MK1 Exhaust Loud - Influence beyond exhaust itself

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: 1997 MK1
  2. I’m based near: Devon
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on:

Hi all, I have a very late (1997) MK1 MX5 and have tried multiple stainless steel exhausts to find something dailyable but sportier than stock. The issue I’m having it that regardless of the exhaust it’s always too loud. My friend also has a MK1 (1994) with a stainless exhaust and this is perfect. We’ve done a straight swap but for some reason mine is always louder. Is there anything else beyond the exhaust the could influence this?

Thoughts:

  • I had to change my downpipe and cat to the 440mm setup as I had the 475mm which has no stainless options. Could this be a factor?
  • Although a MK1 my engine seems to have the engine management from a MK2. When I use the LED fault code reader mine outputa MK2 codes. Any influences?
  • I have done the standard checks for exhaust leaks. No leaks.
2

What manifold have you fitted? If your mate’s is stock and yours is aftermarket stainless, it’s likely that’s where the extra noise volume is coming from.

3

Stock manifold and stock downpipe. I originally had an aftermarket downpipe that I had to fit to swap the 430mm cat but swapped this out for a used OEM one as I thought this might be the issue.