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- 2002 BJFW, 2007 BK3P, 1979 SA22C, 2005 BK3P
Vibrant exhaust finally installed...pics
- Thread starter scooter3
- Start date
blacksheepms3
Member
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- Mazdaspeed 3
thanks. i'll do my best.
Im installing my Vibrant today. Early next week Im going in for the recall at the dealership. Whats everybodys opinion on the reaction I'll get. Do you think this exhaust will draw the ire of the dealership?
Is my drivetrain warranty cooked? I searched exhaust and warranty.... it seems the consensus is mixed.
Is my drivetrain warranty cooked? I searched exhaust and warranty.... it seems the consensus is mixed.
mrlilguy157
Member
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- 07 mazdaspeed 3
i would think you're fine. you just have to find your cool dealership.
i found one that applies warranty to a BT rx8.
i found one that applies warranty to a BT rx8.
Well. Its on and.... I only was able to take it around the block but woah what a difference!!!!
I was a little weirded out because the pipe doesnt slip together, but instead the clamps lock down on both sides of the 3 inch pipe as they just sort of abut up next to each other.....During the installation I talked to Eric at ProtegeGarage and he assured me this was correct. But then the clamps wouldnt tighten completely, so I called Vibrants inhouse support and they told me that the clamp supplier had the bolt configuration wrong. After adjusting it, it fit like a charm.... no movement whatsoever.
Plus.... after cutting off the stock exhaust.. I think these clamps could be used to reinstall the stock exhaust with out any welding. Im glad it comes this way.
Cant wait to get it out on the road. Midrange and throttle response were just incredibly different feeling. And the fitment and sound was perfect.
I totally recommend this sucker, after my first impressions. Thanks again Protege Garage....
I was a little weirded out because the pipe doesnt slip together, but instead the clamps lock down on both sides of the 3 inch pipe as they just sort of abut up next to each other.....During the installation I talked to Eric at ProtegeGarage and he assured me this was correct. But then the clamps wouldnt tighten completely, so I called Vibrants inhouse support and they told me that the clamp supplier had the bolt configuration wrong. After adjusting it, it fit like a charm.... no movement whatsoever.
Plus.... after cutting off the stock exhaust.. I think these clamps could be used to reinstall the stock exhaust with out any welding. Im glad it comes this way.
Cant wait to get it out on the road. Midrange and throttle response were just incredibly different feeling. And the fitment and sound was perfect.
I totally recommend this sucker, after my first impressions. Thanks again Protege Garage....
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- 2002 BJFW, 2007 BK3P, 1979 SA22C, 2005 BK3P
thank you very much, glad to read good things and impressions! keep your eyes peeled for the wheels/mount
Glad to see you got it installed. We had the same issue with the clamps as you did. I think it is a great set up. Get it out on the road and open it up, you will love it.
Try to get some clips.
blacksheepms3
Member
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- Mazdaspeed 3
I got mine installed today. The mechanic called the clamps cheap. i was kinda insulted. I dont think it's cheap. i paid good money for it. it does the job of holding them together though. That muffler mechanic i went to had my tip crooked. The "vibrant" logo is not centered when looking down from up top. the angle of the tip is cocked to the side.
Can u guys tell me if it's supposed to be like this or did he put it wrong>? I want to be sure it's not the parts when i go back there and make him straighten it out. I have sound clips already in my camera. I just have to transfer it to my computer. Btw, I paid $205 to get it installed. Was I robbed? this is in NJ.
Can u guys tell me if it's supposed to be like this or did he put it wrong>? I want to be sure it's not the parts when i go back there and make him straighten it out. I have sound clips already in my camera. I just have to transfer it to my computer. Btw, I paid $205 to get it installed. Was I robbed? this is in NJ.
mazdaspeed32007
Member
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- Mazdaspeed3
205 for the install is a pretty good price. the logo should be on top. and the reason he would cock it is because the way it would fit into the stock muffler slot. but i havent seen anyone with problems with it fitting seeming how its basically the same size. id bring it back and have them straighten it out for you. just make sure they dont crap inside it when you ask them. lol.
blacksheepms3
Member
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- Mazdaspeed 3
haha yeah they probably dont like extra work, but if you pay good money for something u'd expect it to be how u want it to be.
Anyways, guys here's the video comparison on stock and vibrant.
enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBO73jzvYCQ
I like this exhaust. So far this is the one i like the best compare to GHL (too stock sounding), corksport, cpe and other exhaust (too loud)...Vibrant, just right. sounds like a v6
Anyways, guys here's the video comparison on stock and vibrant.
enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBO73jzvYCQ
I like this exhaust. So far this is the one i like the best compare to GHL (too stock sounding), corksport, cpe and other exhaust (too loud)...Vibrant, just right. sounds like a v6
numbnuts22715
Member
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- 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 GT
i really like it.
thanks for the post.
It makes me wanna get one. ahh.
Im sure you said it in the post, i'm just lazy. Do you have a downpipe too? or just the catback
thanks for the post.
It makes me wanna get one. ahh.
Im sure you said it in the post, i'm just lazy. Do you have a downpipe too? or just the catback
Awesome clip. Saved us some work!!! Heres my thoughts on your install. First.... my mechanic thought the same thing(about being cheap) until I got off the phone with Vibrant and changed the bolt configuration. Initially there was play in the clamps. Did you change the bolts so they match on each side with the clamp running INSIDE the metal pieces? If you did then it clamps down like crazy. Also... He tightened it super tight, and each time he worked it tighter the exhaust tip kept torqueing more and more into the exhaust opening. It was tougher getting the bolts torqued on the second clamp right above the back wheel. My guess is that if the tip is not centered its because he didnt get the clamp on tight enough on the back seam.... at least. Maybe both seams.
Just a guess.
Also I think 205 is a ripoff. I paid 75. Granted the shop I used is right next to my business and they know me... but not THAT well, that I felt like I got some crazy discount or something. It only took an hour and that was even with the phone calls to Protege Garage and Vibrant. He did let me help though..... maybe thats why I got the deal
I gave him 100 just to stay on his good side. Im gonna need this lift again before its all said and done.Lastly I want to put in a plug for Vibrants headquarters in Canada. Within seconds of calling I was on the line with a customer service rep who knew EXACTLY my exhaust and issues. He was super clear, patient, and encouraging. The call was quick and professional, which surprised me considering how big they are. I was expecting something different I guess.
Hope this helps.
Appreciate that Ken. You guys have been great every time I called. Ive been an addict on reading the boards, but its great to know that you guys are seconds away every time a noob to modding gets alittle gunshy on an actual install. I'll shop nowhere else. Your presence here is fantastic.
Im looking forward to the wheels and mount. Its got to drive you crazy when manufacturers are promising you delivery dates and you then have everybody going up the wall waiting around the country for deliverys. I dont envy your situation.
Just fire the stuff when you get it. Im gonna enjoy the exhaust aplenty for now
BTW.... I left a message for you regarding CPEs standback for a price. Are you still taking orders? Maybe a thread clearing this up could sell a few. Im pretty sure thats my next step.... unless its the Autoexe intercooler. Im still stuck on that POS for some reason. Probably because of the lack of quality options for such a needed and quite frankly, seemingly SIMPLE mod, as an intercooler.Sorry for the quasi-threadjack everyone. Now back to the Vibrant...... and all that grumbly goodness now being emited from the ass of my car.
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- 2002 BJFW, 2007 BK3P, 1979 SA22C, 2005 BK3P
excellent clip - can i use it for my site?
blacksheepms3
Member
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- Mazdaspeed 3
Go right ahead. Let this be a waiver of release for the video. hehehe i'm eager cause my license plate wasnt showing, it was by design so i dont have to blur it out (how do u do that anyway with a vid?) And i did it that way so the sound dont overwhelm the camera and record an inaccurate sound.
Awesome clip. Saved us some work!!! Heres my thoughts on your install. First.... my mechanic thought the same thing(about being cheap) until I got off the phone with Vibrant and changed the bolt configuration. Initially there was play in the clamps. Did you change the bolts so they match on each side with the clamp running INSIDE the metal pieces? If you did then it clamps down like crazy. Also... He tightened it super tight, and each time he worked it tighter the exhaust tip kept torqueing more and more into the exhaust opening. It was tougher getting the bolts torqued on the second clamp right above the back wheel. My guess is that if the tip is not centered its because he didnt get the clamp on tight enough on the back seam.... at least. Maybe both seams.
Just a guess.
Also I think 205 is a ripoff. I paid 75. Granted the shop I used is right next to my business and they know me... but not THAT well, that I felt like I got some crazy discount or something. It only took an hour and that was even with the phone calls to Protege Garage and Vibrant. He did let me help though..... maybe thats why I got the deal
Lastly I want to put in a plug for Vibrants headquarters in Canada. Within seconds of calling I was on the line with a customer service rep who knew EXACTLY my exhaust and issues. He was super clear, patient, and encouraging. The call was quick and professional, which surprised me considering how big they are. I was expecting something different I guess.
Hope this helps.
what exactly do you have to do to get the clamps to tighten properly? I have my Vibrant exhaust standing up next to me and ready to install.
My clamps came with one side of the clamp threaded behind the wedge and the other side... where the nuts are... threaded in front of the wedge. We tried to install it, as is, and didnt notice that it was differently configured on each side.
The clamp needs to be threaded inside both wedges, with the bolts locking up to the wedge....on the outer side. I dont know how else to describe it.
I might add that a more experienced installer might notice this immediately, but we had the car on the lift with the exhaust on and everything... we just didnt catch it. The guy at Vibrant was immediately aware of what the problem was.... so at least I didnt feel like I was the first guy to miss it.
Well now Im going to search "white smoke exhaust". After some hard driving this morning and this afternoon for about 20 minutes each way to my golf club... I ran into some incredible white/blue smoke BILLOWING from my exhaust after idling in my neighbors driveway for about five minutes. Later this evening I let a buddy drive it and I didnt see anything and the car pulls HARD... Holy Hard. So I dont think anything is up with it in a real bad way... but the smoke has me concerned.
Could be...
1. turbo seal? Its just bad like some of the other guys?
2. I switched to synthetic about 500 miles ago and they put 5w20 in(duh but caught it too late)... I was going to change it on Monday at the dealership for my recall. Maybe just to thin and the exhaust is pulling it through the seal? Maybe?
3. Maybe this exhaust, not only being badass, has a built in James Bond smokescreen.
Well anyway, if my turbos bad I guess it just means, oh I dont know. Maybe a bigger one
Edit. I cant stress how much faster my car feels. It BLOWS away the effect the CAI had on the butt dyno. Im gonna try and dyno this week too.
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I guess they corrected all recent orders. Mine came with the corrected clamps.
Now to buy a saw..
Awesome! More Vibrant exhaust installs. Nice clip by the way. The wifey bought me a new camcorder, one that has software compatible to my lap top, so now maybe I can get a drive by clip of the exhaust sound.
And yes, Vibrant has great customer service. Looks like the clamps were an issue with them as I had to also call. Once on the phone it was all of a few minutes before they had helped me.
Good luck on the install.
And yes, Vibrant has great customer service. Looks like the clamps were an issue with them as I had to also call. Once on the phone it was all of a few minutes before they had helped me.
Good luck on the install.
Have you put it on yet? Impressions?
Also... is anyone else had any smoking? Mines only done it that once. I go in to the dealer tomorrow for the recall. I cant wait to see how excited theyll be about one of my cats missing
