Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
1994 Mazda MX5 NA 1.8L Exhaust sound comparison video, inside and outside of each. Stock VS Stock Modified (~3/8" hole drilled before muffler) VS No Catback Exhaust VS Cobalt Catback "New & Improved" Exhaust. The Cobalt Catback Exhaust is compatible with 1.6L NA MX5's as well.
The Cobalt Catback exhaust is one of the quieter aftermarket exhausts available for the NA MX5, but at the same time it is one of the best sounding and best value catback exhausts designed for the NA Miata. It was easy to install and did not require modifying the hangers or cutting/bending things for it to fit into place, as is the case with many of the other NA Miata exhausts such as the Manzo. It is high quality stainless steel and the welds are flawless. I did notice it had one less hanger than the stock exhaust had. The one troublesome thing I noticed about this exhaust is that when you take right-hand corners hard, the g-forces will cause the back of the muffler to bang up against the rear-right tow hook mount. Cutting the tow hook will not solve the problem because a different part of the exhaust would then bump against a chassis brace. Instead, for a permanent fix buy 4 polyurethane Miata exhaust hangers and your exhaust will stay firmly in position. For a temporary fix (good for a few weeks) take a black rubber bungee cord (very stiff) and wrap it around the rear-right hanger where it connects to the muffler, direct it over the other hanger and hook both ends it into the large hole that you will see on the chassis that leads to the right suspension. You will see what I'm talking about when you get the car jacked up and look for yourself. The bungee I used has a maximum stretch of 36" (says that right on it), it was difficult to stretch it to hook into the hole, but just the right length for the job! Hope this helps!!
*The alternate way you can make your STOCK exhaust louder without drilling a hole is to unbolt where the exhaust pipes bolt together at the back of the car. Then gap it with washers to achieve a more loud and raspy exhaust (depending on how many washers you decide to use). Be aware that your old exhaust bolts will most likely break off. Penetrating grease and heat will help but it is still a high risk of them breaking off. If this happens, drill out the bolts (I don't recommend using a bolt extractor because I've had them break off inside and they are impossible to drill out). Sometimes the bolts will work their way out when you drill into them. If not you can either re-thread the drilled holes with a tap & die set or just use smaller bolts. Make sure to use locking washers/nuts.
1994 Mazda MX5 NA 1.8L Exhaust sound comparison video, inside and outside of each. Stock VS Stock Modified (~3/8" hole drilled before muffler) VS No Catback Exhaust VS Cobalt Catback "New & Improved" Exhaust. The Cobalt Catback Exhaust is compatible with 1.6L NA MX5's as well.
The Cobalt Catback exhaust is one of the quieter aftermarket exhausts available for the NA MX5, but at the same time it is one of the best sounding and best value catback exhausts designed for the NA Miata. It was easy to install and did not require modifying the hangers or cutting/bending things for it to fit into place, as is the case with many of the other NA Miata exhausts such as the Manzo. It is high quality stainless steel and the welds are flawless. I did notice it had one less hanger than the stock exhaust had. The one troublesome thing I noticed about this exhaust is that when you take right-hand corners hard, the g-forces will cause the back of the muffler to bang up against the rear-right tow hook mount. Cutting the tow hook will not solve the problem because a different part of the exhaust would then bump against a chassis brace. Instead, for a permanent fix buy 4 polyurethane Miata exhaust hangers and your exhaust will stay firmly in position. For a temporary fix (good for a few weeks) take a black rubber bungee cord (very stiff) and wrap it around the rear-right hanger where it connects to the muffler, direct it over the other hanger and hook both ends it into the large hole that you will see on the chassis that leads to the right suspension. You will see what I'm talking about when you get the car jacked up and look for yourself. The bungee I used has a maximum stretch of 36" (says that right on it), it was difficult to stretch it to hook into the hole, but just the right length for the job! Hope this helps!!
*The alternate way you can make your STOCK exhaust louder without drilling a hole is to unbolt where the exhaust pipes bolt together at the back of the car. Then gap it with washers to achieve a more loud and raspy exhaust (depending on how many washers you decide to use). Be aware that your old exhaust bolts will most likely break off. Penetrating grease and heat will help but it is still a high risk of them breaking off. If this happens, drill out the bolts (I don't recommend using a bolt extractor because I've had them break off inside and they are impossible to drill out). Sometimes the bolts will work their way out when you drill into them. If not you can either re-thread the drilled holes with a tap & die set or just use smaller bolts. Make sure to use locking washers/nuts.
