Performance Muffler for Mazda3

[MM3Canuck]

I am looking into a bigger exhaust tip. On the second thought, why not put a nice muffler, to get the bigger/nicer tip + a bit more sound.

My questions are:

1. Is the sound of just a muffler rice? (boom02)

2. What universal fit muffler will fit the Mazda3? I have been looking around, and there are ALOT!!!
I understand its universal; however, I don't want one that comes out on an angle, is too long, too short or just doesn't fit right. You know what I mean.


Cheers

[Boother]

Putting a universal muffler on the MS3 will not only be difficult due to the routing of the exhaust, but it will also likely have not effect on the sound. The stock MS3 exhaust is all straight through with 3 resonator style mufflers, so removing one small straight through muffler and adding a larger aftermarket one will not do anything.

[MM3Canuck]

That is on the MS3, what about the Mazda3?

[tsunami]

i suggest spending the $$ and getting a cat back... (4-600) but if you must put on a muffler i think any canister will work just as long as your tip isn't so big that you are in contact with the bumper and melt it...

[MM3Canuck]

Its not just the money(not that I have $600 dollars just sitting around waiting to be spend on an exhaust system)...I just don't want an exhaust that is too loud. I hate the ricy and loud sounding cars. I want to be able to hold a normal conversation with my passengers.

[tsunami]

a cat back does not make ricey noisey sounds thats usually reserved for what you are intending by adding a muffler to a stock exhaust...

some cat backs are louder then others but most don't sound "ricey" at all... if you dont' have the money for an exhuast but want some more power and a touch more sound try an intake it adds a nice touch to the noise and adds a bit of zoom to the zoom zoom...

[MM3Canuck]

a cat back does not make ricey noisey sounds thats usually reserved for what you are intending by adding a muffler to a stock exhaust...

some cat backs are louder then others but most don't sound "ricey" at all... if you dont' have the money for an exhuast but want some more power and a touch more sound try an intake it adds a nice touch to the noise and adds a bit of zoom to the zoom zoom...


Hmmm...okay thanks for the advice! I need to hear a nice exhaust system on a Mazda 3 in person, before I take any further steps.
Been looking into the ARK systems Part #SM1001-004S http://www.arkperformance.com/content/view/30/49/ seems to be the most quiet and none droony exhaust. I love the tip as well.
Anyone on this forum sell them for a good price?


I have a K&N Typhoon intake...already gives it a nice sound!! love it

[dommo_g]

If you're afraid of being a 'ricer' then don't bother replacing just the muffler for the look or sound and not getting any performance benefit.

[tsunami]

mmm not totaly sure who sells the ark on the forum... i am pretty sure you can find one on ebay though from a reputable seller...

[MM3Canuck]

Does the ARK still meet emission tests?


PS: Found one on ebay, for $499 plus $79 shipping to canada.

[Olestra]

Careful about customs. =)

[MM3Canuck]

Careful about customs. =)


Thanks for the heads up, but wouldn't be the first time paying for customs!!!(rei)


Answered my own question about the emissions. ARK Manager said that it does, because they use OEM cat. Good to know!!

[Olestra]

Sweet! Let me know how it goes through if you decide to get one.

[MM3Canuck]

Sweet! Let me know how it goes through if you decide to get one.


Will do...might be a while until I get it though, I really need to hear one in person.

There is a Sound clip, if anyone is interested.

http://www.arkspeedracing.com/04_ON_Mazda_3_ARK_DT_S_Exhaust_System_SUS_p/sm1001-004s.htm

[$inCitySpeed3]

whatever you do, make sure you get a muffler with chambers(unless your running boost) or you will lose back pressure/horsepower/ and money...Alot of people on here i noticied op for straight through mufflers, without boost it is pointless...Cant tell you how many 3 owners used to get on the dyno and be pissed when they got off...


NA=Backpressure
Turblo/Supercharger= no back pressure

[wingnut12]

Hmmn... my quotes don't work. Oh well.

If you're going to spend $700 after shipping and customs, you might as well get yourself a full catback, and get a little performance out of it for close to the same price.

I got the mazdaspeed version which has a tip only about 25% bigger than stock. I've also got a lot of compliments on the sound. A little deeper, with a hint of burble to it.

I've also found that listening to sound clips doesn't do justice to how they actually sound.

You're close to Toronto, and they have a hot 3 scene there. You might want to google Toronto + mazda + 3 + club since I've been led to believe that you can't give props to other clubs here.

[MM3Canuck]

Hmmn... my quotes don't work. Oh well.

If you're going to spend $700 after shipping and customs, you might as well get yourself a full catback, and get a little performance out of it for close to the same price.

I got the mazdaspeed version which has a tip only about 25% bigger than stock. I've also got a lot of compliments on the sound. A little deeper, with a hint of burble to it.

I've also found that listening to sound clips doesn't do justice to how they actually sound.

You're close to Toronto, and they have a hot 3 scene there. You might want to google Toronto + mazda + 3 + club since I've been led to believe that you can't give props to other clubs here.


I thought that ARk system was the whole deal. As InCitySpeed was saying I need a muffler for backpressure. I thought that was all in that ARK kit.
Full catback meaning? Would it also still pass emissions?


Thanks for the tip...I should go and see if I can go to some of the 3 "meets". Never thought of it.


I did not know that the Mazdapseed fits the Mazda3. How much did you pay?
Where are you from WingNut?

[wingnut12]

Mazdaspeed is the performance accessory arm of Mazda, and by catback, I mean the entire exhaust after the cat. Because it still includes both cats, it will still pass emissions. Mine cost around 650.00 I think or pretty close to it.

I live in Barrie btw

[MM3Canuck]

Mazdaspeed is the performance accessory arm of Mazda, and by catback, I mean the entire exhaust after the cat. Because it still includes both cats, it will still pass emissions. Mine cost around 650.00 I think or pretty close to it.

I live in Barrie btw


$650 CDN is not bad. Did you get it from a dealer?
Do you have pics of your exhaust?

I used to come up to Barrie almost every weekend for snowboarding. But I guess the season is pretty much over now.


BTW, I just called Mazda, and they do NOT have a MazdaSpeed Exhaust for the '07 Mazda3 yet. They also do not have a date yet either. Gives me some more time to save some money! (wiggle)

[wingnut12]

Here's a link to Mazdausa.com for a pic.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/speedDisplayAccessoryDetail.action?endModelYear=20 06&speedAccessoryId=12&carLineCode=MZ3&startModelYear=2004&categoryId=3

Yes, I got it at the dealer. have you asked the dealer why the 04 - 06 one wouldn't work?

Basically if you're looking at it from the rear full on, it looks like a 25-35% bigger version of stock. You can tell they tried hard to give it a stock look.

[tsunami]

the ark is a full cat back... not sure why there was confusion...

[MM3Canuck]

Here's a link to Mazdausa.com for a pic.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/speedDisplayAccessoryDetail.action?endModelYear=20 06&speedAccessoryId=12&carLineCode=MZ3&startModelYear=2004&categoryId=3

Yes, I got it at the dealer. have you asked the dealer why the 04 - 06 one wouldn't work?


He said that the muffler or cat (can't remember) is different.
I like how it almost looks stock though.


Since tsunami is ensuring me that the ARK is a full system as well, which one is the most quiet system? ARK or Mazdaspeed?

[tsunami]

mmmm dunno haven't heard either in person??

[ARKRacing]

Hmmm...okay thanks for the advice! I need to hear a nice exhaust system on a Mazda 3 in person, before I take any further steps.
Been looking into the ARK systems Part #SM1001-004S http://www.arkperformance.com/content/view/30/49/ seems to be the most quiet and none droony exhaust. I love the tip as well.
Anyone on this forum sell them for a good price?


I have a K&N Typhoon intake...already gives it a nice sound!! love it

You can contact Invision Auto Performance in BC. Canada or Team Work in Canada as well... www.arkperformanceusa.com / Check their link from our distributor list.(canada)

[MM3Canuck]

You can contact Invision Auto Performance in BC. Canada or Team Work in Canada as well... www.arkperformanceusa.com / Check their link from our distributor list.(canada)


Thanks, I will look into it!

[flyrevs]

Does the ARK still meet emission tests?


PS: Found one on ebay, for $499 plus $79 shipping to canada.
Pretty sweet lookin, why not just get the CP-E cat back for a little bit more $$$ ? Looks just as good, sounds good and dyno proven gains!!!

[MM3Canuck]

Pretty sweet lookin, why not just get the CP-E cat back for a little bit more $$$ ? Looks just as good, sounds good and dyno proven gains!!!


Looks play a big role, but what is going to make me decide for one is the VOLUME...I want the most quiet exhaust available!!!!