Yes, Cali is the problem when it comes to emissions. They have the strictest emissions regulations is the world- because of this, many manufacturers only produce one version of a car so that it can be sold anywhere in the US, rather than engineering a seperate exhaust for cali sold vehicles. I don't believe ULEV is a requirement in Cali yet, but it will be in the near future- Some manufacturers are just trying to stay ahead of the game.

 

The laws differ from state to state, but emissions laws are similar. In other words, it still has to pass a sniffer. In most states you can't alter the emissions devices or disable them in any way without being subject to a stiff fine. This applies to any mods you did to the car. Even after you sell it. If it fails emissions after someone else owns it, and it was a mod you did, they can come back and fine you for it. Some states have a visual inspection (like CA) where nothing can be moved from the stock location. Others don't care where an emissions item is, but it still has to be functional.

 

As far as everyday 4-door sedans, the only one that actually passes ULEV is the Honda Accord. the camry, 626, and all the others only pass LEV.

interesting....

 

Muffler - Just the muffler, no piping...usually needs to be welded to existing piping or need piping welded to bolt up to stock exhaust piping.

Rear Section - also called Axle Back. Muffler + short piping up to last flange or the mid-pipe.

Cat-back - Rear Section + Mid-pipe up to the flange of the cat. Does not replace the cat, but usually replaces the integrated resonator on the stock mid-pipe. Some aftermarket still integrate a resonator in the mid-pipe (ie. Greddy for Civics do).

Header Back - Full piping from the end of the header flange/exhaust manifold, replaces cat (either straight pipe or high flow cat), mid-pipe, and rear section.

Hope this helps. This is my understanding of the terminology of exhaust systems through experience.

 

Note to all, the exhaust I have is marketed as the "Mazda Performance Exhaust." The muffler section off the MP3 is available for the P5. Racing Beat modified the pipe to fit the P5. This is what is currently known as the "Sport Exhaust." Racing Beat is also due to release a totally new system this month, and of course you could get the Bosal. If you'd like my exhaust, you'll just have to order the performance exhaust from your dealer. Be warned though, they're backordered, and word is if you order one now, it'll show up at your dealer by August at the earliest.

Also, thanks to all for the overwhelming reply!

 

just so there's no confusion from the names, you don't by any chance have the actual part # that we can tell our dealers to look up now do you?

 

Ordered mine through MazaStuff.com tonight... Now we wait

 

I'll check next time I'm at work on Saturday!

 

Hmm i wonder if anyone is nice enough to list all the companies that have the cat back system for a 99 protege... and if its compared.. it would be very very very nice hehe

 

MaxxMazda,

The exhaust looks awsome. Is it possible for you to post a sound clip?

 

If I had some way of recording it, I'd upload it in a sec! Any suggestions?

 

Hmmm, a very long ext. cord for your mic to computer??

Digital video camera?? if you know someone who has one.

 

I'll try later today with my Dad's laptop and see how that turns out!

 

So did you get a sound clip? I'd be very interested in hearing one.

 

Hey Maxx, I ordered the exhaust you have, and I'm getting it in 5 days. But it's the version for my 4 door, is that why I would be getting it quicker than others with a p5. Thanks for the pics, that's what encourged me to get one.