Mazda 3 hatch......from the underside. Exhaust pics.

[TheMirror]

Exhaust pics pictures cats cat catalytic converter muffler

How's that for search term hits? Heh heh..

Here's some pics of the stock exhaust system on my 5 door. Looks like its going to be a cut and weld job, as the only flange I could see is way up in front of the first cat. Pictures are from front to back.

[TheMirror]

Continuing down the pipe......

[TheMirror]

So that's it. Looks like even replacing the muffler would be a pain, as the pipe takes a hard left turn right into the thing without much of a straight section before entry. That would probably mean selecting a muffler shorter than the stock one and welding in a short straight section at the entry point. Looks like the same story out the back of the muffler. Otherwise, the factory bends are a lot cleaner than some I've seen. Doesn't look too restrictive.

[tonkabui]

wow, i guess there won't be any "catbacks" for this car. maybe downpipe back then? it's gonna cost a grip.

[melicha8]

Manufacturers are starting to do this now because of costs. Better grade steal in the pipes make them last longer and no flanges=no exhaust leaks which reduces potential maintenence

[TheMirror]

wow, i guess there won't be any "catbacks" for this car. maybe downpipe back then? it's gonna cost a grip.

Yep, cost a grip AND be illegal in California; its illegal to replace factory cats within the emission control warranty period, even with an aftermarket high flow cat. Geez. Start searching for capable muffler shops folks......

[TheMirror]

Manufacturers are starting to do this now because of costs. Better grade steal in the pipes make them last longer and no flanges=no exhaust leaks which reduces potential maintenence

Yep. This system actually looks pretty darn good for a stocker. I'm guessing the only potential bottlenecks downstream of that flange are the cats and muffler. The pipe itself looks pretty good.

[B_blake53]

I cut my exhaust from the cat and eliminated the resonator and factory muffler. then welded in new pipe and located the new muffler behind the rear suspension.

[goldwing2000]

Wow. What a crazy-looking cat and muffler. (boom01)

It's like they hydro-formed the whole system or something. Weird.

[TheMirror]

I cut my exhaust from the cat and eliminated the resonator and factory muffler. then welded in new pipe and located the new muffler behind the rear suspension.

Is that second lump downstream of the flange the resonator or a secondary cat?

A few questions with your install:

1. What muffler did you use?
2. Sound quality?
3. Did it sharpen up throttle response?
4. How did the ECU react to it?
5. Any modest increase in power?

-Mirror