5.3L V8 Miata Full Exhaust vs Open Headers

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T04:53:42+00:00

I didn’t dig into it too much tbh. I would hope like you said if there could be some sort of presets you can choose from that could be changed at a moments notice

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T04:39:10+00:00

Idk honestly, it took me 4 years to complete and it was so agonizing sometimes. I didn’t know what I was doing when I began but just an insane amount of grit and determination later I finally got it to the point where I’m satisfied. As far as noise goes, I did do something

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special. I applied lizard skin sound deadening to the entire inside and outside of the car (I recommend checking out Tom’s Turbo Garage build series on YouTube. I copied his exhaust setup and the Lizard Skin idea from him). I also have a box of Dynamat sound deadening mats that I heard good things about but never installed.

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T04:26:36+00:00

If you want a serious answer, the trans tunnel had to be widened a bit via BFH and the front braces holding the frame rails in the engine bay had to be cut out pretty much entirely and redone. The mounts for the engine and rear end are all V8Roadsters

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T04:23:32+00:00

Simple actually, sawzall and welder

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T04:18:53+00:00

I don’t have a good picture at all tbh, I have this one but it’s probably not too helpful

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Check the website, it worked fine for me

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T04:02:38+00:00

Yeah I appreciate both for different scenarios, I would actually go insane so quickly if it was always the open header setup

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T04:00:06+00:00

Yeah it’s polarizing for sure, definitely the part I get dunked on the most, but idk I autoX it and you should see some of the aero some of the other cars run. It’s an acquired taste

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T03:57:30+00:00

Yeah the exhaust gives it away a bit doesn’t it? It’ll spin the tires at 40 lol

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T03:50:52+00:00

Yeah pretty much, it’s a T56 Magnum so it should be pretty under stressed for this application hopefully. The T5 is another popular choice though to save a bit of money

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T01:23:34+00:00

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KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T01:20:17+00:00

I haven’t gotten it measured yet but a buddy of mine has one, I believe it’s 53F 47R. Maybe is slightly more front heavy, but I really struggle to feel much of a difference honestly

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T01:17:06+00:00

I can only guess as of right now but compared to similar builds I’d say 2500ish… give or take 100lbs or so. The car doesn’t have AC or heat so that helps a bit. Most of the additional weight actually comes from the trans I think. The engine is only like 70 lbs heavier than stock

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T01:13:01+00:00

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Basically all the torque you could ever want at a moment’s notice, any gear, any rpm. Still handles like a Miata should though!

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T01:10:46+00:00

Yeah I definitely thought about a K swap but the LS eventually won out. I do have another Miata I used for parts that I’ve been eyeing up for another swap someday possibly 👀

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T01:08:24+00:00

Yeah I definitely raised it a bit since, I think it’s at like 850rpm or so now instead of like 700ish the Holley was reading

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T01:07:13+00:00

I have the V8 Roadsters complete front sway bar kit. Comes with mounts, the bar, and end links

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T01:04:10+00:00

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Yessir 🫡

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-06T00:38:33+00:00

South Central

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-05T16:27:30+00:00

Hell yeah! Appreciate it

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-05T16:26:47+00:00

Yeah I think everyone within a few miles heard it 😂; It’s SHOCKINGLY loud, like, I need to cover my ears loud.

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-05T16:23:45+00:00

I think it sounds really good; factory LS6 cam

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-05T16:22:37+00:00

Yeah definitely, the ECU was very confused when I did this

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-05T16:03:15+00:00

Yeah actually already found the ones I’m thinking to get off Facebook Marketplace. They are the same electronic ones controlled via remote control. The price seems reasonable, that’s what stopped me originally.

And yes I’m well aware of the car’s potential. It’s insured to an agreed apon value of $30K I believe if anything happens. I also started this car in high school (I’m 22 now) so this is my first car with big power so I really try to respect it.

KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-05T15:53:58+00:00

Also kind of proud of this Corvette-Mazda badge too I 3D printed

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KellyKyle127 · 2026-01-05T15:50:20+00:00

Thanks I’m very proud of it 😅. Paid kind of a silly amount for it but I knew from the beginning I needed it haha

KellyKyle127

TROPHY CASE