I’ve not joined the club, as the MX-5 is not mine, it’s my youngest son’s! I have however sent him a link and suggested membership may be worthwhile…
Anyhow, a question. Has anyone got one of the above silencers on their car in the region? My son has sent me a link to a twin tailpipe with NO silencer box at all, which I think is ridiculous and will really ■■■■ off the neighbours (and me!!!) So I have taken it upon myself to do a bit of research to find him something that will sound better than stock, but not obnoxious, and this has popped up. I would like him to be able to hear one in the flesh if at all possible. The rest of his system is unaltered currently.
Here’s a few pics of the car which I spent a day detailing for him when he got it late last summer…
Not in your region I’m afraid but did have a Cobalt fitted for around 4 years. The sound was just right sporty sound without any drone. I had to ditch a previous back box as it was too loud and an awful drone, my missus hated it but happy with the Cobalt.
That car has been sold now.
I fitted a Cobalt to my 12 plate Sport Black. It takes a thousand miles to fully obtain the finished sound which is just right for me. It makes it sound like a sports car. Whether your son prefers more “whizz, pop, bang” is another question.
Oddly, the only drone is at 1500 rpm with the top down. Motorway cruising and general hooning around is fine.
Don’t reuse the old crush washer or use liquid gasket. Use the one supplied in the box. Beware of rusty and/or welded flange bolts if fitting yourself.
Had one of these fitted to my NC1 back in September 2023. Fitted new rubber hangers just to be sure all was ok (genuine Mazda), as well as the supplied crush washer. Very happy with the quality, look and sound. I concur with all previous comments - I also find the only ‘drone’ is at 1500rpm with foot off accelerator but not an issue. Sounds good at startup and under acceleration. Actually seems quieter than stock at tickover.
I also took the opportunity to check for hidden rust issues while the back box was off.
The heat shield in particular was attacked with sanding, Kurust and zinc paint. Underneath the rear bumper is another hidden area.
Much appreciated. Does anyone with these exhausts go to the area club meets? It would be nice to hear some in the flesh.
Whether he wants more ‘pops and bangs’ is a mute subject. He lives at home with us in a quiet cul-de-sac, so until he owns his own home it’s our rules I’m afraid!
I’ve got an F-Type Jag with valved exhaust - it starts with the valves open and a high-idle of 1500rpm to circulate the oil for about 30 seconds, which is pretty fantastic, but not early in the morning when I’m leaving for work! I have to start it, stick it straight into drive and get going to drop the revs….
Great tip - I was aware of the age related rust problems with MX-5s so did my research for my son before purchase - previous owner was a real enthusiast and worked at a garage in Holmes Chapel that specialises in MX-5.
He had the engine rebuilt and had the car up in a four post hoist, sorted all the rust and treated the underbody.
I have to start it, stick it straight into drive and get going to drop the revs…. 
