MR2 mk3 exhaust options - too loud!

[Peter Empson]

I'm a recent convert to the MR2 roadster, I've had mine (a 2004) for a few months and love almost everything about it. The one issue that does cause a problem is exhaust noise. The previous owner/s fitted a cone air filter, removed the pre cats (not originals gutted) and fitted a Remus (TTE) silencer.

When I got it the flexis had split so I had them repaired and they've been fine since (no EML light, so guess they're well sealed).

It's ok when cold, but when the car is warmed up the exhaust becomes quite boomy and is particularly loud at around 3k rpm. It does sound good, but it's a bit much and is very wearing on longer journeys (I wear earplugs to make it bearable). There is also subtle and occasional popping when coming off the throttle, although I believe I've read this is common with the TTE silencer (and not unwelcome).

Is this level of noise to be expected with my setup or a sign that something is leaking somewhere after the cat?

If it's just normal, would a replacement silencer be the best option, or is it worth perhaps having the existing one opened and repacked?

Bit of a long shot, but Is there anyone (at an event or in my area - mid buckinghamshire) who I can drive to who is familiar with how it should sound and can give me a second opinion?

[Fady]

Peter Empson said:

I'm a recent convert to the MR2 roadster, I've had mine (a 2004) for a few months and love almost everything about it. The one issue that does cause a problem is exhaust noise. The previous owner/s fitted a cone air filter, removed the pre cats (not originals gutted) and fitted a Remus (TTE) silencer.

When I got it the flexis had split so I had them repaired and they've been fine since (no EML light, so guess they're well sealed).

It's ok when cold, but when the car is warmed up the exhaust becomes quite boomy and is particularly loud at around 3k rpm. It does sound good, but it's a bit much and is very wearing on longer journeys (I wear earplugs to make it bearable). There is also subtle and occasional popping when coming off the throttle, although I believe I've read this is common with the TTE silencer (and not unwelcome).

Is this level of noise to be expected with my setup or a sign that something is leaking somewhere after the cat?

If it's just normal, would a replacement silencer be the best option, or is it worth perhaps having the existing one opened and repacked?

Bit of a long shot, but Is there anyone (at an event or in my area - mid buckinghamshire) who I can drive to who is familiar with how it should sound and can give me a second opinion?

Another 2004 Roadster owner here - had mine for 5 years. Firstly, you do realise that the cone filter is likely to be adding significantly to the noise? You would definitely find the car a bit quieter if you were to refit the stock air intake, although that might now take a bit of work depending on what's been done. Also, it's not clear from above which manifold and cat you now have. The pre-cats would have been within the factory manifold, so either these have been taken out (gutted) and that manifold refitted or alternatively the car now has an aftermarket manifold. Similarly it might now also have a sports cat rather than the factory unit which would also add some decibels.

The TTE exhaust was a dealer fit Toyota option which I also had on my car and never found overly noisy but then all things are relative. On the other hand the factory exhaust is allegedly a lot quieter, so it may be more your cup of tea. You could probably pick one up for 60-70 off eBay. Depending on how handy you are, not difficult to fit although if a bit time consuming as likely requires rear bumper, lights etc. to be removed.

As you say, best starting point might be sitting in an unmolested car for comparison. I'm not near you, and anyways, I've fitted a complete new exhaust system including a Cobra back box, all with no pretentions to having a quiet car. To maybe locate a willing soul in your area, you might want to get yourself onto the MR2 Roadster Owners Club, or more cheekily find one sat on a dealer's forecourt! You might also get a general idea by looking up a few YouTube videos.

[pistolpete12]

Peter Empson said:

I'm a recent convert to the MR2 roadster, I've had mine (a 2004) for a few months and love almost everything about it. The one issue that does cause a problem is exhaust noise. The previous owner/s fitted a cone air filter, removed the pre cats (not originals gutted) and fitted a Remus (TTE) silencer.

When I got it the flexis had split so I had them repaired and they've been fine since (no EML light, so guess they're well sealed).

It's ok when cold, but when the car is warmed up the exhaust becomes quite boomy and is particularly loud at around 3k rpm. It does sound good, but it's a bit much and is very wearing on longer journeys (I wear earplugs to make it bearable). There is also subtle and occasional popping when coming off the throttle, although I believe I've read this is common with the TTE silencer (and not unwelcome).

Is this level of noise to be expected with my setup or a sign that something is leaking somewhere after the cat?

If it's just normal, would a replacement silencer be the best option, or is it worth perhaps having the existing one opened and repacked?

Bit of a long shot, but Is there anyone (at an event or in my area - mid buckinghamshire) who I can drive to who is familiar with how it should sound and can give me a second opinion?

First off, mr2's 1zz engines never really like having a Cone filter, it really messes up the MAF.
I know what you mean about the TTE exhaust I have one on my olf road car, i was never a huge fan, but i don't like the twin wheel barrow pipe look anyway.
Keep an eye on the MR2roc.org forum, its very active and people quie often have decent exhausts up for sale

[gulls]

Thanks ever so much for the replies.

The manifold is an after market one without the pre cats, but beyond that I don't know anything more about it as I've not removed the heatshield yet (which has been somewhat butchered to allow the 02 sensors to fit through). The main cat is original with freshly replaced flexis, so it should be good for a few years I hope (and is much better quality than the cats2u one I fitted as a temporary fix whilst waiting to find someone to do the flexis).

It's interesting that I've read some people complain the 'TTE' exhausts are loud and others that they're quiet, whilst I can imagine there's a degree of subjectivity I do wonder if there are quite large variances between versions/samples? I agree about the looks of the TTE, someone has painted the tips of mine black, but it doesn't really help make them look any less odd.

I suspect the standard exhaust is going to be too quiet for me, I do want something a bit fun, just without the booming at about 3k rpm which is unpleasent, so as you say I think getting a reference from a few other cars is the safest way forward.

Thanks for the recommendation for mr2roc, I'll have a look.

I can't believe how much fun they are to drive for the money, they must be one of the most under rated/valued sports cars around.

[clarki]

We got a Mk3 last year as a winter project - they are great, aren't they.

Anyway, exhaust, we've fitted a Janspeed to ours and it sounds great without being too "boomy" on a longer run.

Straight swap for the OEM system and a fairly easy DIY project, we even made a video;

https://youtu.be/KZJtgseV84U

Paid £180 used from Andy @ J-Spec. He does seem to get them in from time to time and we've had a fair few bits and bobs from him over the last year and the stuff is always great condition.

Think our winter project has become a keeper, even mrs clarki loves the little Toyota, they are a well kept secret.

[gulls]

Thanks, I didn't know Janspeed did them, I have one on my other car and it has been great, so that's definitely one to look out for. I have a wants list I must get over to J-spec, it's probably going to get expensive!

[pistolpete12]

Andy and Stacey from J-spec are brilliant and highly recommend them, they are great for any parts you need, they might have and exhaust in/be interested in buying yours
The TTE exhuast was made by remus, i think the packing/baffles do breakdown in them if driven hard, as my old silver one got louder as time went on

I've had mr2's for the last 20 years.. all shapes and size and engine configurations.


The 2zz really wakes up the mk3. I drove mine this morning always brings a smile to my face, think it surprised a few on the pistonheads SE run out the other day
IMG_20220716_205307 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20220716_202953 (1) by Pete Mason, on Flickr

sorry any chance i get show mine i do, Love this little nugget

[craigjm]

Thread resurrection. Peter did you deal with the exhaust? What was your end result?

[gulls]

Thanks for asking. No progress yet sadly as I've been rather distracted with non car stuff, but it's still very high on my to do list. I am on the lookout for a standard exhaust temporarily till I can find someone who's able to mod what I've got at an affordable price.

[craigjm]

I’m thinking about getting one of these and creating a mesh grille around it with a smaller import style plate

[gulls]

That does look good, the two tips on mine look a bit like the handles on a wheel barrrow poking out underneath!