In August 2007 I purchased a Racing Beat (RB) exhaust system.
Although RB lists it as fitting only the 2.0 L engine, a number of forum members state that the system will also fit the 3rd Gen 1.8 L and even the 1.6 L engines. Two models are available: one for the 2001-'03 sedan, Part Number 76465; and one for the 2002-'03 P5, Part Number 76466.
A cat back design made from 304 stainless steel, the RB system is three-piece (presilencer, crossover pipe and muffler) while OEM is two-piece (combined presilencer/crossover pipe and muffler. The pipe diameter is larger than OEM at 2.375" (60 mm). For purposes of comparison, I measured the i.d. of the pipe that is part of the engine side of the OEM muffler and obtained a value of ~ 2" (~ 50.8 mm). RB provides all the necessary hardware and gaskets except for the two nuts that attach the presilencer flange to that of the 2nd cat, but I had previously purchased new ones from Mazda so I was all set for the installation.
Aside from RB's reputation for quality, I chose their exhaust system for two reasons: a dyno-certified small power increase, and it was reputed to be the quietist of the aftermarket systems. According to RB's chassis dyno data, available at their website, the system provides a gain of 4.7 HP @ 5,750 rpm and an increase in torque of 5 lbs/ft at 3,800 rpm. In terms of the sound, I subsequently found the noise level to be just right; not too loud at all. A very pronounced deep tone on acceleration that moderates as the rpms are leveled off. At cruising speeds, the sound was pleasantly prominent compared with the stock system and did not seem to attract undue attention. Long distance trips were no problem as, although clearly louder than OEM, no annoying drumming sound was apparent even at speeds up to 80 mph on the interstate. I would not want it to be any louder, however, and if a quiet exhaust is your priority, over performance, it would certainly be best to stick with the OEM system.
I bought the system direct from RB at a cost of US $449 plus $47.55 for UPS shipping (42 lbs) to my location for a total price of US $496.55. The current price is the same.
The Course of True Exhaust Flow Never Runs Smooth
After installing the RB I posted photos of the setup. A number of my forum mates noted that the tail pipe was much too recessed and incorrectly positioned and were kind enough to make me aware of the problem. Through their comments I was able to determine that RB had incorrectly sent me the P5 system which is several inches shorter than the one designed for the sedan thus explaining the faulty positioning. All the members who noticed this were sympathetic to my plight with the exception of one individual who laughingly thought I was a tool of the highest order and totally incompetent not to have noticed the discrepancy before I went ahead and bolted everything up. Far from feeling offended, I was gratified to see that my foolish, thoughtless behavior resulted in making this personage feel superior to me and that I was able to enhance his self-esteem and feelings of worth at my expense. Even if its inadvertant, it's nice to know that you've created a positive experience for another human soul. Am I a ???
I e-mailed RB sending a photo along to illustrate the problem and then spoke to a RB representative on the phone. After explaining the problem, he acknowledged that I'd undoubtedly received the wrong (P5) muffler. He was extremely apologetic and stated the correct muffler would be shipped to me at once at their expense. Fortunately, only the muffler dimensions are different between the two systems meaning only that part had to be replaced. After installing the replacement, I was to ship the original back to them in their carton with a prepaid shipping label. All I had to do was drop it off at UPS. They even sent me a free RB t-shirt.
Obviously, RB is a very fine company not only in terms of the quality of their products but also in matters of corporate integrity and superb customer relations. I was very gratified that my problem was resolved so graciously and speedily, and I highly recommend them as a vendor worthy of your consideration should anything in their product line coincide with your needs.
Success at Last
I received and installed the new muffler. With the correct muffler in place, the tail pipe extended out beyond the bumper the appropriate amount. FYI, I measured both mufflers and found that while the length of the inlet pipe and the muffler cannister are the same for both models, they differ in tail pipe length, and angle of attachment, with the P5 tip being ~ 4" to 5" shorter than that of the sedan. This of course would explain the recessed positioning. Additionally, having the P5 muffler in hand after the reinstall, I decided to weigh it. My digital bathroom scale is supposed to be quite accurate so I weighed myself alone and then while holding the muffler. The difference was 18.7 lbs.
Happy Motoring!
All photos below show the correct (sedan) muffler installed:
Although RB lists it as fitting only the 2.0 L engine, a number of forum members state that the system will also fit the 3rd Gen 1.8 L and even the 1.6 L engines. Two models are available: one for the 2001-'03 sedan, Part Number 76465; and one for the 2002-'03 P5, Part Number 76466.
A cat back design made from 304 stainless steel, the RB system is three-piece (presilencer, crossover pipe and muffler) while OEM is two-piece (combined presilencer/crossover pipe and muffler. The pipe diameter is larger than OEM at 2.375" (60 mm). For purposes of comparison, I measured the i.d. of the pipe that is part of the engine side of the OEM muffler and obtained a value of ~ 2" (~ 50.8 mm). RB provides all the necessary hardware and gaskets except for the two nuts that attach the presilencer flange to that of the 2nd cat, but I had previously purchased new ones from Mazda so I was all set for the installation.
Aside from RB's reputation for quality, I chose their exhaust system for two reasons: a dyno-certified small power increase, and it was reputed to be the quietist of the aftermarket systems. According to RB's chassis dyno data, available at their website, the system provides a gain of 4.7 HP @ 5,750 rpm and an increase in torque of 5 lbs/ft at 3,800 rpm. In terms of the sound, I subsequently found the noise level to be just right; not too loud at all. A very pronounced deep tone on acceleration that moderates as the rpms are leveled off. At cruising speeds, the sound was pleasantly prominent compared with the stock system and did not seem to attract undue attention. Long distance trips were no problem as, although clearly louder than OEM, no annoying drumming sound was apparent even at speeds up to 80 mph on the interstate. I would not want it to be any louder, however, and if a quiet exhaust is your priority, over performance, it would certainly be best to stick with the OEM system.
I bought the system direct from RB at a cost of US $449 plus $47.55 for UPS shipping (42 lbs) to my location for a total price of US $496.55. The current price is the same.
The Course of True Exhaust Flow Never Runs Smooth
After installing the RB I posted photos of the setup. A number of my forum mates noted that the tail pipe was much too recessed and incorrectly positioned and were kind enough to make me aware of the problem. Through their comments I was able to determine that RB had incorrectly sent me the P5 system which is several inches shorter than the one designed for the sedan thus explaining the faulty positioning. All the members who noticed this were sympathetic to my plight with the exception of one individual who laughingly thought I was a tool of the highest order and totally incompetent not to have noticed the discrepancy before I went ahead and bolted everything up. Far from feeling offended, I was gratified to see that my foolish, thoughtless behavior resulted in making this personage feel superior to me and that I was able to enhance his self-esteem and feelings of worth at my expense. Even if its inadvertant, it's nice to know that you've created a positive experience for another human soul. Am I a ???
I e-mailed RB sending a photo along to illustrate the problem and then spoke to a RB representative on the phone. After explaining the problem, he acknowledged that I'd undoubtedly received the wrong (P5) muffler. He was extremely apologetic and stated the correct muffler would be shipped to me at once at their expense. Fortunately, only the muffler dimensions are different between the two systems meaning only that part had to be replaced. After installing the replacement, I was to ship the original back to them in their carton with a prepaid shipping label. All I had to do was drop it off at UPS. They even sent me a free RB t-shirt.
Obviously, RB is a very fine company not only in terms of the quality of their products but also in matters of corporate integrity and superb customer relations. I was very gratified that my problem was resolved so graciously and speedily, and I highly recommend them as a vendor worthy of your consideration should anything in their product line coincide with your needs.
Success at Last
I received and installed the new muffler. With the correct muffler in place, the tail pipe extended out beyond the bumper the appropriate amount. FYI, I measured both mufflers and found that while the length of the inlet pipe and the muffler cannister are the same for both models, they differ in tail pipe length, and angle of attachment, with the P5 tip being ~ 4" to 5" shorter than that of the sedan. This of course would explain the recessed positioning. Additionally, having the P5 muffler in hand after the reinstall, I decided to weigh it. My digital bathroom scale is supposed to be quite accurate so I weighed myself alone and then while holding the muffler. The difference was 18.7 lbs.
Happy Motoring!
All photos below show the correct (sedan) muffler installed:
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