Emryss

Does anyone know where I can get a mazdaspeed exhaust? I have an '04 mazda 3 hatchback. I called the dealership to see what they cost and they want $610. Is that the normal price or can I find it cheaper some where? Thanks so much!

Dingo

Man can you do SO much cheaper. If you want a show car where name brand counts, then maybe you could justify buying the mazdaspeed exhaust. However, I had my dealerships mazdaspeed techs compare the F2 exhaust (with racing pipe and high flow cat) and they conceded that the quality of materials was the same, both used mandarel bent tubing, and the F2 actually had an advantage in that it's a 2.5" exhaust compared to most of the rest of aftermarket exhausts which are 2.25". The owner of F2 is sometimes busy racing Mazdas so if you're not patient, I would suggest looking at Magnaflow - a good and reputable name brand 2.25" exhaust that I have heard on Mazdas and I think it sounds good. Go on YouTube and put in the different exhaust brands with "Mazda 3" and you'll get some idea of the sound. I of course prefer the sound, value (just over $300) and the fact that the F2 is custom fabricated for a Mazda 3 so you get a nice, relatively straight pipe. I personally wouldn't buy anything with "mazdaspeed" on it as an aftermarket even though I love the cars with their name on it and their technicians that work on my car at the dealership.

Emryss

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it. I watched some videos of the f2 exhaust, it sounds real nice. I think I'll go with that and save myself a little money. Thanks again!

Dingo

Make sure you keep in touch with the owner. He has fabricated some great engine and exhaust mods exclusively for the Mazda 3, but like I said he's often busy off racing M3's on the track so stay in touch with him to ensure speedy delivery of all the parts you order. Also, if you order the F2 exhaust, make sure you specify that you want the high-flow cat to go with the interchangeable racing pipe IF you want to be able to drive legally on the streets. If you want a real HP boost (at least 15-20whp, but so far for me a real MPG decrease - however, I haven't had it professionally tuned & timed since I added my ZEX nitrous system), his 4-1 headers are also top grade, but will set off your CEL. Instead of expensive and time consuming options discussed in other threads on this forum, my mazdaspeed techs figured out a quick work around. I highly recommend finding a Mazda dealership with mazdaspeed techs who are willing to do your performance mods (unless you're into doing it yourself) for a couple reasons. They know Mazdas a lot better than your average perforamnce shop, and the better relationship you can build up at your Mazda dealer, the better deal you'll get on your next Mazda (worked for me anyway).

Now, if you're gonna get crazy with turbochargers, etc., your Mazda techs will probably tell you that you need to seek professional help elsewhere.

pearlms3

i went to a muffler shop, i got a 3 inch mandrel bent, from the end of the 1st cat to the muffler for $200 . Now it sounds like a sti