Mazdaspeed3, Quieter exhaust than stock?

[Splice_9]

I am thinking seriously about buying a Mazdaspeed3, but one factor I noticed during the test drive is causing me to hesitate.

I don't mind exhaust noise under hard acceleration, but the constant drone of the exhaust while cruising on the highway seems like it would get tiring.

Are there any good options for replacing the stock Mazdaspeed3 exhaust/muffler with something quieter? Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Derek88]

I can see if you have a car full of people, or going slightly uphill, or forget there are 6 gears, then you could hear droning, but honestly, (even coming from an Audi) there isn't that much at all.

But to answer the last sentence, I do not know of any exhaust that would make it quieter.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

no aftermarket exhaust is going to make it quieter. you would have to have mufflers welded in or at least a different axle back muffler.

 

[chriscecc914]

maybe you should buy a battery powered car. (no exhaust noise or drone) j/k...yea it only gets louder after stock.

 

[AllLostThings]

Yeah anything aftermarket is going to be louder. I've read that the Mazdaspeed system is a bit of a diffrent tone but not very loud. Maybe that's the best option for you.

 

[nig3]

sure... just add another inline muffler to the stock exhuast. not sure why you would want to do that though.

 

[whapshh]

if you cant handle the drone then the car is not for you. Have you ever heard a Ferrari, Viper or any of those cars you cant have performance while having it quiet it just doesnt work that way. And by the way i never even notice the drone. If it gets on your nerves that bad the radio works really good.

 

[Splice_9]

Thanks for all the info (even whapshh ). I love the combination of power, handling, room in the backseat, and affordable price so I bought a True Red GT. I love the car, and I am looking forward to the end of my break in period so I can really open it up.

Regarding the exhaust note, when I listen to sound clips of Ferraris and Vipers, the engine is loud but the exhaust sounds open and you can hear the whoosh of gas. The MS3 exhaust is more of a resonating low tone under certain throttle conditions. I read that Mazda designed the resonators for the MS3 to get the sound they are looking for, so I don't think that this low drone is necessary for good performance (correct me if I am wrong).

I listened to the exhaust more carefully, actually the exhaust noise sounds fine to me during cruising for the most part. However, there is a particular low pitched sound when you take your foot off the gas at speed, kind of a low "brrr".

Do you know what type of sound I am talking about? Has anyone modified their exhaust so that it changes this sound to perhaps something more high pitched or less "resonant" and droning, which would be my preference?

Thanks for the comments or suggestions. I am sure I will be reading these message boards often for good modification ideas and asking questions.

 

[whapshh]

Very true the raspy after tone is from backpressure. Every turbo'd car ive driven has the "brr'' or pops after you let off the gas. I personally like the sound but they make resonators that actually can calm it down more. Congrats on your MS3. Im jealous all i need to do is sell my car (which is an 07).

 

[sfalexi]

Sorta on-topic, would sound dampening material help with the sound of the exhaust? like the kind they use to keep road noise away so you can better hear the radio. I'm thinking that it might not since the sound from the exhaust comes, well, from the back and not underneath. But maybe it does a little?

Alexi

 

[dparm1984]

I will resurrect this since there is a lot of misinformation.

Have a custom system put together with bigger resonators (more volume) and a bigger muffler (again more volume). Bigger mufflers are quieter. Just stuff the biggest mufflers you can under there.

A chambered muffler, like the stock one, will be the quietest. Twin-loop/twin-pass is a touch louder but flows better. Straight-through (N1-style/fartcan) will be loudest but minimally impact flow.


There's no reason you can't get something quieter, it'll just get expensive and need custom work.

 

[Sierra117]

There is this little knob in the center of the dash, marked "vol". Turn it clockwise, and the exhaust noise goes away.

 

[CMSS2000]

I have never heard my exhaust. Hope to fix that soon....

 

[wisniaPl]

my exhaust was loud when I bought it but now is to quiet,way to quiet I will be a little more quiet after time because of all carbon inside

 

[hectik1]

I really like the stock Speed3 exhaust tone. It is the right tone and the right volume.

 

[dparm1984]

my exhaust was loud when I bought it but now is to quiet,way to quiet I will be a little more quiet after time because of all carbon inside

Carbon buildup will not be significant enough to change the sound.

The car is not going to get quieter over time...if anything, it will get louder since the exhaust pieces will eventually break or decay (we're talking 20+ years though).

 

[BritishGuy]

Thanks for all the info (even whapshh ). I love the combination of power, handling, room in the backseat, and affordable price so I bought a True Red GT. I love the car, and I am looking forward to the end of my break in period so I can really open it up.

Regarding the exhaust note, when I listen to sound clips of Ferraris and Vipers, the engine is loud but the exhaust sounds open and you can hear the whoosh of gas. The MS3 exhaust is more of a resonating low tone under certain throttle conditions. I read that Mazda designed the resonators for the MS3 to get the sound they are looking for, so I don't think that this low drone is necessary for good performance (correct me if I am wrong).

I listened to the exhaust more carefully, actually the exhaust noise sounds fine to me during cruising for the most part. However, there is a particular low pitched sound when you take your foot off the gas at speed, kind of a low "brrr".

Do you know what type of sound I am talking about? Has anyone modified their exhaust so that it changes this sound to perhaps something more high pitched or less "resonant" and droning, which would be my preference?

Thanks for the comments or suggestions. I am sure I will be reading these message boards often for good modification ideas and asking questions.

I know exactly what you're talking about!!! :mad: That droning noise when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal just to allow the car to slow down on it's own for a bit is certainly annoying at times. I does bother me and i'm trying to convince myself to get used to it. I've also noticed that if you ease your foot off the gas slowly...it's not so bad...then again you don't slow down as fast though.

Good luck in your search to cure it and be sure to let us know!!!


Matt

 

[enganear]

I know exactly what you're talking about!!! :mad: That droning noise when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal just to allow the car to slow down on it's own for a bit is certainly annoying at times. I does bother me and i'm trying to convince myself to get used to it. I've also noticed that if you ease your foot off the gas slowly...it's not so bad...then again you don't slow down as fast though.

Good luck in your search to cure it and be sure to let us know!!!


Matt

I have studied this brr on deceleration sound and I believe the variable valve timing shifts to its most aggressive setting to increase pumping losses and increase engine braking. I believe it is similar to a Jacobs Engine Brake that holds the intake valves open to increase engine braking. If you will notice, the brr sound is associated with increased drag from the engine and does not happen immediately after throttle lift, there is a very slight delay.

Is the variable valve timing something that can be monitored with a Dash Hawk?

This is purely my theory based on observation and I have nothing concrete to back this up. I invite criticism in the name of enlightenment.
-enganear

 

[GoFast]

if you want it quieter definitely do not put the after market motor mount on

 

[AutoXRacer]

I can't wait to get my Cork Sport CBE... The stock exhaust is a great sounding exhaust!!! Just a little too quiet for a monster like our MS3!!!

I want more snap, crackle, and popping sounds!!!!