i have an 06 3s hatch and am in the market for a cat-back exhaust system. i've already added the aem cold air, and now want an exhuast to balance out. i've researched several manufacturers and i know the good stuff from the bad stuff but here's my main driver ~ i have a 4 month old duaghter that is in my car from time to time (we usually take the wife's mazda 5 everywhere we go) so i don't want anything that's going to be too loud in the cabin.

so far it looks like borla is the quietest, but i haven't heard it on the 3. i also don't know much about the mazdaspeed exhaust system so at this point it's not even a contender.

any info would be greatly appreciated

 

I would recommend the Mazdaspeed, it's somewhat noisy at wide open throttle, but at a steady cruise it's almost as quiet as the stock exhaust. It's really not that loud at all.

 

ARK has been known to make some really kick-butt exhaust systems. Me and My friend just got yesterday installed ARK DTS exhaust system at their facility. ARK craftsmanship is second to none and their customer service is excellent. Great sound Hp machine.
Go for ARK you should be a happy camper..
www.arkspeedracing.com

http://www.arkperformanceusa.com/pho...ry.php?cat=512

 

i ended up going with the borla and couldn't be happier. it relieved a lot of the back pressure and combined with the aem cai, provided noticeable hp gains. it sounds awesome, low and deep....not loud and tinney. quiet when cruising, but it roars when you open it up.

tip is nice and subtle...not a cantelope launcher....just a little bigger than stock.
you wouldn't notice if you weren't looking for it.

...got a nice deal on it at www.car-stuff.com .....less than 540 plus free shipping, and got it the next day.....nice!

 

I have a catback maganaflow system on my 07 mazda 3 s. It gives it a nice deep sound when you step on it but when driving at normal speeds its just a tad bit louder then the stock exhaust. It also give the back of your car a nice look.

 

what is the stock diameter of the cat back piping?, what is the maximum diameter recommended. im planning on getting a muffler and having a shop put in a 2.75 in system in. even that might be too much, i donno any suggestions

 

magnaflow looks the nicest imo
but is too quiet. I cut the resonator out of mine and straight piped it with muffler only and sound is fantastic. even pops once in a while if you like that.