The Racing Beat Power Pulse Exhaust for the MX-5 ND offers an exciting opportunity to experience the joys of the classic open-air driving experience. For over 25 years Racing Beat has been developing sport-tuned exhaust systems for the Miata/MX-5 application. Racing Beat exhaust components have been recognized by the aftermarket community as high-quality, great sounding, and beautifully-crafted performance upgrades for the Miata. Many of Racing Beat's exhaust components have debuted on Mazda's SEMA Show vehicles, making a statement to Racing Beat's name as a provider of high-quality and proven products.
Revised Sound Tuning
As with many new applications, we'll continue to refine and tune our exhaust systems in an attempt improve both sound quality and performance. Our current version has been further tuned to produce improved sound quality through a revised muffler design - without sacrificing performance. After reading reviews of other aftermarket systems that featured unique external resonance chamber designs, we obtained and tested these systems and noted (per db meter testing) that they actually produced a noticeably louder exhaust tone as compared with stock, especially at high RPMs. Our revised muffler cannister design better moderates high RPM "boominess" and tone quality, providing an aggressive tone without introducing annoying exhaust drone or buzzy tones.
Produced in Racing Beat's California manufacturing facility, the Power Pulse Exhaust features a MX-5 designed crimped-edge 304-stainless steel muffler canister, stainless steel inlet and outlet tubing, dual single-wall stainless steel tips with etched Racing Beat logos, hangers, and connecting flange. The muffler canister features a dyno-tested internal chamber design that provides excellent exhaust gas flow and includes a combination of stainless steel and high-temperature ceramic wool packing material for sound absorption. Racing Beat incorporates a Mazda-OE mounting flange on the inlet end of the exhaust to securely capture, retain and seal the Mazda donut-shaped swivel gasket. The stock mounting studs and retaining springs are retained for use with Racing Beat exhaust.
Weight Comparison
Stock system = 20.5 lbs
Racing Beat Power Pulse Muffler = 19 lbs
Hanger Assemblies – Keeping it Light
In keeping with the emphasis on the lightweight aspect of the MX-5 ND design principles, Racing Beat adopted a unique approach to the development of the extensive hanger assemblies that were required for this muffler. The ½” OD hangers on the stock MX-5 muffler posed an interesting challenge, if we used ½” OD hanger rod material for the Racing Beat hangers, these hanger assemblies would prove to be unnecessarily heavy. As an alternative, we used lighter 1/4" and 5/16” OD rod material for the lengthy hanger assemblies, and designed a unique ½” OD forged end hanger, which we then mated to the outlet end of each hanger assembly. The design of this hanger end ensures a secure "no slip" attachment with the stock rubber muffler hangers to prevent lateral movement of the exhaust during hard cornering.
Sound Level Testing Results:
Extensive testing and evaluation produced the following comparative results:
On road testing:
Average city driving produced the following result ranges as measured from within the cabin:
Stock Muffler:
1st-3rd gear city driving (0-40 MPH):
Top/Up, Windows/Up: 65-75 db,
Top/Up, Windows/Down: 75-81 db,
Top/Down: 75-81 db
Cruising: 5th gear (50MPH @ 2800RPM)
Top/Up, Windows/Up: 73-75 db
Top/Up, Windows/Down: 78-80 db
Top/Down: 81-82 db
Racing Beat Power Pulse Exhaust:
1st-3rd gear city driving (0-40 MPH) @ approx. 3500 RPM maximum:
77-81 db (Top up or down)
Cruising: 5th gear (50MPH @ 2800RPM)
Top/Up, Windows/Up: 74-75 db
Top/Up, Windows/Down: 79-80 db
Top/Down: 78-79 db
On-road Evaluation
Following in the footsteps of all of Racing Beat's Miata Power Pulse Exhaust systems, exhaust provides a modest increase in exhaust tone without any annoying or harsh tones. As compared with the relatively quiet stock exhaust system, the Racing Beat exhaust provides a more open and throaty exhaust tone throughout the entire RPM range - most notable in the lower RPM range. If you're a follower of Racing Beat products over the years and appreciate the positive comments from satisfied customers, expect nothing less from this exhaust!
As noted, the increased exhaust note is most pronounced during acceleration, increasing in volume at higher RPMs and engine load. As with most aftermarket exhaust systems, the driver can modulate the sound level depending on driving style - a more aggressive driving style produces a more aggressive tone, a more reserved driving style suppresses the exhaust tone. As with many exhaust notes, low RPM frequencies can be more pronounced in the 2000-1500 RPM range (especially noted in 2nd gear "parking lot" deceleration). The OE exhaust systems are particularly good at suppressing these low frequency tones, but as compared with an aftermarket system they can be restrictive in their exhaust gas flow design and overly conservative in sound level suppression.
Racing Beat Final Notes
If you are looking for a deep, aggressive sounding aftermarket system for your MX-5 ND than we believe you'll truly enjoy the Racing Beat Power Pulse Exhaust. The attractive twin-tip design and polished stainless steel muffler canister are an attractive addition to any MX-5, while the low growl of the Racing Beat exhaust adds the perfect upgrade in "attitude" to Mazda's latest MX-5 creation. Well-suited for daily driving use or weekend gear-ripping fun...after the addition of this exhaust on your MX-5 we dare you to keep a smile off your face during your first blast through the gears!
Suits Mazda MX5 ND 2015-2022
(Note: We have not confirmed fitment with any of the Genuine Mazda rear bumper lips or aftermarket rear bumper bars)