2010 Mazda 3 Exhaust System Diagram

Select the exhaust system for your Mazda3:

If you own a 2010+ Mazda3 here's your chance to skip this entire discussion and proceed directly to the exhaust system for your vehicle! The design of the 2010+ Mazda3 exhaust system allows for a direct, bolt-on replacement system. However, if you own a 2004-2009 Mazda3, the following information applies to you.

2004-2009 Mazda3

Unlike early 3-piece bolt-together Mazda exhaust system configurations, many newer late model Mazda vehicles feature complete all-in-one fully assembled exhaust systems. While this later approach was most likely undertaken as both a cost saving measure and to ease installation during vehicle assembly, these types of system can make it challenging for the Mazda3 enthusiast to select and install a performance upgrade system.

3-Piece Bolt-Together System

All-in-one Complete Exhaust System

Since these newer all-in-one systems typically incorporate a non-removable catalytic converter, a sound-deadening presilencer and a rear main muffer, these systems cannot be easily separated (or removed from the vehicle) without cutting the metal tubing between the various components. Unlike earlier systems that could be easily unbolted after the catalytic converter, this is not the case with these newer systems. Current emission laws require that you must retain the stock catalytic converter, which therefore presents a problem when you're considering an aftermarket exhaust system.

Aftermarket exhaust system, retaining catalytic converter

Fortunately, you can certainly install an aftermarket exhaust system and still retain your catalytic converter, but it requires a bit more effort than before. When removing the current exhaust system from your Mazda3 you'll simply need to cut the tubing just behind the catalytic converter, leaving a short tube section to mate to your new exhaust. Racing Beat's Mazda3 exhaust systems are provided with a forward tubing section that has been "flared" to fit over the cut tube behind the catalytic converter. To ensure a secure and tight fit, a specially designed exhaust system clamp is provided. This configuration will allow you to retain the important emissions legal status of your Mazda3.

Although you can attempt to cut the tubing on your current exhaust system while it is still mounted in the vehicle, we recommend removing the entire system to ease the cutting process. Mazda has provided heat-insulating material near the exhaust system that can be easily damaged if you attempt to tube the tubing while the system is on the vehicle.

Mazda's Mazda3 Exhaust System Configurations

It was common for Mazda to offer several different exhaust configurations for each Mazda3 model. Mazda's engineers, designers and emissions technicians configured the exhaust system for each specific engine, chassis and emission certification level as required. As you might imagine, having several different combinations of exhaust systems available for one application can certainly create confusion when attempting to design, or in your case purchase, an aftermarket exhaust system for the Mazda3.

We've provided the following table to help determine the correct Racing Beat Exhaust System for your Mazda3 - Determine your correct system from the table below: