MiataRoadster
BSP Exhaust

Brainstorm Cat-back Dual Exhaust

[2/28/2006] Reviewed by: Brian King - brian.king@us.ngrid.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Cat-back exhaust system, dual tips, fits 1.8L

This exhaust seems well made and certainly looks great on the car. It installed easily with only a slight alignment problem with a very close fit to some underbody frame pieces. Hard to tell any performance increase because I had an Enthuza system on the car before this system. Sound is great when cold, but when it warms up it's a little on the loud side for me. I called Brainstorm and briefly spoke with one of their people about reducing the sound of the system. They were supposed to call me back but never did. I'm now shopping for a quieter replacement and will probably go with the Bosal system. The Brainstorm dual is for sale!!

Difficult to remove without leaving damage


Brainstorm Dual Exhaust

[9/26/2003] Reviewed by: Keith Kimble - kjkmd@aol.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Cat-back (from the CATalytic converter, BACK) dual exhaust system--pipe from catalytic converter to muffler, and new muffler with twin outlets. Unit is aluminized steel with black powder coat, and polished stainless tips. NOT necessarily compatible out of the box with automatic transmission cars--check with Brainstorm. Available in two versions--normally aspirated (2.25 inch cat to muffler pipe) and turbo (2.5 inch cat to muffler). I went with turbo in anticipation of future upgrade.

Installed by Brainstorm about a week ago. Had them do it rather tahn a muffler shop, or do it myself, because I figures any screw-up (like breaking the cat bolts) would be their problem, not mine. Potential for annoyance just wasn't worth the cost (which turned out to be $140).

Despite some concern over longevity (outside of system is not stainless steel), I went with this because Brainstorm is local, I've had good past experience with them, my car lives a sheltered life in Southern California, and I think mufflers should generally be heard and not seen (black powdercoat makes it disappear). Dual tips look great. Sound is considerably louder than stock (especially at low revs and/or WOT) with top down, but I was surprised how much quieter it is with top up. Noise level is about right for me, but that is subjective and individual, of course. Wife likes it too, which probably says alot. Low burble at idle, growl through about 3500 rpm, and V-8 Ferrari after that--although the faster you go (once past 2000) the quieter it is. Hard to tell a performance difference subjectively, but it sure sounds like you're going faster. Doesn't seem to be ticket bait, though--local constabulary seems to ignore me so far. But then, LA is a target-rich environment.

Difficult to remove without leaving damage


Brain Storm Products dual exhaust

[1/27/2003] Reviewed by: david jones - djones@researchdata.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

brain storm products '99+ dual exhaust

i felt the need to wait a halfyear before reviewing this product, to give an accurate review without the adrenaline pumped hype over a new exhaust. NOISE: it's definitely louder then stock, yet very mild and classy compared to the typical rice coffeecans out there. it has a soft purr that grows into a purposeful growl when throttled. it sounds VERY good, exactly like it did the day it was installed. FIT/FINISH: the exhaust was very easy to install-a true bolt-on. the chrome tips still beautifully glisten, even though they are rarely washed... and the powdercoating has not chipped in any way-the undercarriage still looks great! there's no visible rust, holes, or signs of unusual wear after 22,000 miles.

this exhaust has exceeded my expectations and i would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in a clean looking setup that will get MANY compliments!

Difficult to remove without leaving damage


BSP Dual Exhaust

[1/2/2003] Reviewed by: luis castanon - lcastanon1@aol.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Pair of dual exhausts for an automatic 99 miata

well, I originally purchased this because I was told that It was a direct swap. However come install time I found that you need to will need to purchase the center pipe as well otherwise it wont fit.. I wish I was told this earlier but alas, i bought the darned centerpipe and its all graavy from there. After all is said and done the exhausts are great and they are not too loud which was what I was worried about. I hear it when i start the car and maybe when im really pushing it unlike the ricer cars that you could swear they are in the daytona 500 while they are driving at 15 mph

My only recommendations would be to be prepared to get the centerpipe (100.00) if you own an automatic. From what i gather it should be a true direct swap for a 5 sp.

Difficult to remove without leaving damage


BSP dual exhaust

[7/4/2002] Reviewed by: Chris Wilson - chillinmx5driver@aol.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Dual performance exhaust in coated aluminum.

Very easy to install... I have no experience with exhaust installation and this exhaust system was strait forward with the installation. it only took me approximatly 30 min. to install compleatly

This exhaust looks and sounds great. Not the usual riceboy weedwacker sound. This exhaust is not to much louder than stock but has a low growl at WOT.

Difficult to remove without leaving damage


BSP DUALS

[10/24/2000] Reviewed by K. Zack Broadbent - racerzack@aol.com

Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Dual performance exhaust in coated aluminum.

I had Brainstorm install the exhaust at their Los Angeles facility. They did an outstanding job.

This is THE BEST THING I have done to my Miata (aside from the stripes). The sound of the BSP duals is wonderful -- this is no "ricer" exhaust. Plus, the appearance of the twin tips makes the rear of my car look incredible. I have been amazed at how many people have come up to me on SOCALM runs and, of their own accord, told me how great my car sounds. Only one person has said they hated driving behind me. Everyone else (including me) finds the exhaust to sound great at all rev levels. Upon start, it burbles nice and low. When revving, it gets loud and deep. What is great is that, at speed on the freeway or open road, the exhaust quiets down to near-stock levels. So, you can control how loud it is by how much you put your foot to the floor. I also noticed a significant "seat of the pants" power improvement. This is the BEST EXHAUST YOU CAN BUY!

Difficult to remove without leaving damage


[6/19/2000] Reviewed by Marc Fournier - forfou@videotron.ca

Applicable to '99 + 1.8 liter

BSP duals. muffler with twin tail pipes. Lower pitch, mellow sound. But...

Installed in April 99, easy to install, slight droop on one side corrected with stainless hose clamps. Enjoyed the tone and sent wav files to share the sound.

Fast forward to April 00. Duals in sade state, with much surface rust (more than cosmetic) and pitting on most of the tubbing. Surface rust also evident on muffler section, mostly on weld joints.

Car never winter driven but stored in heated, dry garage from Decembre till April and is not a daily driver. OEM mid pipe still in place (not replaced) and is in sound shape, no surface rust on its full lengh. OEM muffler (on stand-by) with 1 year of use has no surface rust to mention.

Email exchange from BSP states duals will last as long as stainless from other sources and that the manufacturer uses best quality materials for corrosion resistance. ???

I enjoy the sound and look (if no one gets down on their knees to look under). But will not buy

the same when they rust thru, but will return to OEM thats still standing by. As for the cut out,

it's so low, who will notice it anyway !. Or then I can say" Yeah, had duals, but they fell off "

Difficult to remove without leaving damage


BSP M1 Sport Exhaust

[1/27/2000] Reviewed by Ken Tam - ktam99@home.com

Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Brainstorm Products Sport Exhaust for the M1

I bought this exhaust around Aug of 99. I saw the BSP duals on an m2 at a Miata club meeting and was sold on the unique and great looking exhaust tip that BSP uses. It has been about 6 months now since installing this system. The kit included the muffler section and pipe section that goes from rear of cat to muffler as well as gaskets and hardware. The entire kit actually fit into the trunk! I got my local Midas to install the system. The tech was a little reluctant to install it because every other aftermarket exhaust they've installed involved more labour due to missing pieces and poor fit. He said 1/2 hour to install the system. He was right, the system took no time to install and everything fit and lined up perfectly. There was some minor bending of one of the hangers to get the tip centered in the bumper cutout.

So how does the exhaust perform? Great! The sound is really good and got even better when I added a JR header. With the header the BSP exhaust sounds mellow yet urgent. Under WOT, it sounds amazing. The common , 3k rpm drone is still there but it isn't nearly as obtrusive as other exhausts I've experienced. The header also quieted this down further.

When the system is cold it can sound annoying when stepping on it. It sounds very buzzy and tinny. I recommend part throttling it until the system's warm.

The car dyno'ed at 101 rwhp on DPE Performance's dynojet in Toronto, before the header. From what I've seen, stock 1.6 Miata's tend to make around 92 rwhp. The other mods I had were a K&N panel filter in the stock air box and advanced timing to 14 degrees. The increased power is located more on the higher end. Add the header and you get more power across the entire range with a big mid range boost. I'll dyno the car again with the header in the spring.

 Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Brain Storm Dual sport exhaust/ Mid Pipe

[11/5/99] Reviewed by: Pat Tufaro - sdtufaro@fcc.net

Applicable to: '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

BSP dual exhaust system plus the midpipe with catalytic converter

Similar to the flyin' Miata unit described in this section. Fabulous sound and significant improvement in power, especially at higher revs. After installation of these products, I installed the BSP Power Stack - an even greater improvement! A lot of bang-for-the-buck, and it looks great too. When I first drove away from the shop where it was installed I thought the mechanic had been fiddling with my engine...I could not believe the difference in performance.

Brain Storm Products is a great outfit to deal with, and their products are first rate. I highly recommend getting BOTH the exhaust system AND the midpipe for the best performance improvement.

Difficult to remove without leaving damage


[10/4/99] Reviewed by Russell Rudez - HKS_MX5@aol.com

Applicable to '99 + 1.8 liter

The Brain Storm Products, M2 Dual Sport exhaust and Mid-pipe (with high flowing catalytic converter) is exactly what it says. Dual exhaust and mid-pipe with cat.

I absolutely love the BSP exhaust. It sounds great. The rear muffler alone is not a big power adder, mostly looks and sound. Add the mid-pipe with integrated cat and your Miata has some real power! I never realized how restricted the stock exhaust was until I installed the BSP exhaust. Two thumbs up..5 stars..etc!!

Great quality, great instructions. Comes with everything you'll need! New gasket, new hanger for the new pipe, bolts, nuts, washers, etc. This changed the whole attitude of my M2. I love it.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


M2 - Brainstorm Midpipe & Single Exhaust

Reviewed by: Philip Salibello - psalibello@montgomeryasset.com

Midpipe with cat and single exhaust tailpipe (2 pieces) for 1999 (M2)

Both products are black powder coated heavy gauge 2.25" steel. The tailpipe has a great polished tip that looks and is solid. The midpipe has a larger aluminum shielded cat than stock and a resonator chamber. They are very solidly constructed and have a good finish (for an exhaust). No sloppy welding.

Sound is VERY mellow. I would say that it is marginally louder than stock. I am very conservative when it comes to car sounds. I you are looking for the power that comes with a new exhaust but don't want your neighbors to know, this is the product to buy.

Performance is noticeable. No dyno, but worth the money (to me at least). I had the tailpipe on for a month or two first. I put it on with a new intake (Racing Beat K&N), so I couldn't isolate which gave me the punch. Once the midpipe was put on, I now feel definite strength throughout the range. I feel more response from 3k up.

Why did it get it? I am getting a Sebring, so I knew I needed to get a wider exhaust. I went for a 2.25" pipe b/c (IMO) I felt a 2.5" was better suited for a turbo. BSP, FM (DlrAlt) & MRoad had solutions. BSP met my sound requirements (FM would be too loud for non-turbo) and installation needs (MRoad didn't have a cat, welding needed).

Company: I have gotten good service from BSP. UPS opened the box and the provided nuts/bolts fell out. BSP (LA) answered the phone at 6:15 PST and was able to give me the dimensions of the missing pieces so I could buy them. My choice to buy the pieces right then. They are sending me free replacements, offered apologies and at least free shipping on my next purchase. I will go back.

Installation was relatively easy. I put the car up on stands (rear). Original tail pipe took some muscle to get off the rubber mounts. I used some white grease to help loosen things up. The midpipe came off much easier. Both units easily screwed into place. I did have to use some glue to hold the gaskets in place while I put the pieces together. I figured the glue would burn off. There were no instructions. I don't know how much instruction would be needed because it was relatively self-explanatory, but some would help.

I feel my money was well spent.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


Back to Product Reviews 11 November, 2006


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