How about this?

[Secondtyme]

I am feeling the need for a little more rumble in my 5. I have had loud exhaust on the last four cars i have owned and am realizing that I miss it. That being said, this is a VAN, and I don't want to instigate any races I will summarily lose. I'm kinda thinking of getting a Borla universal canister and having it welded in place of the larger of the two mufflers up under the car. If that doesn't quite do it, then I will eliminate the rear muffler (the one just inside the rear bumper) Have any of you done something like this? I don't really want a bolt on canister, they are too costly for 5 specific fits and a little too FATF for my tastes sound wise. So whadyathink?

 

[Silentnoise713]

I am feeling the need for a little more rumble in my 5. I have had loud exhaust on the last four cars i have owned and am realizing that I miss it. That being said, this is a VAN, and I don't want to instigate any races I will summarily lose. I'm kinda thinking of getting a Borla universal canister and having it welded in place of the larger of the two mufflers up under the car. If that doesn't quite do it, then I will eliminate the rear muffler (the one just inside the rear bumper) Have any of you done something like this? I don't really want a bolt on canister, they are too costly for 5 specific fits and a little too FATF for my tastes sound wise. So whadyathink?

By "two" mufflers, are you referring to the resonator and muffler?

What exactly are you looking for: sound, visual, or power (or a combo of such)? Deleting the resonator would be the cheapest way to get some sound. Any shop can cut out the resonator and weld in a straight pipe, there might even be aftermarket resonator delete options out there. Next would be the muffler, which provides sound and visuals but typically a little more costly and if you are lucky a non-noticeable power gain. Only a true cat-back will deliver all three but there's a price to be paid. There're only a few who's actually investe in true setup that I've seen.

This is on my Amazon wish list. The tip is a little F&F for me but I love that all reviewers say it is quite with a little low end rumble. There's a Race series, which prob suite you better. Ideally a dual exhaust is what I'd prefer for visual but it's more effort to mount and not with the $$/gain ratio.
https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)


If you don't mind being loud and obxinious, you can also consider this. Should provide a little more gain. Certainly cheap way to accomplish it.
https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

 

[Secondtyme]

I sort of forgot to think that the larger canister under the car might just be a resonator. Does this mean the only muffler in the whole system is that oddly shaped thing hanging inside the rear bumper? My principle interest is in gaining a little bit of sound. Performance wise I know that an exhaust alone without supporting intake and head work is sort of a placebo mod, so WTF. I do mean a little bit, I don't really want loud and obnoxious at all. I have the Magnaflow Street series muffler on my 04 Forester, mine has the dual 3" tips. The body of that muffler is ony 13" long and it is LOUD AS HELL. On the Subie I love it to death, but that isn't what i'm after for the 5. Maybe I will try having the resonator removed. My biggest fear is that with the auto trans, it will become a drone-fest at highway speeds, which is where most of my long commute is.

 

[Silentnoise713]

If you want a louder exhaust, would hwy drone really be a concern? We all have different limits on what’s acceptable so that’s a tough one for anyone to give you feedback. I would not like any drone.

Since you have a '06, I'd say use the preventative maintenance excuse and go with a new muffler (granted rust is probably not a concern for you ). It does a better job of producing sound. Can't go wrong with Borla or Manaflow universals.

Youtube “mazda Magnaflow 14832” for some audio clips. The Magnaflow Street muffler sounds like it may be up your alley too. I though you wanted really loud.


Edit: the 14827 looks better but cost more. Same thing but different tip.

 

[Secondtyme]

Maybe I'm not expressing myself properly. By louder, I mean louder than stock. Given that my DIY CAI is louder than the stock exhaust that may give you some idea of what i'm after. I had a Tanabe Touring Medallion on my 08 Honda Fit, that is the level of sound I am looking for. I too would like ZERO drone, but I am realistic about the chances of that.

 

[Donewood]

If your looking for a little throatier sound, consider going to a cold intake. I noticed the tone realy changed when I ran mine without the stock box thats in the fender ahead of the aircleaner. Pretty complex plumbing for an airbox.

 

[Secondtyme]

Already done, that is what is louder than my exhaust right now. Which is where the question comes from. I think the Tanabe Touring Medallion is available as a universal canister, maybe I'll look into that since I know that the sound level is perfect for my wants/needs. That or a Borla in place of the resonator. Then, if it is too quiet, I can remove the muffler and see what that gets me.

 

[Secondtyme]

While gassing up this evening, I saw an 08 or 09 with mods. They included some nice 18" gunmetal rims with polished lips, a huge patio awning rear wing, slight drop, and most importantly, a universal canister exhaust! It sounded pretty nice and the guy driving it must have noticed me checking him out because he gunned it leaving the gas station LOL So now I'm considering that route as well, sigh.........