We just wrapped up a lengthy exhaust development project on the Gallardo.

Our results were mixed.

We were able to gain ~10whp with a straight pipe design, but were not able to do this without a quickly appearing check engine light.

The factory fuel injection incorporates pressure sensors on both exhaust banks, before the catalysts. This is an emissions related device, as they are there to sense misfires.

However, these sensors are very sensitive, and non-linear in output. Any exhaust design that significantly reduces backpressure causes the ECUs to log fault codes and then set a check engine light. Without extensive ECU reprogramming, we would not be able to "fool" the ECU or manipulate the incoming signals from these MAP (pressure) sensors.

The only way we were able to keep the codes from appearing is if we had an exhaust design that maintained stock backpressure, but then no power gains were made (and sometimes losses were recorded depending on design).

Therefore, we conclude that the only way we can legitimately get involved with selling an exhaust product for this car would be with a weight savings advantage claim only.

We would have to maintain the stock tubing diameter, but we could eliminate the muffler section that is used at idle and part throttle. At full throttle, the engine goes to straight pipe routing by way of a flapper mechanism. Therefore, sound at full throttle and power at full throttle would remain unchanged.

Our question to the forum is if there is any demand for a stock diameter straight pipe system for under $1k/set that would be advertised at ~60lbs weight savings with no power gains. We cannot make artificial power gains after everything we have discovered with how the factory exhaust works on this car.

 

So, basically the exhaust sound remains the same?

 

Yes, since the factory system goes to a straight pipe configuration under full throttle, the sound would not change with the addition of our straight pipes.

We did do some designs that had an effect on the sound, resulting in a higher pitched F1 resemblance, but we could not duplicate this effect without a loss of power up top.

No matter how we designed an exhaust, there was no way to make more power without the fuel injection ECUs ruining the party with a check engine light.

It was very frustrating, since one of our designs improved power throughout the entire powerband, but we know Gallardo owners will not want a check engine light on their dash.

 

Let me adjust my response a little.

As I stated above, the note will remain the same at full thottle vs stock, but part throttle and idle would be louder.

Even with the spyder that we did testing on, there was no annoying drone at part throttle, but it was louder.

 

Louder sound + less weight= you have my "Yes" vote.

 

Only on the new G's is the pressure sensor an issue. I think for the guys that want added power, ECU tuning wont be an issue. Personally, a CEL isnt a big issue if Im gaining 10-15 hp and losing 60 lbs over the back end. Especially for $1k. I would just prefer to have a better sounding exhaust.