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I was wondering if someone could tell me if the stock K8 cast exhaust manifolds and y-pipe sound better than headers on a KLZE? And what I mean by better is do they retain some of the stock K8 1.8 V6 sound? I have headers on my ZE and like the sound (little raspy), but like the sound of the 1.8L K8 better. I wouldn't trade power for sound anyday as the ZE has way more nut. I'm thinking of putting the stock manifolds back on as I never tried them when I put the motor in as I put headers on during the swap. I also feel I may gain alittle low to mid range performance with the stock manifolds.

The stock setup sounds amazing, for what it's worth... But I've got both a K8 and KL with stock logs, and I prefer the K8 sound any day.

I've always liked the sound better... but a good choice of resonator and mufflers will put you close with a KL.
I recommend you find just the right resonator and muffler for your tastes, and keep the headers.

Thanks MrMazda92

I had headers going into a stock exhaust with a magnaflow muffler and it sounded great. Very similar to the K8 but with a deeper and slightly louder sound when you depressed the accelerator.

You can control the tone and the "rasp" by adjusting the pipe size, resonator and the muffler. It would be a lot better than using the K8's headers.

I'm still trying to choose a stock-ish sounding muffler, that isn't a flow nightmare, or a $300+ MazdaSpeed muffler.

This muffler sounded great, I'd like to install another one on my white MX3 but the look of the dual tips on my existing muffler is holding me back. http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/shop ... n&id=10651

The crappy thing, is the 2.25" inlet I'm running 2.5" piping for mine. I'm partial to the dual outlets myself as well, but it's not a requirement for me!

MrMazda92 wrote:The crappy thing, is the 2.25" inlet I'm running 2.5" piping for mine. I'm partial to the dual outlets myself as well, but it's not a requirement for me!

They do have other sized muffler sizes. My dual tip is 3" inlet.

Good to know

Im currently running Bosal's Brospeed Headers on my KL03 (or so i think its a KL03) and 2.25" piping/No Cat with a Vibrant Performance Universal muffler. Yep, its loud.

Im looking to drive daily soon and maybe take a road trip. Im 31 years old and I dont want to lose my hearing.

Im looking to run a Vibrant Performance Bottle Style Resonator and A High Flow Cat. I understand it wont be immensely quiet, as I dont want to restrict flow and lose power.

I just need someone to validate my approach. Is this a decent set up? Im looking to purchase these 2.5" in diameter.

Can someone please advise, me. Thanks!

I love the sound of the V6. My biggest disappointment with my BPT swap is the exhaust sound.

The aftermarket headers also make the bay looks so much cleaner (IMO).

I am with you on that ^^

If you are dead set on stock manifolds aren't the 2.5 OE manifolds larger than the K8's!? If that is the case then that would be the option I would go with.

Josh wrote:I am with you on that ^^

If you are dead set on stock manifolds aren't the 2.5 OE manifolds larger than the K8's!? If that is the case then that would be the option I would go with.

I don't think they are, well.. I didn't notice any difference in size when I swapped the kl's rear manifold for the k8's.

Pritchett wrote:

Josh wrote:I am with you on that ^^

If you are dead set on stock manifolds aren't the 2.5 OE manifolds larger than the K8's!? If that is the case then that would be the option I would go with.

I don't think they are, well.. I didn't notice any difference in size when I swapped the kl's rear manifold for the k8's.

thats good news because i have K8 manifolds on my KLZE