noise louder than the original". And this makes it very difficult for the police to enforce as its very difficult for any police officer to have all the data of all standard exhausts at their fingertips, let alone have the measuring equipment to accurately prove yours is above what it should be.... if they ever bother to check

I've had an stainless exhaust on my cars for the last 5 years without issue, and when my wife got stopped in Newcastle in the clio a few years ago they just asked a few Q's (was it her car, was she insured ect) and sent her on her way.