recomended exhaust
 

hey guys, i just got a 2005 mazda 3s and i wanna get CAI and exhaust. im pretty sure im goin with the AEM CAI, but im not sure what exhaust to get on a mazda 3. any suggestions? also would i wanna go just catback or what? any info on this would be greatly appriciated!

I like the sound of the Magnaflows...nice, mellow deep tone...not ricey sounding at all and isnt loud unless your really romp on it. The borla cat back systems are nice, but are a bit pricey. Just go with a catback system...if you replace anything more your going to have to deal with sensors, check engine lights, etc and will cost you a bit more for minimal gains.

if u do go woth the AEM CAI make sure u modify ur wires to ur MAF bc if u dont ur CEL will come on and cause all sorts of problems....heres some pics....
Attachment 10548
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Attachment 10550
there is too much tension in the wires so u have to cut the plastic and unclip the clips that are connected to the battery box

ok k cool! thanx for the info. so do u have to splice into those wires and extend them or do u just have to cut the plastic and that will give u enouph length? also do u hook all the wires up the same way it was?

P.S. i decided to spend the extra cash and go with the borla exhaust!

What Borla Exhaust did you get?:)

the borla single tip catback exhaust. part # 140121, although i havent actually ordered it yet!

Youll like it...a friend of mine has the same one on his 5 door and it sounds GREAT!

... a custom muffler shop in Toronto told me that you don't need to replace the cat back for the borla ... just switch out the muffler and tip .... the tubing on the 3's is stainless steel and 2 3/4" already ... the borla I priced came in at $460 CDN installed with the tip of my choice .... $180 for the muffler .... $100 for the tip ... install makes up the $$$ difference .... dunno if the shop was correct in their "tube" assessment but what a deal!

ok, just to let you know the exhaust is not 2.75" , it is actually 2.0" why would anyone, especially all the aftermarket exhasut makers, make their exhausts smaller then the stock?

Because they don't want it to sound dumb like alot of other aftermarket exhausts?

what would you rather have, a smooth sounding engine, or a rap concert on your back bumper?

I'm not saying I like either but it's just there way of producing a product.

Thanks for the information about the CAI, since it'll be the first thing I buy when I purchase the car.

As for the exhaust though: If I'm not replacing the cat, there probably isn't any point replacing the rest of the exhaust is there other than for sound? I was thinking of upgrading to 2.25", but I don't think I'd get any performance benefits. What do you all think?

Even if replacing the exhaust just from the cat back you'll still see gains if you go with any of the systems that other posters mentioned, no doubt. I'd suggest going that route as when you get to messing with the cat on newer cars things start getting all messed up, or so I've seen on other cars with regards to the computer systems. Just my opinion...

Best, JP

Hey Wing, if you're interested, I am actually selling my Magnaflow Cat-Back exhaust system (2.25") and I'm letting it go right now for 300. I live in Orange,CA so if you are interested just give me a pm. I'll hopefully hear from y asoon.

If you do not have emission laws (cause it removes the cat) in your state i would highly suggest getting the Cork Sport exhaust system. It sounds and looks awsome and plus it is only $389.00. I know I have a MSP but I am sure the quality of the exhaust is just as good...mine put 12hp to the wheels (which is more than the others out there).

Thanks for the offer, man. Luckily my father in law has owned a muffler shop for as long as I can remember and he makes his own pipes. I think he'll cut me a deal ( he better anyway). Besides, it'll give me a chance to have a couple of beers with him.