Sports exhaust for MX5 mk2

[Stuart70]

Morning

Looking for a good sports exhaust for my MX5. The original has rusted out, and I would like something which sounds a bit stronger. Preferably with twin tail pipes, though not a must.

I don't do many miles, so can be pretty noisy, though would still want to pass and MOT / do trackdays.

Does anyone have any experience / recommendations?

There seems to be lots of mods for mk1, but not nearly as much for mk2, or am I just being blind?

Thanks for any help / advice

Stuart

[seany87]

Mx5 parts stainless exhaust may be what you are after. Single or double pipe (I have the single as didnt fancy cutting into the bumper just yet)

Nice subtle note, not too loud or raspy, sounds brilliant in tunnels. Sure ive heard a cheeky pop or two from time to time although it could be my imagination the mx5 is hardly a Lamborghini.

From memory its a copy of a racing beat exhaust, fits well and good value for money. If money is no object have a look at Borla or racing beat.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I have a Racing Beat Power Pulse Dual exit exhaust (along with Larini mid-pipe and cat). The only back-box I've heard that sounds better IMO is the Borla.

[Richyvrlimited]

Have to say I love the noise my FM duals make on my MK2.5

They're barely audible roof up which is gat for commuting, but throw the roof down and there's a wonderful bark from them

[Stuart70]

Brilliant, thanks guys

Does anyone have manifold, front pipes or is it all further back?

Do I need to keep the cats for the mot test?

Will be ordering this week....

Cheers

[MX-5 Lazza]

Mk def needs cat for MoT.
What year is your car? Makes a difference with regards to manifold, cat & mid-pipe.

[Heathyboy]

I gotta Cybox recently which I think will be too quiet for you. If anyone is looking for a more raspy sound which has a little bit of a burble without sounding boy-racer the Cybox is good - manages to maintain the spirit of the car. It gets a little louder after a few weeks use too.

[Stuart70]

Thanks all.

It is an x plate 2000 mk2. Keen to make it fun, but use it for mix of sunday blasts, track days and sunny day commutes.

Sounds like I need to keep the cat, not sure then if there is benefit of doing anything with manifold and front pipe, then do mx5 parts/racing beat back end.

Feels like there is the start of a plan coming together...

Brilliant advice, cheers

Stuart.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Changing the exhaust is all about the noise. Don't expect any performance improvement. If you're lucky you might get a couple more horses but don't count on it.

[NeoVR]

Ill put a vote in for the Cobalt zorst from moss - its the same price as the MX5Parts one.. but not as anti-social (although i think the '5 parts ones are different between the mk1 and mk2)

[Stuart70]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Changing the exhaust is all about the noise. Don't expect any performance improvement. If you're lucky you might get a couple more horses but don't count on it.

Agreed. I bought the MX5 and loved the handling, but it sounded like a toyota carina. Happy to rev the bits off it, but would prefer that the sound was a bit more enticing whilst I am doing it; induction kit was a start... exhaust is next.

Realise that makes me a bit of a sad middle aged to55er in a noisy open top (no faster) car, but the advantage of years is knowing what I enjoy!

Will be placing the order and getting something on the back in the next couple of weeks. German touring cars at Brands is taking up the coming weekend - hopefully the weekend after....

Thanks again

Stuart

[MX-5 Lazza]

Stuart70 said:

Realise that makes me a bit of a sad middle aged to55er in a noisy open top (no faster) car, but the advantage of years is knowing what I enjoy!

Welcome to the gang! Mine has Racing Beat Dual back box, Larini Sport mid-pipe and Larini Sport cat so it's pretty noisy! It does however have a supercharger so being 44 it's definitely a mid-life crisis car

[Marvindodgers]

Another vote for the MX5parts stainless exhaust. I went for the single exit and am happy with it. It's not too loud, but adds a nice soundtrack to your drive. Only criticism is that it does drone a little at 70-75mph on the Motorway, but I try to steer clear of them for the most part and from previous experience in my Elise, I tend to wear sound reducing ear plugs if on a long trip anyway (to reduce engine/exhaust noise as well as wind noise).

[MX-5 Lazza]

The thing with exhaust noise (as with so many things) is that it's a matter of taste. One persons sporty/roarty is another's noisy/annoying. 1st hand experience is the best way to go, not advice on a forum. Get to some club meets and experience them for yourself before deciding.

[Marvindodgers]

Also worth checking youtube. There are lots of clips of different types of exhaust on MX5s. It certainly helped me with my decision to buy the MX5parts exhaust.

[Stuart70]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Welcome to the gang! Mine has Racing Beat Dual back box, Larini Sport mid-pipe and Larini Sport cat so it's pretty noisy! It does however have a supercharger so being 44 it's definitely a mid-life crisis car

Can i ask, Did you fit your supercharger yourself or did you get it fitted?

I am about as much use with a spanner as a baby with a pint of Guinness, like the idea of a supercharger but feels like it would be expensive?

Off to play with the Internet for YouTube and aftermarket toys...

Cheers

[scrwright]

Heathyboy said:

I gotta Cybox recently which I think will be too quiet for you. If anyone is looking for a more raspy sound which has a little bit of a burble without sounding boy-racer the Cybox is good - manages to maintain the spirit of the car. It gets a little louder after a few weeks use too.

Interesting, been looking at the cybox ones and want a quieter than most exhaust

[MX-5 Lazza]

Stuart70 said:

Can i ask, Did you fit your supercharger yourself or did you get it fitted?

Yes you can ask but no I didn't, Phil at Performance 5 fitted it for me. If I was going to do it again now I would do it myself as I've learned so much that I'd feel quite comfortable doing it now.
I would say though that if you aren't comfortable with car mechanics you probably shouldn't take on a project like that as it's quite easy for it to go horribly wrong.

[MGZRod]

My MK2 1.6 came with a stainless steel(unknown) midpipe and an RS*R back box with no silencers. Very noisy, pops and bangs very well. Sounds nothing like a 1.6 4 pot either!