I didn't even give the theft potential a second thought. I've "broken into" my car enough times (wire coat hanger, thin bar-stock, even a broom handle) for that not to be an issue. And I've lived in "da hood" in Detroit and now am in Hot-lanta, neither is "crime-free".

The way I figure it, if anyone can stand to drive my car for more than 5 minutes, more power to 'em. It ain't pretty, it ain't comfortable and it ain't inconspicuous...

 

After work today I went and did a solid 2.5hr twisty back road thrashing in the Miata to remind me of some things I already know: Its loud, hot, and I don't have enough suspension travel in the rear. In the grand scheme of things none of this matters because whilst this car is not perfect, its a whole hell of a bunch of fun.

The more I drive the car this summer and think about track days I'm missing, I'm starting to think I want to move in the same direction as Vlad's 'heavy pig' build. Im not going to get crazy and put AC back in the car, but the extra 40ish lbs of audio and thermal mitigation I'm planning on adding to the car is minor. (More boost usually seems to be the answer to that particular question anyway.) There is no reason this needs to be a serious BECAUSERACECAR project that leaves me hot and sweaty every time i drive it anywhere. While thrashing today I couldn't help but think of driving the 3+ hours to Thunderhill or Buttonwillow through the central valley in those same conditions, or worse, and how I'd feel once I got there.

Yeah, I think the 40lbs is a worthy sacrifice. Hell, I could probably stand to lose most of that myself and get close to breaking even.

 

Inb4 another mt.netter gives up auto hobby to become cycling enthusiast.

 

Not on your life, I'm having too much fun with the car. I'm considering starting to swim again, if I can find somewhere that doesn't suck and works with my work schedule.

 

ha

I fully endorse this idea

Just drove the car. AC blasting, everything quiet and cushy inside, super comfortable, all creature comforts, FEELZGUUDMAN

Yours will be that x100000000 of anus puckering, grin inducing, like a school girl giggle producing, AWESOMENESS

 

don't forget about intercooler core pics as mentioned in previous page

 

Get back in the pool, brother! Butterfly sprints like a boss! I sometimes cheat now and use fins while I do them but they still work you.

It's hard to keep the weight off while visiting my in-laws, though ... as if Derby pie and brownies wasn't enough of a selection, yesterday my mother-in-law decided we also needed PEACH PIE. Who can say no? Oh, let's not forget the banana pudding!

 

Man I wish swimming was still an option for me. After 6+ years of competitive swimming I have a mental block about swimming as a workout. The smell of chlorine makes me gag.

Biking is always the(expensive) answer.

 

In that same vein, I didn't get a drivers license or car until I was 18. As you can imagine I don't see a bike as "recreation" at this point.

SOrry, I'm a lameass. I'll try to remember to do so tonight

 

Have you hit the 500 mile marker yet?

 

Not yet, I think I'm right around 300?

I'm in the frigging office this evening unfucking something so what better to do than spend money while I wallow in self pity?


Yeah, that's right, 16ga mild steel

+

Magnaflow 12579

+

Vibrant 1142

= gloriously quiet exhaust? I guess I'll find out soon enough.

The idea is to try to put that big ole 3" Vibrant Ultra Quiet somewhere near the location of the stock resonator. If we can't get it to fit, I'll probably just get a big "bottle" one. I want quiet and I want zero drone. You people better not be lying to me about these parts.

I'm honestly not 100% sold on the tip but I'd like the exhaust to look the least like *** as humanly possible. A sawzalled shin-cutter sticking out from under the bumper was not the most attractive thing I could imagine so I tried to find an inoffensive looking tip.

 

If this doesn't sound amazing and quiet then nothing will. Ever.

 

I dunno, I think it will be quiet but I have realized all ya'lls definition of quiet is different from mine.

I have a resonator and the huge *** magnaflow dual outlet on mine as well, but I still consider it pretty damn droney/loud. Granted I don't care too much (becauseweekendcar) and because it just sounds so damn good.

In for quiet success.

 

dual magna is quite different from single.
also the vibrant ultra quiet should help.
also a catted dp should help.

 

Humm, catalytic converter is not something that is on my shopping list.

A quick search on Summit's website leads me to believe their are not many options for high flow "bullet" style converters under $100, and that I have no clue how to select one. The Vibrant 7102 is one of the few that actually gives a CFM rating and cell count rather than just saying "its performance!" Magnaflow & Flowmaster also seem to have some options but they are more of a universal fit deal than anything else. I'm trying to decide if this is worth the additional $100 + hassle at this point.

 

Will the exhaust fail the sound booth ***** at full throttle at Laguna without a cat?

Will the exhaust pass smog if you install a cat that advertises CFM ratings?

Will the exhaust be easier to build with a cat than without one?

Just sayin.

 

FWIW a catalytic converter quieted down my exhaust almost as much as replacing my muffler that was completely blow out. Not so much in db's but in raspyness which is a very sharp sound if that makes sense. With a cat, resonator, and muffler theres no reason it should be more than 5-10 db's over stock.

 

pssssshhh quiet exhaust. Thats no fun

 

Probably no.

lolwut?

It'll be easier and cheaper. While I won't be buying a cat, I also won't be buying an additional set of V-Bands and I won't be harassing you to make a test pipe.

Some bad influence you are

What specific cat did you install? And I'm familiar with rasp, I was running a FM 2.5" turbo midpipe and turbo muffler with my RB header for a while

Get off my lawn! Damn kids!

I want quiet exhaust and I'm willing to do what it takes to make that happen. I'm actually worried about the internal BOV in the EFR being too loud while bypassing

 

Why are you not using this one MagnaFlow Exhaust Products - For Trucks, Suv's, American Muscle, Diesel, & Sport Compact Vehicles Offset in and out.

That center in and center out will be tricky to fit. Even if you install the 12578 in the normal factory orientation instead of an angle, it gives you more room to get in and out of the muffler than the 12579.

12579 is about $20 more too. This guys has the best deals around.
3" C C 5x11 Oval 22" Body Magnaflow Muffler SS 12579 | eBay

He accepted my $100 offer on the 12578
3" O O 5x11 Oval 22" Body Magnaflow Muffler SS 12578 | eBay

Check out https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...install-76891/

I am guessing you are going for the ARTECH routing as you posted in post #4. I need to add some installed pics of my setup with the muffler at an angle. I have no interference issues or rubbing and it was easy and cheaper to install (one 90 less to buy). I did add all poly exhaust hangers though.

Have you heard one of these 22" mufflers before? It is super quiet. I actually wish mine was a little louder. It is super stealthy on the street and not that loud at WOT either. I know you guys out west have to be a little quieter at some tracks, but damn, if you add a resonator it will be a wisper!

I like that tip. I need to do something to mine. The straight 3" tip looks ugly as hell!