Stock axle back with header sound?

[PR5Matt]

I have the exhaust system listed in my signature (OBX header, catless midpipe, single resonator, and Vibrant axle-back) and although it isn't as loud as some 4cyl exhaust systems out there, I am getting tired of the noise on my long highway drive to work. I am thinking about leaving it all the same except for reinstalling the factory axle-back exhaust. I am sure I will lose some power, but considering how little power is gained on the FS-DE with a full exaust system, I don't think it will be that much (probably about 2whp max I figure). My main worry is the sound. Do you think the stock axle-back will quiet it any more, or will it just be a waste of my time to reinstall it?

Thanks for your input!

 

[Innu_Qc]

I have the bosal cat back et since the axel back is interchangeable with the stock axel back I did some testing at the drag strip close to home. On the 1/4 mile I was having between .3 and .5 seconds differences between both axel back (I've done 5 run each) and about 1-2 mph on the trap speed. So the stock muffler is really having an impact on performance but I didn't think it was that bad.

 

[Rac3rX]

Why not put in the silencer? The rest of the exhaust line will do nothing with the stock axl back. Any gains at all pretty much will be lost.

.3 to .5 seconds Diff is quite a bit.

 

[Rac3rX]

"WellSpeed"

Your Name is Matt Wells, is it something you put together yourself? (Aswell as the CAI? Well its not really a CAI)

 

[PR5Matt]

Yep.^^^^

I put the stock one back on, and no big difference in seat of the pants power. Is very quiet even with the long tube header and no cats.

 

[PR5Matt]

I am thinking of trying the Mazda sport exhaust. I am not sure if it will be loud with the long tube or not.

I am noticing hearing loss due to age, loud music, and loud cars. I don't want it to get any worse.

 

[PR5Matt]

I was looking at the Mazda sport exhaust and that muffler is tiny. I looks like it would be LOUD. Any input on this?

 

[FunkyBuddha]

Which sport exhaust? the one from the dealer? No ...you don't want that. It's loud. with header. trust me..i have that setup LOL.

 

[PR5Matt]

^^^^ Yea, after looking at it I figured it would be stupid loud.

 

[Kansei]

maybe try a racing beat axleback? I have the ractive header with mam midpipe (with cat) and the racing beat catback and on the highway it's not loud at all.

It's only loud when you get on it at really low rpms or really high RPMs. they really tuned that muffler for the highway RPM range I think... if only Mazda would have been as considerate when they contracted out the "mazdaspeed sport muffler" for the P5.

I have one if you want but I guarantee it'll be louder than what you have right now.

 

[PR5Matt]

Yea, I think the RB may be the way to go. I might try another resonator under there with the Vibrant if it will fit.

I wish RB just made an axle-back for the P5. That is what I need.

 

[Kansei]

I never looked into it but the price to have the tip of a Protege MP3 or 2003 MSP racing beat cut and shortened can't be much.

 

[PR5Matt]

^^^Yea, I can do that myself, but the weld splatter would look terrible.


I may try this in place of the single resonator I have: HUSHPOWER

 

[PR5Matt]

Giving the resonator a try again.

Well, I am putting the Vibrant back on with a much bigger resonator. I see little power difference with the stock axle-back, but at WOT and load it sounds like a raspy push-mower on steroids, or a 1.5 liter Honda with a shot muffler. Not good.

The Vibrant with no resonator was too loud, with an 18" resonator (glasspack-12" case) it was acceptable but still a little too ricey for my taste as well as loud at around 75mph on the highway. So, I just purchased a 24" case resonator that is of much better quality and MUCH cheaper than the Hushpower. How twilightprotege fit two 24" (total length I guess) resonators on his P5 I don't know, but the one I am using is 30" overall, and will just fit. I hope it works well. Time for me to break out the Mig!