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Thread: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

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    Member shu5892001's Avatar
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    Default Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    I want my car to sound a bit louder and deeper, I have looked into exhaust systems and the all cost around 500 or more. I dont have much money right now, but I see some people only changing the muffler to a bigger one for only like 60 bucks, is there any disadvantage in doing this?

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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    you'll hate highway driving, and your gas mileage may suffer

    in the end, you get what you pay for
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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    just cut out the resonator.
    my buddy did it to his focus, and it sounded pretty good.

    or replace the muffler with a straight flow-thru muffler.

    there really isnt any downside to this, except some drone, but i dont notice any with mine, but then again, my music is always on.

    changing your muffler wont affect your gas mileage.
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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    how can you be so sure it won't affect your gas mileage?
    you throw on a cheap $50 muffler, you're really gambling on how well it is designed... a poorly designed muffler (or exhaust system for that matter) causes you to lose power/torque, that means your engine efficiency decreases and more fuel is wasted... even if that wasn't the case, it still can happen as the driver can get more lead footed because he likes the noise

    bottom line is, there IS science to exhaust systems

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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    Did you remove your stock resonator, from your air box? Having an upgraded muffler, and removing the resonator is the simplest, and cheapest way to make your car louder.

    It wont gain you HP compared to a full exhaust system, but you will get the loud result you want...

    It will sound like an intake, and your car will breathe a bit more..
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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    To put on an after market muffler (ie. cannister style) may cost a little more in custom installation as the OEM muffler on a 3 sits further back.
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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    i find strictly aftermarket muffler installs sound whinny as they only amplify the sound coming out, i like the stock sound over a upgraded muffler, i would personally save and invest in an entire exhaust system with headers and all but thats just my $0.02
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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    Just looking for that noise...

    Ebay Cannister muffler (yes it will fit, any muffler shop can adpat one)

    and add a striaght pipe aka delete the second cat...

    will add all the noise you need.....

    the mod should tally up to somewhere near $220 (straight pipe, muffler, install)

    Muffler shops to recommend, Noyz Boyz or Hod Rod Scotts

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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    ye thanks guys, I have realized... I will save up for a magnaflow

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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    You can do part of what I did......... replace the stock muffler with a Magnaflow muffler. The extra cost of my system was for the tips and custom dual piping, but the sound is due purely to that muffler. I have the stock cats and resonator in place, and the only *slight* resonance is at about 2000rpms (it has also mellowed over time). The sound is great and not annoying at all.

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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    Quote Originally Posted by TheMAN View Post
    how can you be so sure it won't affect your gas mileage?
    because its at the end of the tailpipe. most mufflers are a flow thru design, and that allows for more exhaust to exit the tailpipe at an easier rate.
    when i installed my catback, and my intake, i gained roughly 75 km's more a tank.

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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    Buy a used Mazdaspeed 3 STOCK cat-back. Most I've seen sell for around $200 and sound great on a regular Mazda 3 (no turbo = louder exhaust). Since for have a hatch you won't need to get it lengthened.

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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    Quote Originally Posted by alhope34 View Post
    Buy a used Mazdaspeed 3 STOCK cat-back. Most I've seen sell for around $200 and sound great on a regular Mazda 3 (no turbo = louder exhaust). Since for have a hatch you won't need to get it lengthened.
    I have the stock MS3 cat-back on my sedan and I think I've lost acceleration and torque.

    I still get about 650+ km per tank.

    But it sounds great, nice low rumble, even with an added Vibrant resonator.
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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    i also have a mazdaspeed exhaust, but i upgraded the suspension so is much better and the sound most likely is highway driving and warrenty...cheers

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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    Quote Originally Posted by lightingwhite32008.5 View Post
    i also have a mazdaspeed exhaust, but i upgraded the suspension so is much better and the sound most likely is highway driving and warrenty...cheers


    Ok...so you have a mazdaspeed exhaust...but what does the suspension have to do with it? "the sound most likely is highway driving and warrenty"?!?! How does warranty have a sound?

    What exactly are you trying to get at?
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    Default Re: Disadvantage of only changing the muffler

    Quote Originally Posted by lightingwhite32008.5 View Post
    i also have a mazdaspeed exhaust, but i upgraded the suspension so is much better and the sound most likely is highway driving and warrenty...cheers
    Do you have a Mazdaspeed AFTERMARKET exhaust meant for a regular mazda 3, or do you have a Mazdaspeed 3 STOCK exhaust put on your car? The two are very different, both in sound and pipe size. The stock MS3 exaust is 2.5" which I know is larger than most MZ3 aftermarket exhausts.

    I remember in the Yaris club there was a guy from the states who got a custom manifold and 2.5" exhaust put on his Yaris and he was wondering why it felt much slower. Haha, 2.5" exhaust on a 1.5L NA car...

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