P5 midpipe options ?

I am ready to change the exhaust system on my P5.
1) OBX headers (or similar)
When will the DCsports header be available? Pricing ?
2) midpipe (still not sure)
3) Megan racing catback exhaust

What are the midpipe options we have for the P5 ?

Wagner with cat = $325 (stainless)
MAM mild steel midpipe = $239 (not stainless)

Other options ?
 
In case you did not know ...

http://www.dcsports.com/product_list_app.asp
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#f9f8e9><TD></TD><TD class=plain height=30>Mazda Protg 2001-03</TD><TD class=plain align=middle>MHR4102b</TD><TD class=plain align=middle>
red_dot.gif
</TD><TD width=6><SPACER type="block" width="6"></TD><TD class=plain align=middle>TBA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
1dc_sports_race_header-large.jpg
http://www.dcsports.com/product_list_app.asp
 
Hmm... MAM also has a stainless steel midpipe option. Though I don't see it on the site for some reason. I'd suggest the MAM one, just due to the luck I've seen here with that.
 
I too am also looking for midpipe options. The MAM midpipe is 2.5" piping just to let you know, but I believe that to be too large for an N/A Protege. I also believe Wagner's is 2.5" as well but I have heard bad things about them (shipping time, availability, etc.). I think I am going to try to get a custom one made but I can't find anyone on the forum who has done this.
 
iON performance/Brullen makes a 2.25" one, but it tapers out to 2.5 inches after a short segment. The one I have right now is custom made out of straight 304 stainless, a flex segment, cat, and two laser cut stainless flanges.

Flanges: 80
Flex Section: 30
Straight Pipe: 50
RT Cat: 130
309 MIG Welding Wire: 12
3/8" 304 Barstock: 13

Total: 315 plus a little time to fit/weld it all.
 
flat_black said:
iON performance/Brullen makes a 2.25" one, but it tapers out to 2.5 inches after a short segment. The one I have right now is custom made out of straight 304 stainless, a flex segment, cat, and two laser cut stainless flanges.

Flanges: 80
Flex Section: 30
Straight Pipe: 50
RT Cat: 130
309 MIG Welding Wire: 12
3/8" 304 Barstock: 13

Total: 315 plus a little time to fit/weld it all.

That's actually not too bad considering the price of premade ones. What is the sizing of that cat? I'm trying to find one that will be a decent replacement for stock but in 2.25" piping so I wouldn't completely bomb an emissions test (I know I'd fail anyway, but not by so much, and I wouldn't feel as bad for all the trees and birdies and all, lol).
 
I have the MAM catless midpipe and it is great!! The butt dyno saw a nice hp increase after I installed it last weekend. The car is not exactly quiet - especially when I get on it - but that's the price to pay in order for my car to finally be allowed to breathe. The rest of my mods are in my sig btw(thumb)
 
flat_black said:
That's 2.25" tubing, with the same sized cat and flex sections.

How do you go about getting a flex section? Is that something most exhaust shops carry with them because that would be great as everything won't have to be "dead-on" to fit. Looks like over break I'm going to have to get to work and then all that's left after this is the header...

By the way, you wouldn't happen to know the dimensions of the stock 2nd cat? I don't have the means to go check right now.
 
FoxPro5 said:
I have the MAM catless midpipe and it is great!! The butt dyno saw a nice hp increase after I installed it last weekend. The car is not exactly quiet - especially when I get on it - but that's the price to pay in order for my car to finally be allowed to breathe. The rest of my mods are in my sig btw(thumb)
could you describe it? I used to have obx>mam midpipe>mazdaspeed axle back and it sounded like a weed whacker at certain RPMs. Now that I have a racing beat catback, I'm wondering if it's raspy or just loud and smooth (I love how the RB sounds just wish it were louder)
 
GhostLinker said:
In case you did not know ...

http://www.dcsports.com/product_list_app.asp
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#f9f8e9><TD></TD><TD class=plain height=30>Mazda Protg 2001-03</TD><TD class=plain align=middle>MHR4102b</TD><TD class=plain align=middle>
red_dot.gif
</TD><TD width=6><SPACER type="block" width="6"></TD><TD class=plain align=middle>TBA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
1dc_sports_race_header-large.jpg
http://www.dcsports.com/product_list_app.asp

Any ideas as to when that will be out and what the price will be? I'm interested in alternatives to the AWR.
 
it will prob never be out, it has been TBA for over a year now. The pictyured one looks it for a honda.

If you buy from wagner expect to be dissapointed and dont spend more then your willing to lose.
 
Yeah, the pictured one doesn't have the same exhaust manifold flange. But it sure would be nice if someone made a nice, long runner header like that. *coughMAMcough*

Anyhow, the flex section isn't designed so it gives you more wiggle room... You actually want to load up the flex section as little as you can, because that will be the weak spot in the exhaust, but should be enough to dampen the motion of the engine, as transferred through the header and midpipe. These can be purchased locally, but I purchased mine through the same company who I purchased the tubing and flanges through, so I could make sure it was all stainless steel, rather than stainless with mild steel bits of hardware in there.

You have to be careful while lining these things up. Just cut the pipe properly, first, then, while the pipe is held in place, tack weld the flange in two places. Line up the rear flange, and tack weld that one in two places, too. Do this with each piece of the puzzle; The flange, pipe, flex pipe, cat, rear pipe, and rear flange After that, I went over to my friend's father's place and used his TIG welder with some stainless rods, and practiced for a while, after which I welded it up fully, and have had no problems with it since.

Just take your time, and be careful. Also, MIG should work fine for your exhaust all the way, but I TIGed mine, just because I wanted to learn how to do it, basically.
 
flat_black said:
Yeah, the pictured one doesn't have the same exhaust manifold flange. But it sure would be nice if someone made a nice, long runner header like that. *coughMAMcough*

Anyhow, the flex section isn't designed so it gives you more wiggle room... You actually want to load up the flex section as little as you can, because that will be the weak spot in the exhaust, but should be enough to dampen the motion of the engine, as transferred through the header and midpipe. These can be purchased locally, but I purchased mine through the same company who I purchased the tubing and flanges through, so I could make sure it was all stainless steel, rather than stainless with mild steel bits of hardware in there.

You have to be careful while lining these things up. Just cut the pipe properly, first, then, while the pipe is held in place, tack weld the flange in two places. Line up the rear flange, and tack weld that one in two places, too. Do this with each piece of the puzzle; The flange, pipe, flex pipe, cat, rear pipe, and rear flange After that, I went over to my friend's father's place and used his TIG welder with some stainless rods, and practiced for a while, after which I welded it up fully, and have had no problems with it since.

Just take your time, and be careful. Also, MIG should work fine for your exhaust all the way, but I TIGed mine, just because I wanted to learn how to do it, basically.

So you just went out and bought new flanges to fit the new 2.25" pipe? I didn't know you could just replace those "spring-loaded" type bolts at the front of the midpipe. Either way this is looking more and more like something I will be doing soon. I just need to get around and start putting the pieces together. Do you think a local exhaust shop would carry these SS parts because I agree, all SS is much better (don't need hardware rusting off). Alright so off to find an appropriate cat...
 
I am also tempted to make my own.

Vibrant carry all the parts for a custom kit.
http://www.vibrantperformance.com/products/catalog05/pg27-31.pdf

and the also have the intermediate pipe
http://www.vibrantperformance.com/products/catalog05/pg16.pdf

the headers
http://www.vibrantperformance.com/products/catalog05/pg06-07.pdf

Check the retailer list on the Vibrant site. The have retailers in your area,
http://www.forparts.com/
and
BAP/GEON Import Car Parts in Virginia Beach.

Don't know about the pricing but I heard they are good quality products.
 
Last edited:
GhostLinker said:
I am also tempted to make my own.

Vibrant carry all the parts for a custom kit.
http://www.vibrantperformance.com/products/catalog05/pg27-31.pdf

and the also have the intermediate pipe
http://www.vibrantperformance.com/products/catalog05/pg16.pdf

the headers
http://www.vibrantperformance.com/products/catalog05/pg06-07.pdf

Check the retailer list on the Vibrant site. The have retailers in your area,
http://www.forparts.com/
and
BAP/GEON Import Car Parts in Virginia Beach.

Don't konw about the pricing but I heard they are good quality products.

Wow, damn, I had actually never heard of them before. I guess I am going to have to look into this a little more as this may make my life easier. Does anyone here have the Vibrant header?
 
toucci said:
could you describe it? I used to have obx>mam midpipe>mazdaspeed axle back and it sounded like a weed whacker at certain RPMs. Now that I have a racing beat catback, I'm wondering if it's raspy or just loud and smooth (I love how the RB sounds just wish it were louder)

You have the racing beat catback with the mam midpipe and and obx header now? I'm looking at getting a midpipe soon but didn't want it to get too much louder, how is it?
 
Chris taking that cat out and putting a straight pipe in will make the exhaust noticably louder then before. I think i have one of the most mellow exhaust (greddy sp2) and it was too loud for me.
 
SenorCorwin said:
Chris taking that cat out and putting a straight pipe in will make the exhaust noticably louder then before. I think i have one of the most mellow exhaust (greddy sp2) and it was too loud for me.

I'd definitely go for one with a cat.
 

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