A year after getting the BBR200 done on my NC, I’ve finally succumbed to the loud droning and had the original backbox refitted. It’s a crying shame really as the Larini sounds absolutely awesome on a stock car but with the BBR manifold, it’s just too much. Anyone else had similar issues with exhaust noise after having mods?
That’s always my concern with an aftermarket exhaust.
I think I’ve decided on balance to stay stock, it’s got a reasonable amount of noise when you get the revs up, but isn’t noisy crusing, and you don’t annoy the neighbours.
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Mine is standard too… Just about enough noise with top down as the revs build up, which is what matters most…! 
Rob
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I took off my Cobalt as it droned at motorway speeds plus popped and farted on the over run. I know people say it’s the best for not being intrusive, but it just didn’t do it for me. My chum has just fitted a Jetex rear box on his 5 and it’s much better. Deeper burble at tickover, not offensive at speed and no farting and banging at all so far. Me, I’m staying oe for the foreseeable future.
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Hmmm,
As you have asked and glad its not just me.
I originally put a Go Perform rear box on with standard catted header and centre catted pipe etc.
Which wasn’t too bad but did drone no matter what speed I was doing.
I then decided that I wanted a bit more power and a full remap.
Went for the Skuzzle fast Road package including an IL 4-1 header and skuzzle intake, remap etc.
With the GP box on it was absolutely horrendous and deafening albeit went extremely well.
That one was sold very fast!
I bought the Cobalt rear box which does quieten it down somewhat.
All seemed okay when cruising and I “thought” I could live with it.
I love the sound (but perhaps still too loud) when pushing up the rev band.
Day trips were not too bad to be honest.
Just got back from a trip of 1500 miles touring Scotland…I have to do something about it.
I anticipated that the more I used it then perhaps it might carbon up a bit and make it quieter?
Nope, the longer it gets used the louder it seems to get and at it’s worst when fully hot.
It may be my hearing/tinnitus/age, who knows really. 
Off to Powerflow soon to see if they can assist with something perhaps in the centre pipe set up.
I have already got them to look at a new cat and stainless set up for the mid section, but further discussions are needed.
Be very careful what you decide to do for the “Long Term Ownership Of Your Car”. 
.
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I always tend to think aftermarket stuff like exhausts is just there to extract more of our hard earned from us.
Mazda spent a long time testing the car, suspension, exhaust noise etc, so it’s a good compromise.
Yes some will want more noise and stiffer suspension, that is their choice.
I think if you want a louder or stiffer sprung car, buy one that is as standard, maybe an Elise would suit better than a 5.
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If I do decide to go aftermarket anytime soon, I’ve decided that I’ll go custom. This guy seems to get great reviews and it’s up to you how loud or quiet you want your exhaust plus it’s actually cheaper than many of the more expensive brands.
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I’ve had 2 systems from him (Tony Banks) one on a V6 LWB Pajero and one on the supercharged mk1. Amazing what he does massive choice of weld on tail pipes, whisper quiet for the Pajero, slightly sportier for the Mk1. Great quality, great prices IMO and well worth doing they’re very knowledgeable about all things exhaust so nice to get what you need in terms of advice etc.
Unfortunately no pic of the Pajero.
Barrie
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They must have laughed in Spain every time they saw a britisher driving one.
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Hi, is the Larini back box for sale?
Been called a lot worse in my time Richard 
Barrie
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Not yet mate. I’m keeping it for a month or two to make sure I’ve made the right decision as when it’s gone, I’ll never get my hands on another.
Okay, as promised have been to Powerflow in Melksham and had a lengthy discussion.
Great people and bent over backwards to help out.
Tried a few other companies in the area, but just not interested in what I was trying to achieve.
The 4-1 IL header and the Cobalt rear box were just too much for us in the end.
I am not normally a gambling man (and chasing ones tail so to speak) but decided to take the plunge on trying to get my system more quiet without loosing the sports car sounds etc.
So in the end decided to take out the standard “resonator” box (centre standard cat remains) and replace it with a long SS 16 inch silencer. That fitted in very nicely and not obtrusive or bulky. Bit tricky fabricating the pipe work to fit in-between as normally easier when going from one end straight through to the other.
The company went out of there way and ordered in 4 boxes for me so we could try and make the best “Choice”.
Went with the 16 inch one (same diameter as before) but is nearly twice as long.
From this.
To this.
The result?
Well, on initial start up it was much more quiet. Seems to have a more deep rumble than before.
The drone has “almost” disappeared.
Far, far quieter when around town and cruising.
No headaches either.
Still have a “Good” sports car sound with a few pops and bangs.
Now if you want it to sound louder the higher the revs the more noise(obviously and the point?).
But it’s now in control and a real pleasure to use and drive.
Impossible to guess the % in reduction of sound really.
BUT more important than ever, the wife loves it now!!
Cost? £200 all in and money well spent in my opinion of course. 
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Hiya, that looks like a great price and (excuse the pun) ‘sounds’ like you’re both happy! Result! I really like it when someone explores different options that aren’t run of the mill solutions. Good job 
Barrie
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@Scarletpimpernel What is the actual diameter of the new silencer?
I believe it is 5 inch from memory. If you look at the picture of the 16 inch silencer above it has the part number/code on it.
In fact here you are.
Powerflow and Longlife are all the same company by the way.
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Thanks! If I ever decide to get another backbox I might just do this, for now I am satisfied enough with my stock backbox.
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