We saw there were a few aftermarket stainless steel exhaust systems available for Td5, but some of their designs were much the same as the original land rover parts, using either a bypass type mid silencer, or by replacing the mid silencer with a simple straight through pipe. Some other types are available, which are similar to ours, but the design flaws of these are highlighted below.

The bypass type silencer fitted as standard is very effective, but has a much reduced flow capability than straight through silencer types. This is to ensure the exhaust system is quiet in operation, so keeping interior noise to a acceptable levels.

The 'straight through' silencer replacement pipes you can buy are a cheap way of enhancing the exhaust note, and they do also improve engine response. On the negative side though, these pipes will cause an increased amount of interior noise, especially at around 60mph!

The design criteria for our exhaust system was based on the following factors:

CLICK TO HEAR THE DISCOVERY V8 EXHAUST.

Our Defender exhaust system has been designed for off road competition, as well as normal road usage. It has two silencers fitted, so complies with most competition rules. It's free flowing design ensures optimum turbo response and engine efficiency, and the mid silencer is tucked up neatly between the chassis rails. It's smaller than the standard silencer too, so allows plenty of ground clearence, and is good for those who have an overdrive.

Later model Td5's, from mid 2001 and later, had a catalyst fitted into the exhaust downpipe (See picture on right). This reduces exhaust noise significantly, and also causes a restriction in the exhaust system, causing the turbo to take longer to reach full boost. This is why these later models are gutless below 2000 rpm! By simply fitting a downpipe from an early model Td5, which is a direct replacement, you can make a dramatic difference to the performance, due to improved exhaust gas flow, and with our exhaust system, you'll get a further boost, and the exhaust note too!

Why didn't we make a 3" system? A 3 inch bore system would not be appropriate for Td5, since the turbo outlet is only 2 1/4 inches in diameter. Age old (Proven) tuning theory states that the optimal turbo downpipe should be 10% larger in diameter than the turbo casting outlet port. This is precicely why land rover chose 2 1/2", as it's a perfect match to the turbo. Using 2 1/2" pipe maintains a rapid flow of exhaust gasses to get them out quickly! Using 3" pipe would reduce the velocity of exhaust gasses, their fore retaining excess heat at the turbo, and of course the fragile exhaust manifold casting. Another factor is the reduction of back pressure you'd get from a 3" exhaust, as the wide open space of the exhaust takes more gas to fill it, and hence push out the tailpipe. The result could poentially cause turbo overspeed, which can seriously decrease the lifespan of your turbo!

Does your exhaust system include a downpipe? The downpipe section is optional on Td5 models. This is because the standard downpipe fitted to Td5 Discovery and Defenders from Late 1998 to early 2001 were of a straight through design, and are actually very well made, all be it, a lower grade of stainless steel (409) than what we use. We decided it would be best to utilise this part, instead of having to sell a downpipe to people who simply do not need one. This also makes our exhaust much cheaper to owners of early models, because they are only buying the sections they need.
Td5's from mid 2001 onwards, had a cat fitted to the exhaust downpipe, which severely restricts exhaust gas flow. In these cases, we recomend fitting the optional decat downpipe, which we can supply with our exhaust system. This is not required to pass a UK MOT test, although we do suggest you keep your original downpipe in case MOT regulations change in future.
We do not make a downpipe for V8 models. There are already many types of V8 headers/downpipes available in the aftermarket, so customers can choose a suitable high flow cat / decat downpipe to meet there needs, and mate this to our system for the ultimate in looks and sound!

I want my exhaust to be loud!, Can you make me a noisy system? This is a question I am often asked by Defender owners in particular, so due to this demand, we can offer a mid silencer replacement pipe for all of our performance exhausts, so you still get the same stunning tailpipe, but with a more pronounced growl!

Discovery 2 and Defender Td5 Exhaust systems are priced at £395 + vat , and are available now for the following models:

*European delivery available - Please email for a quote.