Leased car - exhaust mod

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

I got my ND MX-5 on a lease, and I have spoken to the leasing company who have said that as long as it is returned stock, and the warranty hasn’t been affected they are happy for me to modify the car.

 

The only mod I am really interested in would be exhaust. However, after speaking to Mazda themselves they won’t commit to saying that warranty won’t be affected. The service manager went as far as to say he wouldn’t have an issue with it but until the car came in he wouldn’t give me an answer I could use as evidence.

 

So really, has anyone done this? I want to change the exhaust but don’t want to get penalised for it. I have found the Mazda sport exhaust but not sure how much of a difference it makes to the sound of the car.

3

The Mazda exhaust is the Bastuck one (I have it fitted), i’d describe it as a heightened level of noise over the standard exhaust, if you are looking for something dramatically different it isn’t the exhaust for you. I also didn’t want something that would effect warranty or be overly loud, so for me its perfect but I am keeping an eye on MX5Parts as they are developing what to me looks to be one of the best designed dual exhaust systems for the ND to-date. 

 

I’d be surprised if you get anything concrete from Mazda with regards to any other exhaust not effecting warranty though. 

4

I would be looking at swapping at the end of September when my insurance is up for renewal. I need to put my private plate on as well so to get away from admin fees I was going to just insure myself for the next year based on the plate and exhaust mod.

Have you got a link to this MX5Parts exhaust in development? I am after something a bit more shouty but not over the top. I like the look of the Cobra offering as you can buy a new diffuser to convert to either centre exit or dual exit either side.

5

I’ve seen the Cobra centre exit in the flesh on an RF and wasn’t a fan of it, it doesn’t look right on the car to me.

MX5parts don’t have anything on their Website, but posted this recently on Instagram:

 

6

Well that’s me sold. This is the exhaust I want, that looks menacing as hell.

I have sent a quick message asking for a expected date for production.

7

I regularly see a very glossy black Mk3 coming the other way when I’m en-route to the pool, as today, and almost always as we go through a micro-roundabout junction while watching other cars and changing gear, so with both hands and most of the attention already occupied the most we’ve been able to do safely is a quick nod.

Edit, Hmm wrong thread. How did that happen?

8

  

Did you happen to ask for a price, including the new panel/baffle?  Please keep us (the Forum) updated with any info. you get.  Thanks!

9

I was told by my Mazda service dealer I would have to ring Mazda UK when I asked about fitting my Cobra Sport back box on my new NC3, Mazda UK said that any change from standard to my exhaust would affect my 3 year warranty as it could mess with the engine or cat.

 

So I did it anyway as any warranty from them is probably not worth the paper it’s written on

 

10

If you need to make a warranty claim then just put the OE one back on.

11

The general consensus on the BMW forums was that the warranty would be void on the exhaust, but what can actually go wrong with the exhaust?

Also not sure how the exhaust would cause issues further up the pipe in the car?

As Phoenix said I suppose as long as I make the exhaust reversible if any issues occur with the car just swap it over before taking it in.

12

There is a local MX-5 guru around my area who has said he will fabricate me a full custom system for the car, which can be reverted to stock whenever needed.

Requires the car for one day to sort it and at a cost of max £300.

Based on what he said about a Mustang he did one for I would imagine it to be a full cat back.