Magnaflow? Borla? Vibrant? - Exhaust system advice [Archive]

cassey20

10-24-2008, 09:32 AM

Hey all,

I'm just shopping around for exhaust systems for my 05 M3 GT. I've done some research and saw that these three (Magnaflow/Borla/Vibrant) were the systems that stood out amongst the rest.

I want an exhaust that has a very deep hum, yet quiet & that's also reasonably priced.

Do you guys have any suggestions/brands as to what's a better buy that fits my description?

Thanks!

aris

10-24-2008, 10:01 AM

I personaly like the sound of magnaflow...and when its time for me to get a new exshaust system i will be getting magnflow:)

CanadaGTO

10-24-2008, 10:29 AM

I'd recommend hooking up with some folks who have the actual exhausts installed on their cars. What some fine too loud or too low of a hum others will love. You'll be able to find exactly what you like and then start shopping.

The Magnaflow is a great price, and keep in mind that the Vibrant, though more expensive, also replaces the mid section of the exhaust, also replacing the 2nd CAT with a High Flow unit.

Be sure to shoot me a PM if/when you've decided on a specific unit.

mit-gee-mui

10-24-2008, 10:33 AM

Some sound clips
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=15126&highlight=magnaflow+vibrant+borla

aris

10-24-2008, 11:13 AM

you tube is a great place to listen to different sounds

cassey20

10-24-2008, 11:25 AM

you tube is a great place to listen to different sounds

thanks guys!

I've listened to the sounds of the Magnaflow and Borla cat-backs so far...and based on the youtube vids I noticed the Borla has a deeper hum (which is what I'm looking for) - the thing is, I dont know many people that have them around here.

I may purchase one soon and wait til spring to have it installed - not 100% sure yet though.

btown-mazda

10-24-2008, 12:41 PM

I have the Vibrant and gotta say that I loved the growl that came out when I first put it on, it's a bit louder then the Magnaflow but I decided to go with the Vibrant to support our local company and am sure glad I made that decision.

Soyabean

10-24-2008, 01:41 PM

btown-mazda

10-24-2008, 06:02 PM

Vibrant is too loud imo. performance wise id say vibrant would be best but also very loud. my opinion would be borla. i find it sounds the best. but this is all only my opinion. keep in mind i have a borla as well lol :)

Vibrant is kinda loud but I think it also produces the most power out of the 3 exhausts. You could also put a resonator on the exhaust which will reduce the loudness of the exhaust.

Veritaz

10-24-2008, 10:18 PM

Trubendz manufactures custom mandral bent high quality exhausts for our mazda3's using magnaflow components. They are alot cheaper then most of the other systems and the quality is quite nice. You can get them with or without cat(highflow cat) in 2.25", 2.5" or 3" and in stainless steel. They all come with magnaflow performance mufflers and tips.

I have the 3" with the highflow cat and it is really really low but quite loud. I'm told there 2.5" is reasonable sounding. Fitment was good but all the parts are not flanged so some good weilding skills are req'd for installation. I was very impressed in the quality of the system for the price.

aside from that the borla system is my fav sounding.

p-o-g-i

10-24-2008, 10:26 PM

I went with the Vibrant cat back exhaust. I love the low pitch, but it was a little loud to my wife's liking. So I just added the Vibrant ultra quiet resonator... and now everyone is happy :)

1flycdnM3

10-25-2008, 09:58 AM

thanks guys!

I've listened to the sounds of the Magnaflow and Borla cat-backs so far...and based on the youtube vids I noticed the Borla has a deeper hum (which is what I'm looking for) - the thing is, I dont know many people that have them around here.

I may purchase one soon and wait til spring to have it installed - not 100% sure yet though.

I have one and it's FANTASTIC! However, the $950+ price tag is a bit much for some.

CanadaGTO

10-25-2008, 12:59 PM

I have one and it's FANTASTIC! However, the $950+ price tag is a bit much for some.

Especially since the Magnaflow is almost 1/2 that much.

Slipstream

10-25-2008, 05:13 PM

Join the Borlas >_< :D u wont regret it...steep in price tho only downside

mogul_pro

10-25-2008, 07:02 PM

I'm very happy with my Borla.

Veritaz

10-26-2008, 11:36 AM

Especially since the Magnaflow is almost 1/2 that much.

The trubendz which is made with magnaflow components is less then half that price. $405

http://www.trubendz.com/home.asp?producttype=exhaust&productfor=mazda3_cat&productid=161282258&pagetype=detail

CanadaGTO

10-26-2008, 12:05 PM

The trubendz which is made with magnaflow components is less then half that price. $405

http://www.trubendz.com/home.asp?producttype=exhaust&productfor=mazda3_cat&productid=161282258&pagetype=detail

Good price, but "manufactured with" is not the same as "manufactured by".

Veritaz

10-26-2008, 01:16 PM

Good price, but "manufactured with" is not the same as "manufactured by".

True but "Manufactured by" can often be "pay way to much just for a name brand". I know alot of times quality is an issue but I have the 3" stainless exhaust with highflow cat from these guys and it comes with a legit magnaflow high performance muffler, a good cat, a magnaflow tip and the piping is all mandrell bent and excellent quality. This is a good system.

Flagrum_3

10-26-2008, 01:25 PM

Shotta-KB

02-10-2009, 02:40 AM

Didn't one of our affiliates or sponsors have the Borla for $599.00...Anyways bang for the buck, quality, sound and performance I think the Vibrant is the best system, but then I may be a little biased :chuckle

_3

Flag...I've decided on a CBE finally and will support our local manufacturer...Vibrant will be on my G3M this Spring/Summer if all goes well :chuckle

Shotta-KB

02-10-2009, 03:16 AM

To the OP, I believe you will find this quite useful...I know I did!!

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=61fbddc37c55d8cb6a1975592d9189 d3&topic=120315.0

5P01L3D

02-10-2009, 06:54 AM

magnaflow :)

kurse

02-10-2009, 08:12 AM

+1 magnaflow

02-10-2009, 09:42 PM

Flag...I've decided on a CBE finally and will support our local manufacturer...Vibrant will be on my G3M this Spring/Summer if all goes well :chuckle

Good choice. I've been very happy with mine. Had it 2 years now I think. Love it!

hood

02-10-2009, 10:28 PM

ive had ma magnaflow on for like 9 months now and its great! the sound isnt to loud and its pretty deep, the price and performance are awesome!! defiantly would recommend

Hives

02-10-2009, 11:53 PM

Magnaflow for what your liking.

Trying looking into running straight pipe as well.

bluemazda3

02-11-2009, 07:45 AM

maybe get a borla.. perhaps a GB :)

ismail_alikhan

02-11-2009, 09:40 AM

I wanna hear them, I have a cousin who has a remus, nice deep sound and not too irritating when doing normal driving...thats what I want...but Remus exhausts are hard to get, I like the speed3 exhauset but I hears its way too loud on the 2.0.....from what I hear that makes a big difference in the overall sound.

JohnyGT

02-20-2009, 03:03 PM

Would recommend a Magnaflow, sweet low rumble, very distinctive tone,

yet quiet. I find it kinda sounds like STi's

Hey all,

I'm just shopping around for exhaust systems for my 05 M3 GT. I've done some research and saw that these three (Magnaflow/Borla/Vibrant) were the systems that stood out amongst the rest.

I want an exhaust that has a very deep hum, yet quiet & that's also reasonably priced.

Do you guys have any suggestions/brands as to what's a better buy that fits my description?

Thanks!

-RJ3-

09-06-2009, 11:29 PM

I love the magnaflow exhaust... I wanted the mid range, and this is the sound I want.

I also love playing with the tones of the exhaust... it gets peoples attention LOL!

MAZDA Kitten

09-07-2009, 10:09 AM

LOL back from the dead... I'm gonna say Vibrant :blush :blush :blush

Not only does it sound great I love how the tip looks

Flagrum_3

09-07-2009, 02:40 PM

LOL back from the dead... I'm gonna say Vibrant :blush :blush :blush

Not only does it sound great I love how the tip looks

Plus the Vibrant tones down after awhile, not so loud anymore unless you punch it.With regular rev launches it's quite quit but still has that low rumble sound to it.....Absolutely no rice sound here! :winner

_3

omalak

09-07-2009, 02:45 PM

Borla!!

Just because that's what i run.. I find it fairly quiet.. I am runing it on a 2.0 Auto, so i do get a bit of droning at low rpm

Hives

09-07-2009, 02:50 PM

I have straight pipe. Sounds bad ass

MAZDA Kitten

09-07-2009, 03:45 PM

Plus the Vibrant tones down after awhile, not so loud anymore unless you punch it.With regular rev launches it's quite quit but still has that low rumble sound to it.....Absolutely no rice sound here! :winner

_3

Thats so true! At first I always thought it was way too loud but it definatley has toned down very nicely I might add :star

Darkfrosty7

09-07-2009, 03:48 PM

I have straight pipe. Sounds bad ass

lol hows your emissions test?

-RJ3-

09-07-2009, 03:48 PM

Thats so true! At first I always thought it was way too loud but it definatley has toned down very nicely I might add :star

Its sounds exactly how my experience was with magnaflow.. Im guessing once you get used to listening to your exhaust, it wont be as loud.

sp3GT

09-07-2009, 05:28 PM

Its sounds exactly how my experience was with magnaflow.. Im guessing once you get used to listening to your exhaust, it wont be as loud.

The only thing I hated about the Magnaflow was the droning on the highway. I got use to it kinda but I always found it kinda annoying.

Hives

09-08-2009, 08:53 PM

lol hows your emissions test?

Perfectly fine. Muffler just "muffles" the sounds, doesen't clean the exhaust fumes.

Default User

09-09-2009, 12:15 AM

I say none of the above and custom up a new system
Bump piping up 1/4"
use MANDREL bends
Hi-flow cat
delete the resonator
and your stock muffler to keep the back pressure

you can go to any exhaust shop and pick out any fancy exhaust tip you want

bbell1984

09-17-2009, 08:58 AM