My 1992 Eunos 1.6 NA has a tired original exhaust. The car is actually very original and in excellent condition but I’m thinking to replace the exhaust with a stainless steel one (probably retaining the CAT as I’d like to keep the noise under control when cruising). I’ve looked at MX5 Parts, Cobolt and ILMotorsport (the latter seemingly not too loud but rather more expensive than the other two).
Any recommendations as to which way to go?
On my NB i fitted a MX5 Parts stainless rear silencer and a proprietary mild steel centre box 5 years ago. My logic being that the rear silencers suffer from internal corrosion as they often run cool whilst a mild steel centre section runs hotter and will last for many years.
Thanks. I hadn’t thought of a ‘mix and match’ as a lot of these stainless steel silencers come with a centre pipe. I’ve been more concerned about the noise factor, especially if I went the de-cat route.
Hi Welloiled,
I have the Cobolt system fitted since 1996, bought from Moss Europe in one of their sales, same price as convention mild steel system.
It was polished stainless steel and looked nothing like a conventional system more a piece of sculpture it was a shame to hide it away under the car,
Also fitted a new stainless cat from MX5 Bitz as mine was cooked, sounded a little loud initially but soon settled down.
Good luck with your choice.
Dave
Thanks Dave
I may well go down your route as a 25 year user recommendation is very comforting. Do I assume the Cat was a de-CAT pipe?
Cheers
Will
Ops sorry Will slip of the pen so to speak, that should be 2016.
However still looks as good as new underneath,
No fitted proper CAT although technically not needed on this car.
Dave
I would say Mongoose exhausts, as I had one for about 22 years. But Mongoose no longer make a system for the MX5, last time I looked.
One of the best exhausts you can get out there are the Racing Beat systems, but they are fairly expensive. They used to use Japan’s RS*R until they fell out, and made them inhouse, all at their Anaheim works.
Borla yielded the most power, because they lacked a centre box, and that mid pipe weas very straight.
Mk2 systems are generally sold back box only. Mk1 systems are cat back, so no need to mix and match.
Don’t bother with a decat pipe; either keep the existing cat, or buy a new cat.
I’ll have look at Racing Beat as I’ve only really considered Cobolt, IlMotorsport or MX5 Parts. Your Comment re de-cat noted. I don’t want it to be too loud even if a de-cat pipe releases a bit more power.
Cheers
The decat won’t release any power, unless your existing cat has collapsed.
decatting an early car, beside making it louder, also seems to age the car. because now you end up with a car with a sooty bumper, and always reeking of petrol, oil, like an old car.
When I bought my 1997 MK1 in 2002 it had clocked 90k+ mainly motorway mileage and the original mild steel catback looked rusty and on last legs.
Purchased a spare standard spec aftermarket catback just in case the part let go at short notice. Here we are 17 years later and spare still in loft. Have sprayed original with high temp silver paint a couple of times in the interim but still seemingly very solid. These original parts are of excellent quality and the sound is universally accepted. Some aftermarket systems are very marmite, so I would advise checking out another members catback sound before purchase to see if it suits. Also depends on your driving style and general usage as to what sound will work well and what could possibly cause a negative experience.
My advice is replace with a standard spec, mild steel system on your 1992 1.6 but only if actually required.
Hi
If its any help. I recently had a Cobalt back box fitted to my mk3, and I’m very pleased with it, there’s a marked difference in sound, but not too in your face, looks good, with a lovely finish, and I was pleased with the overall service, ( Moss Europe ) they kept me informed regarding the delivery etc.
worked for me
Boz
Thanks for your post. I think I am likely to go for the Cobolt CAT back as Moss are in Feltham, not far from me. I guess they can fit it for me as well.
Cheers
Will
I think Moss are just a warehouse operation
You will likely need to order a fresh set of hangers; yours are nearly 30 years old, and at least some will be cracked. Stainless steel systems are a bit heavier than mild steel. In my experience, stick to Mazda OE. The studs on the cat will probably shear, so the studs will need to be drilled out, or just buy a new cat. Also a set of cat gaskets. I’ve also had a set of fuel pipe jubilee clips and hose clips handy, as these are useful in helping position the exhaust.
Sorry, I meant Moss-europe.co.uk. (see soft top hardtop mag.).
I’d get them to supply and fit as am aware of the issues in replacing exhausts and what is needed. Thanks for your comment.
Best Will
Yes them. I’ve been to that Feltham branch. They have no garage facilities there. Its just a warehouse and office.
Exhuast is easy enough to fit on the drive with a couple of axle stands. £50 for a garage to fit for you.