New Vibrant Performance CatBack system

[Don Lockwood]

There is a new complete CatBack system for the Mazda3.
Here is the email i was sent by Vibrant about details and pricing. Enjoy!
=====================================================

"Good Morning and Happy New Year to you as well.

We did build and test this system on the 2.3L model but we were informed by Mazda that the 2.0L and the 2.3L both share the same exhaust system. Once we get a few systems in stock (later this month) we will be getting a 2.0L model into our test center to confirm this but I am very confident that it will fit both engines and both the 4 door and 5 door models.

The suggested retail price for #1696 is $699.95 US for the complete system, including an ultra high flow metal monolith catalytic converter. However, our dealers are telling us that they plan to sell this system for between $599.95 US and $629.95, which I think is a very fair price point.

Dollar for Dollar, this is the best system on the market for this car. It's an easy bolt on system that will instantly cause your power output to shoot up (we made 10HP gain on the 2.3L model without doing any fine tuning and our guess is that the gain on the 2.0L will be in the range of 8 to 9 HP gain, which is huge for a cat-back system). It sounds great and it retains a very subtle "OEM" style look so as to avoid unwanted attention from the police, which is important in Quebec.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Thanks

Dino Rossi
Vibrant Performance
www.vibrantperformance.com "

 

[MidnightSpeeder]

Pictures? Dyno Graphs?

The 2.3 you tested was the manual tranmission right? What gains are expected from the automatic transmission?

Thanks,
Geoff

 

[tgv121281]

What size piping are they using????




PS-you can see the pics AND dynos on the link he provided at the bottom of the thread

 

[MidnightSpeeder]

tgv - Crap, thanks! I didn't notice.

Edit - Adding Dyno Figures (for the lazy)

Before Exhaust (Stock 3)
131.96 whp
128.05 lb/ft

After Exhaust (Vibrant Exhaust)
142.37 whp
137.35 lb.ft

An increase of 10.41 whp and 9.3 lb/ft.

Pretty darned good! Add this with an CAI, then you've got quite the combo.

Do you guys have any sound clips?

 

[tgv121281]

Those are some good numbers. So here's a question, what do you guys think...Draxas or Vibrant?



PS-anyone know what size piping is used?

 

[Badger Biker]

What were the reported gains for the Draxas system?

Draxas /was/ cheaper if I remember. But if the gains are higher on this one ... well, it'll be a tough decision.

Sound clips would be great as well!

 

[MidnightSpeeder]

I believe Draxas is cheaper for the High Flow and the Race Pipe, I believe.

IMO, this Vibrant system has to be a high-quality system (one that rivals the Thermal R&D exhaust system that Draxas has) and it has to definately sound good.

The market craves good power (+1 for Vibrant) and good sound (nice and throaty..)

 

[Greenbread]

i cant find were to hear it can u post the link not just to the main website but to that specific part

 

[AzMz3]

I would say that the dyno was of an auto 2.3L Hatch. Like I said in another thread the Thermal R&D exhaust system usually is on the ass end when it comes to the most HP/TQ.
60mm = 2.36" diameter mandrel bent exhaust.
I'd say Vibrant looks the most promising, I'd rather use bolts and gaskets to bolt-up an exhaust than clamps. But I don't think, I'm actually pretty sure, the exhaust for the hatch will not fit the 4 door.

 

[Badger Biker]

I /really/ want to hear what this one sounds like. The more I look at it, the more I am impressed.

 

[briand805]

very interesting. I would like more information..

 

[redfyre]

I've visited the Vibrant factory and the staff is unbelievably great to deal with. (cool) I've bought parts for my car and my sisters car and they were cheap considering the quality you get.

 

[tgv121281]

Well, now I'm up in the air. Both seem good, but the point that Azmz made was pretty huge. I found directions on the draxas site confirming the clamps, but couldnt find anything on the vibrant showing whats used. Also, thanks for doing the math on the piping Azmz. SO here's what I did, I wrote a detailed email to Vibrant explaing that I ordered draxas, and want more info b/c I'm thinking about going w/ them, then I listed a few questions that I had as well as some that were asked by you guys and told them if they came through w/ solid info they would see some response from this forum(a little motivation for them). I'll keep you guys posted as soon as I hear anything.

PS-I also asked if the 5door fits on the 4, and if not did they have a system for the 4door....(look at me keeping the sedan freaks happy!)

 

[MidnightSpeeder]

TGV - Thanks! Make sure you post the reply! Good work!

 

[briand805]

I E-mailed vibrant late last night and they responded today before noon.. now thats what I call customer service..

here is the email.

Hi Brian

We have indeed developed a performance exhaust system for the Mazda 3. We developed it on the 5 door edition with the upgraded motor option but, from what we are told by our friends at Mazda, the exhaust system for the 5 door will fit the 4 door as well.

If you would like to learn more about our soon to be released Exhaust system for the Mazda3, please go to www.vibrantperformance.com and click on the news release on the home page for more details.

We will start shipping these systems to our dealers starting the 2nd week of February (about 4 weeks from now). We expect the first batch of systems to sell quickly so, if our system interests you, you might want to contact your local Vibrant dealer to pre-order one to make sure you get one of the first off the production line.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks

Dino

A response like this goes a long way in my book..

 

[Silver Bull3t]

Those are some good numbers. So here's a question, what do you guys think...Draxas or Vibrant?



PS-anyone know what size piping is used?

I'm going Draxas.....2.5inch. Vibrant is like 2.36inches. I may go turbo after warranty so I want atleast a 2.5 inch so I don't have to re-upgrade later.

 

[AzMz3]

I'm going Draxas.....2.5inch. Vibrant is like 2.36inches. I may go turbo after warranty so I want atleast a 2.5 inch so I don't have to re-upgrade later.

That is one advantage to the Draxas that 2.5" will be good for FI or if you plan to add a race header......But it is only 0.14" Hard decision, but reputation wise I'd pick Vibrate over Thermal anyday.

There will be another option coming, I don't have a date. But I have been talking to www.trubendz.com and they are making an exhaust kit for the Mazda3. Good thing about them is they usually offer 2.25", 2.50" & 3.0" exhaust piping with your choice of mufflers. All mandrel bent and at a more resonable price.

 

[tgv121281]

Also, theres a system just released by corksport as well. DOnt know any numbers tho.

PS-I asked Vibrant some specific questions...if they answer me vaguely, then I'm sticking to Draxas. I asked them for real deal numbers, if they dont give solid responses then I'm not buying, just my opinion

 

[AzMz3]

Also, theres a system just released by corksport as well. DOnt know any numbers tho.

PS-I asked Vibrant some specific questions...if they answer me vaguely, then I'm sticking to Draxas. I asked them for real deal numbers, if they dont give solid responses then I'm not buying, just my opinion

If you are referring to dyno numbers as real deal numbers, I don't think Draxas has them at all. I don't think they have dyno'd tested their exhaust.
Which system did you order?

 

[tgv121281]

I was referring to Vibrants numbers. But now that you mention it I'm gonna get on Draxas for numbers too. I ordered the Draxas system b/c they were on back order. Seems like a decent system compared to Borla & Magna, but I'm seriously considering cancelling-IF I get some answers from Vibrant.

PS-Still no response from them yet, and they did read my email b/c I have the receipt.....starting to PMO now! If I dont get a response form them by this afternoon I'm sending another email, less friendly this time.