Honest Opinion on Draxes Exhaust Noise Level

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rbmazda3

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Contributor
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2004 Mazda 3
Honest Opinion on Draxas Exhaust Noise Level

So I'm getting to the point of installing an exhaust system and have it down to two choices. Both the Corksport and Draxas seem to be very similar and the Corksport is less expensive and they are NW owned and operated which I wouldn't mind keeping my money local. My main concern is the drone sound while crusing at 60-70 mph. My last two rides I had the Greddy SP systems on and although the performance was great the noise level almost drove me crazy. I do not want a system like that again. Exhaust systems dont really give you that big of gains anyhow. Maybe 5 whp max. I think we get them more for the sounds and look than anything else.

Anyhoo...enough of my ramblings. Who out there has systems on their cars, what are they and how would you rate the volume at highway crusing speeds without the tunes cranked?

Thanks in advance,
Randy
 
Last edited:
rbmazda3 said:
So I'm getting to the point of installing an exhaust system and have it down to two choices. Both the Corksport and Draxas seem to be very similar and the Corksport is less expensive and they are NW owned and operated which I wouldn't mind keeping my money local. My main concern is the drone sound while crusing at 60-70 mph. My last two rides I had the Greddy SP systems on and although the performance was great the noise level almost drove me crazy. I do not want a system like that again. Exhaust systems dont really give you that big of gains anyhow. Maybe 5 whp max. I think we get them more for the sounds and look than anything else.

Anyhoo...enough of my ramblings. Who out there has systems on their cars, what are they and how would you rate the volume at highway crusing speeds without the tunes cranked?

Thanks in advance,
Randy
Click to expand...

I have not heard the Draxas or Corksport. I saw some clips of a car with the Magnaflow cat back and it was too loud for me. (getting old) I understand that Borla sounds pretty good. Sound is a matter of opinion. Mine has good tone but may be too quiet for many.
 
A guy I know has a Corksport and one of the pipes split on him after only 4 months on the car.
I'm still waiting to see what they're gonna do for him but I'm thinkin' I'm not gonna buy Corksport.
 
goldwing2000 said:
A guy I know has a Corksport and one of the pipes split on him after only 4 months on the car.
I'm still waiting to see what they're gonna do for him but I'm thinkin' I'm not gonna buy Corksport.
Click to expand...
How does it sound? Is it overbearing inside at cruising speeds?
 
rbmazda3 said:
How does it sound? Is it overbearing inside at cruising speeds?
Click to expand...

Don't know. Haven't ridden in it. It's on a Protege, though. Wouldn't really be able to compare. My point is that they may have quality issues.
 
goldwing2000 said:
Don't know. Haven't ridden in it. It's on a Protege, though. Wouldn't really be able to compare. My point is that they may have quality issues.
Click to expand...
Gotcha!
 
i'm leaning towards the draxas with high-flow cat. i just wish the draxas had a nicer tip. if the magnaflow wasn't so loud, i'd get that because it is much cheaper.
 
I maybe alittle biased but Draxas is not loud when cruising. It does give you a smile at wotI hope these reviews and clips help you out.
Draxas
http://www.streamload.com/briand805/mazda/reving.wmv
http://store.draxas.com/detail.asp?Cat=3&Sub=29&Item=501 (Cat-Back)
http://store.draxas.com/detail.asp?Cat=3&Sub=29&Item=502 (Cat-Back + High Flow Cat)
http://store.draxas.com/detail.asp?Cat=3&Sub=29&Item=503 (Off-Road version)

Vibrant
http://www.myimages.zapto.org/Sounds/vibstreetpower.mp3

Magnaflow
http://www.magnaflow.com/04sound/sportsound/mazda3l.htm
http://www.ptuning.com/html/special...delYear=2004-2005 All 2.0L & 2.3L&ModelDesc=3
Sound Clips:
http://images.magnaflow.com/04sound/sportsound/mazda3_driveby.mp3
http://images.magnaflow.com/04sound/sportsound/mazda3_launch.mp3
mic_crispy's Magnaflow + AEM CAI:
http://webpages.charter.net/timothymcguire/MVI_0955.avi
http://webpages.charter.net/timothymcguire/MVI_0956.avi
http://webpages.charter.net/timothymcguire/MVI_0957.avi
http://webpages.charter.net/timothymcguire/MVI_0960.avi

here are clips of the autoexe:
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00001.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00002.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00003.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00004.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00005.MPG

#1 in Performance Gains: Draxas/Vibrant. Draxas sports a larger diameter piping than their competitors (2.5"). Vibrant clocks in at 2.36". However, the numbers for Draxas and Vibrant are very close, even though Draxas' base package is a cat-back only, and the Vibrant comes with the cat. Therefore, Vibrant has the most potential, though you get into the issue of sound levels when you throw on a cat with the off-road system.

Easiest Installation: Vibrant. As far as installation of a full exhaust system goes, Vibrant's is mostly a bolt-on application.

Quietest Exhaust: Judging from the sound clips - Draxas. (Unless you get the off-road version)

Loudest Exhaust: Toss up between Magnaflow and Vibrant. Magna sounds more like an SRT-4 with the backfire sound that a lot of people love. Vibrant is more of a low purr throughout the rev.
(However, Borla's sound is extremely nice too. Check their site for a sound clip.)

PROS and CONS of the 3 major competitors:

Draxas:
Pros - Offers best performance and quietest in-cab sound.
Cons - Some people will like a louder exhaust. The exhaust tip is quite big.
Cost: $415 - Cat-Back System.
$530 - Cat-Back + High Flow Cat.
$500 - Off-road version.

Note on the off-road version:
This kit includes all of the piping to completely replace the factory exhaust system up to the exit flange on the exhaust manifold flex pipe. This kit includes an off road pipe (not street legal) that replaces the second factory catalytic converter. It is possible to run the factory cat with this kit on the street, then remove the factory cat and install our off road pipe for race track use. It is relatively simple to switch back and forth so you remain street legal. If you use the offroad pipe on the street, you are doing so at your own risk. You will need to cut the factory exhaust system to remove it as the factory exhaust is a one piece design. The factory rear suspension prevents the exhaust from being removed.

Vibrant:
Pros - Smoothest and lowest sound. Looks closest to the stock exhaust.
Cons - It's something you'd want people to hear, not necessarily see. It's not much to look at. High cost.
Cost: Around $550. Includes a high-flow cat.

Magnaflow:
Pros - Sweet sound and rigid construction. Looks the most flush and natural to the car. Comes in a mirrored finish, making it super shiny.
Cons - Constructed with a cheaper-quality steel, or so they say.
Cost - $454. - Cat-Back System. Free shipping and a lifetime warranty from ptuning.com.

There are other players, including Corksport (http://www.corksport.com/main.php3?primNavIndex=0&mainURL=/store/index.php3?cat=293618), Borla, and Auto Exe.

Corksport exhausts are not street legal, and cost $389.

Borla is still on the down-low but their exhausts are extremely aggressive sounding, most like the Vibrant, and even more so at higher RPMs. The system will set you back $589.99 and comes in stainless steel. No Borla system has been confirmed for the sedan yet, but the 5-door version is available.

Auto Exe exhausts are only cat-back systems and run for an astounding $689, possibly since they ship from Japan.
Clips:
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00001.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00002.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00003.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00004.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00005.MPG
(Thanks to mica3speedy for these)

All previous research, opinions, and conclusions are drawn from the media above, third-party submissions, and opinions of forum members.
 
KING13 said:
I maybe alittle biased but Draxas is not loud when cruising. It does give you a smile at wotI hope these reviews and clips help you out.
Draxas
http://www.streamload.com/briand805/mazda/reving.wmv
http://store.draxas.com/detail.asp?Cat=3&Sub=29&Item=501 (Cat-Back)
http://store.draxas.com/detail.asp?Cat=3&Sub=29&Item=502 (Cat-Back + High Flow Cat)
http://store.draxas.com/detail.asp?Cat=3&Sub=29&Item=503 (Off-Road version)

Vibrant
http://www.myimages.zapto.org/Sounds/vibstreetpower.mp3

Magnaflow
http://www.magnaflow.com/04sound/sportsound/mazda3l.htm
http://www.ptuning.com/html/special...delYear=2004-2005 All 2.0L & 2.3L&ModelDesc=3
Sound Clips:
http://images.magnaflow.com/04sound/sportsound/mazda3_driveby.mp3
http://images.magnaflow.com/04sound/sportsound/mazda3_launch.mp3
mic_crispy's Magnaflow + AEM CAI:
http://webpages.charter.net/timothymcguire/MVI_0955.avi
http://webpages.charter.net/timothymcguire/MVI_0956.avi
http://webpages.charter.net/timothymcguire/MVI_0957.avi
http://webpages.charter.net/timothymcguire/MVI_0960.avi

here are clips of the autoexe:
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00001.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00002.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00003.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00004.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00005.MPG

#1 in Performance Gains: Draxas/Vibrant. Draxas sports a larger diameter piping than their competitors (2.5"). Vibrant clocks in at 2.36". However, the numbers for Draxas and Vibrant are very close, even though Draxas' base package is a cat-back only, and the Vibrant comes with the cat. Therefore, Vibrant has the most potential, though you get into the issue of sound levels when you throw on a cat with the off-road system.

Easiest Installation: Vibrant. As far as installation of a full exhaust system goes, Vibrant's is mostly a bolt-on application.

Quietest Exhaust: Judging from the sound clips - Draxas. (Unless you get the off-road version)

Loudest Exhaust: Toss up between Magnaflow and Vibrant. Magna sounds more like an SRT-4 with the backfire sound that a lot of people love. Vibrant is more of a low purr throughout the rev.
(However, Borla's sound is extremely nice too. Check their site for a sound clip.)

PROS and CONS of the 3 major competitors:

Draxas:
Pros - Offers best performance and quietest in-cab sound.
Cons - Some people will like a louder exhaust. The exhaust tip is quite big.
Cost: $415 - Cat-Back System.
$530 - Cat-Back + High Flow Cat.
$500 - Off-road version.

Note on the off-road version:
This kit includes all of the piping to completely replace the factory exhaust system up to the exit flange on the exhaust manifold flex pipe. This kit includes an off road pipe (not street legal) that replaces the second factory catalytic converter. It is possible to run the factory cat with this kit on the street, then remove the factory cat and install our off road pipe for race track use. It is relatively simple to switch back and forth so you remain street legal. If you use the offroad pipe on the street, you are doing so at your own risk. You will need to cut the factory exhaust system to remove it as the factory exhaust is a one piece design. The factory rear suspension prevents the exhaust from being removed.

Vibrant:
Pros - Smoothest and lowest sound. Looks closest to the stock exhaust.
Cons - It's something you'd want people to hear, not necessarily see. It's not much to look at. High cost.
Cost: Around $550. Includes a high-flow cat.

Magnaflow:
Pros - Sweet sound and rigid construction. Looks the most flush and natural to the car. Comes in a mirrored finish, making it super shiny.
Cons - Constructed with a cheaper-quality steel, or so they say.
Cost - $454. - Cat-Back System. Free shipping and a lifetime warranty from ptuning.com.

There are other players, including Corksport (http://www.corksport.com/main.php3?primNavIndex=0&mainURL=/store/index.php3?cat=293618), Borla, and Auto Exe.

Corksport exhausts are not street legal, and cost $389.

Borla is still on the down-low but their exhausts are extremely aggressive sounding, most like the Vibrant, and even more so at higher RPMs. The system will set you back $589.99 and comes in stainless steel. No Borla system has been confirmed for the sedan yet, but the 5-door version is available.

Auto Exe exhausts are only cat-back systems and run for an astounding $689, possibly since they ship from Japan.
Clips:
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00001.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00002.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00003.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00004.MPG
http://www.jaycwang.com/MOV00005.MPG
(Thanks to mica3speedy for these)

All previous research, opinions, and conclusions are drawn from the media above, third-party submissions, and opinions of forum members.
Click to expand...
Dude...you're an over achiever. Thanks for the great feed back! :)
 
that looks like a freaking research paper for school good job dude, thats some awesome info.
 
who's ur daddy? said:
Except that the main question still needs to be directly answered: what is the sound level/quality of each at hwy cruising speeds.
Click to expand...
Thanks for reiterating that for me. You must want to know as well. :)
 
yeah but he did answer it he put sound clips so that you could hear it and for real i dont think is loud at all
 
rbmazda3 said:
Thanks for reiterating that for me. You must want to know as well. :)
Click to expand...

Yup!

M_3 said:
yeah but he did answer it he put sound clips so that you could hear it and for real i dont think is loud at all
Click to expand...

I don't think a sound clip will capture resonating/droning qualities. I've lost some hearing due to an aftermarket exhaust on a previous car... there was a terrible drone at certain RPM during highway cruising. I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. Well, maybe...
 
who's ur daddy? said:
Yup!



I don't think a sound clip will capture resonating/droning qualities. I've lost some hearing due to an aftermarket exhaust on a previous car... there was a terrible drone at certain RPM during highway cruising. I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. Well, maybe...
Click to expand...

well maybe you are right but in my opinion i had seen one and hear one and i think the sound is very nice.

very very nice is loud but it doesnt bother you you know what i mean like ppl arround you would hear it but is not anoying its sweet
 
Antoine said:
I'm just browsing but I had to say...Awesome thread! Keep it up guys (thumb)
Click to expand...


thats just because of the school report by king it was nice.

thanks thou.
 
I'm going to hold off on purchasing anything at the moment until I get the data I need. All the information here is great but still doesn't tackle the root question. Maybe I need to rephrase it or reiterate it.

Let's say you are crusing at 65 mph in 5th gear. Is the sound from your exhaust noticable?

Personally...I think just my CAI is overly loud at times.
 
yeah im telling you, i my friend has one and i had driven it with him an it is noticiable and not so loud is very deep sounded its nice
 
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