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Today I pick up a 2.25 in cat back system. From here I'd like to fit extractors for some more oomph.

In order of price, my options are:

Empire $235 to $300 (No buy it now price) - This high quality stainless-steel header set is constructed from 304 grade stainless steel, utilising mandrell bends and laser guided tig welding.
Featuring equal length primaries, a 2.25 inch collector, mandrell bends and ported joints for efficient flow and performance.

Hurricane $325 - Mazda MX5 Headers/Extractors 1.6L 4Cyl B6 Motor 1989 - November 1993 Hurricane Brand - 41mm primaries, 44mm secondaries, 51mm outlet
Please note these extractors have an extended engine pipe, with a flanged outlet to bolt directly to factory catalytic converter position.

Genie $400 - Genuine Genie Extractors to suit the Madza MX5 1989 to 1992 models with the 1.6 Liter DOHC, 16v EFI engines.
These have a 1 1/2" Primary pipe, 1 3/4 second pipe to 2" outlet and are a TRI-Y design.
These are a direct bolt on fitment, no welding is necessary, they simply fit straight on and are a mandrel bent performance design.

Admittedly I'm sceptical re the Empire brand. They don't state sizes for primary /secondaries etc and don't confirm that it is a direct bolt up to the standard cat.

Now that I think about it, shouldn't I be replacing the cat for a high flow unit or are they not a restriction?


I look forward to reading your comments

I have the Genies on my B6, they sound fantastic but were fitted to my car when I bought it so no before/after butt dyno results.

Friend of mine returned 2 sets of Chinese stainless headers to their gumtree vendor due to fitment issues and has now fitted a set of Manta headers he is very happy with. This is on a NA8 so not sure how helpful.

Have a search through the forum, other people have bought empire. For memory the found the quality a bit so so


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Xforce are currently recalled due to figment issues. I vote hurricane however they are blue. Most people will want to paint them. They for well ports match well sound good aren't obnoxious and make good power over a wide range.

Dann

Thanks everyone. Will pass on the Empire's and go straight for the Hurricane's - The colour doesn't bother me.

Should I replace the standard cat for a high flow unit or will this be a waste of money?

I'd say it would be worth it, with extractors and a decent cat back the 25 year old cat would be a fair restriction.

I have hurricane headers, easy fit, nice welds,,,butt dyno says moar power. Wipe them down after you fit. Being blue holds the staines once hot.

Where do you want your power, some will give less power down low but more up high, there is a fair bit of research involved, is it a streeter or a race car, what RPM are you looking at, as for coatings I would recommend ceramic coating and then wrap it, also in my humble opinion stainless is the devil and will crack, mild steel with a coating is the way to go, or if ts boosted a custom steam pipe manifold coated and wrapped is the best option.

Still waiting for my hurricanes. I want more power through out the rev range, so mid range and top end. It is a streeter. If they ever come I guess I'll find out where the extra hp is.


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i am very keen to hear feedback on how you go with the hurricane extractors. i just picked up a 93 na8. Previous owner has a hi flow cat and an aftermarket cat back and i am not liking the extremely raspy Honda civic noise that it makes, also has some rpm generated rattles (probably exhaust shields). i previously has a 1.6 with a custom made up exhaust (off the shelf extractors) by the previous owner (he couldn't give me any details on it) and it sounded great and drove fantastic. i am thinking about investing in a set of hurricane extractors, utilising the current hi flow cat, and having everything custom made up.

So please, any news on the extractors would be great

Revhead, fitted them on the weekend. Should start by saying mine is a NA6. Currently using stock cat & a super quiet 2.25 inch cat back exhaust. Has 2 resonators! Personally I miss the rasp. Air filter is currently stock.
Extractors are also quiet.
Although I have not done any spirited driving since the install, At light throttle It feels as though it revs easier and the power comes on a little earlier. Definately have more mid range.
Not sure on top end yet.

Want to sort out my air filter/piping options before testing further and suspect I'll match port the cat and may use my previous cat back system.
Keep you posted.


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Thanks for that. After a lot of research I am looking at getting a set of 4 2 1 Xforce headers matched up to a racing beat rear muffler and racing beat connecting pipe with resonator. As for the cat, I will be going to a shop to have it fit to maximize how hi is sits up in the car (and to make sure that the possible flange difference from the Xforce and the racing beat is sorted out). Should provide excellent flow without the drone or rasp. (I prefer a deeper tone)
As for intake, I am summing up between the mania and the racing beat. I don't like the idea of drilling into the firewall so most likely going with the racing beat and making up a custom heat shield.

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You won't get much of a gain but it will be more noticeable with the complete exhaust system and a intake with a sheild of some sort.

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Seems to have more poke in the top end. Intend on fitting a mania "inspired" intake this weekend, hole in plenum etc...
Am a bit disappointed that my exhaust doesn't crack and pop but its probably for the best


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what cat are you running? a 100cell should get you some nice cracks and pops. do you have a mid muffler/resonator? aftermarket rear muffler?

i plan on running x force 4 2 1 headers, custom join to a 100cell cat, racing beat center pipe with resonator and racing beat rear muffler. x force currently don't heave headers in stock unfortunately