mx5cartalk.com

Like most of you, I have a budget and I'm going for drive-ability and bang for the buck.
So naturally, the next thing is the exhaust.

Local Perth store offerings (reputable): cat-back, mild steel, mandrel bent, no name muffler = $600. Magnaflow muffler can be had for an additional $200.

Then I found a nice Magnaflow stainless cat-back (16639) but it's around $800 shipped.

So the muffler alone from Amazon for that unit is around $130

I then jumped on the Mazdaspeed forums and there are vouchers flying about with 25%-40% discounts. So now the Magnaflow cat-back (16639) can be had for around $580 landed
That's a definite price with a 25% discount. I'm trying to push for the 40%. I'll let you guys know how I go. I told the vendor that there may be more interest hoping that would push the price down further

Have an exhaust shop remove the rear muffler and replace it with a press bent 2.5" piece. it will do everything you want and shouldn't cost more than 150 with your choice of exhaust tips.


The performance and sound difference between this and ANYTHING else money can buy on an other wise stock system will be the same so why spend more than 150?

Happy to explain why if need be.

Dann

NitroDann wrote:Have an exhaust shop remove the rear muffler and replace it with a press bent 2.5" piece. it will do everything you want and shouldn't cost more than 150 with your choice of exhaust tips.


The performance and sound difference between this and ANYTHING else money can buy on an other wise stock system will be the same so why spend more than 150?

Happy to explain why if need be.

Dann

Hi Dann,

I came across this in one of your posts but I'm worried about noise. How loud is this?
Alternative is to weld on a free flowing muffler. What do you think? Same "gains" as a 2.5 inch catback?

Thanks for the help as well! Oh and explanation would be nice too for newbies like me.

Absolutely the same gains as long as the muffler is straight through.

An SE Ive worked on has this exhaust mod (the straight pipe) and it sounds good, no drone and volume is sensible.

On an SE the following things in the exhuats system can do with upgrading:
Turbo
Downpipe
Exhaust pipe diameter
Rear muffler

Basically on an SE the gains are in the turbo and downpipe mostly, followed by a complete 3" free flowing exhaust.
if you are choosing to do ONLY the cat back for now, the difference in pipe size is nil and void, with only the rear muffler making a difference, and seeing as how they sound good with no rear muffler, and because it has a rather large straight through centre muffler, and the car is turbocharged, having no rear muffler is actually not that loud, but releases a nice throaty turbo car sound.

Dann

I think you've summed it up well Dann. Also I now know which paths are available.
Looks like this 'fix' is pretty popular in the US as well. They even have a kit called the Ethuza XR which sounds ridiculous.

I'll disconnect the rear muffler this weekend and see what it's like. Just have to make sure things don't get too hot down there.

This SE also has a mildly melted rear bumper from running no rear pipe for a week or so, So do the disconnect just for a quick drive.

Dann

kenson come to some club motorsport days, there will be a few SEs with different exhaust systems and you'll be able to hear the difference.

I also recommend Peter from mainline exhausts on Newcastle St in Northbridge if you need something custom made.

Will do Okibi.

I've had a PM asking what I'm talking about.
Link is here: http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/displayapplications.asp?partnumber=16639

Okibi wrote:kenson come to some club motorsport days, there will be a few SEs with different exhaust systems and you'll be able to hear the difference.

I also recommend Peter from mainline exhausts on Newcastle St in Northbridge if you need something custom made.

I recommend Nick from the Exhaust centre in Midvale. He does really good work as well

geofiz wrote:

Okibi wrote:kenson come to some club motorsport days, there will be a few SEs with different exhaust systems and you'll be able to hear the difference.

I also recommend Peter from mainline exhausts on Newcastle St in Northbridge if you need something custom made.

I recommend Nick from the Exhaust centre in Midvale. He does really good work as well

Thanks geofiz. I'll let everyone know how I go

OK, couldn't move on the price so the best I can get is ~$590 USD landed in Australia.
(still cheap, other places are selling it for $600 + delivery)

Go to http://www.hottexhaust.com, select your exhaust (for the SE, it is model 16639).
Use the following voucher at checkout to get 26% off: F62MPC38EX

I've been told that shipping time is ~8 business days.

Not sure when it expires.

Good for anyone that's wanting a cat-back stainless. Note, they also make an exhaust for the non-turbo NB too.

My choice: TBA.

I'm thinking of getting a new axleback made up that is a little lighter than what is on it atm. Are you interested in my axleback? You can hear when we meet up.

I'm thinking something similar to the Enthuza XR lightweight exhaust.

Sounds like a plan. I'll give you a call this weekend Andy.

Been following this thread..

Kenson, Good to see you are trying to find out the bang for your buck upgrades for the SE. Can definately learn from the guys that have done mods to their SEs, eg. AND1, Lookiel, MINX, etc... I think between them they have done every mod I could think off.

When i was looking for cat back system, I was very close to getting the Corksport 3 inch system. Ofcourse the downpipe and the CAT shuold also be upgraded to match. I have not heard the system myself but I gathered it will be louder than Magnaflow and other 2.5 systems. (Comparing similar set ups, with cat and rear muffler).

These guys can get it delivered and i was quoted around $800 fitted. They are in NSW so may not work for you.

http://www.mpsgarage.com.au/shop/produc ... turbo.html


AND1, can you post up your set up when you are done? Or even if you have it updated in your garage thread when done?

I might end up getting a custom 3 inch SS system made up, from downpipe, with aim to reduce as much weight as I can.

yem11n

When I get home I'll post a picture of the SE turnover outlet, I don't think there is any point putting a 3inch dump pipe on it.

Dann