Paco Motorsports
Jackson Racing Exhaust

Jackson Racing Stainless Exhaust

[1/4/2010] Reviewed by: Zi Yeung - zigyeung10@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Jackson Racing Stainless Exhaust, as far as I know there is the normal JR exhaust and the Stainless exhaust. 2.5 piping, 4 inch exhaust tip.

I bought this exhaust used for a very good price. Installation is very straight forward. I love the sound but can't stand the huge exhaust tip. I end up cutting the tip off and replaced it with a 2.5in pipe.

I love the sound of it, it's deep and very refine. It has a little exhaust pop on the overrun, the pops are slightly louder than the stock exhaust. The exhaust is very quiet on idle, almost like the stock exhaust. It's a little raspy on the cold start, but it will go away after 5 minutes of driving.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Jackson Racing Catback exhaust

[3/11/2006] Reviewed by: Mark O'Neill - markus_oneill@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97

Beautiful chromed muffler and mid pipe with a rather large tip (which somewhat scared me at first)

I bought this exhaust used, so I don't know what it would be like new. But I had it installed in February while I had my hardtop on. At first I was slightly unimpressed with the volume. I was hoping it would be a little louder. I drove it that way for about 2 weeks. I took one 30+ mile trip on the highway and did notice a little droaning at speed, but nothing unbearable. Yesterday was nice, so I removed the hardtop, and it's a world of difference! I love this exhaust. It sounds PERFECT! Enough noise, and just the right pitch. It has a fantastic growel, not buzzy, and doesn't sound like a "fart cannon". I also have a RB elbow intake, I can't believe how great this sounds. I was planning on spending some cash to upgrade my stereo, now I don't care if I ever change the stereo.

Perfect 10! Way to go Jackson Racing.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Jackson Racing exhaust

[3/2/2006] Reviewed by: Mark - markus_oneill@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Jackson Racing cat-back exhaust

Fit is great, hardest part (as stated elsewhere) was removing the old syetem. I guess thats normal though, since the bolts I had to remove (break) had been on there for 11 years.

I found this exhaust used through miata.net. I've had aftermarket exhausts in the past, (Miata's and non-miatas) so I know there are some winners and losers out there. The first thing I noticed about this is the monsterous tip. When I first saw it, I thought I was going to look like a 17 year old driving a honda. The exhaust itself is polished, so I thought that would stand out from behind the car, but it is totally hidden. It (the tip) actually looks pretty good once installed. It's big, but not stupid looking. I was hoping for an exhaust with a bit of "growl" to it. I already have an intake, so I get some noise when at WOT. The Jackson syetem doesn't disturb anybody, which is nice (unless of corse you WANT to disturb people once in a while). I'm not unhappy with the system by any means, but I may hold out for something with a bit more bark to it.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Jackson Racing Catback Exhaust/Muffler

[7/15/2005] Reviewed by: cindy croft

Applicable to: '90 - '97

Jackson Racing Catback Exhuast System

NICE! initially, both I and my installer thought it sounded pretty quiet, but we took it for a drive and Wow! Kicks in beautifully, nice quiet rumble, not going to bother the neighbors but attracts some attention at 3500 - 5500 RPMs. Same day driving around town 2 other miatas commented on the nice/sound. I don't know how much hpr increased but I'll be looking for new seats because we're feeling them more now.

Also have a RB Power Pulse intake.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


Jackson Racing Exhaust

[4/19/2004] Reviewed by: William Littleton - bahamut_0848@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Polished stainless steel Cat-Back system on my 1990 metallic blue miata.

I don't know what all these other people are talking about with this system being so "quiet". I'll admit its not the loudest out there, but it sounds real nice unlike other exhauast systems that have that metallic rattling sound to them. it sounds the best at around 5500 RPM, right be fore I shift. I also noted a big jump in my acceleration, combine this with the Jackson Racing intake and your miata will FLY down the road! I didnt install it my self but I watched the mechanics do it and it seems simple enough for the do it yourself'er. Jackson Racing did a good job making this system.

I didn't have any problems with banging of the muffler tip, but it is pretty close to the rear bumper. I highly recommend this exhaust if you want a nice clean sounding exhaust system!

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Jackson Racing Cat-back exhaust

[11/21/2003] Reviewed by: S Wallace - saw_mx5@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

All stainless steel Jackson Racing Cat-back exhaust on my 1994 1.8L Miata.

Excellent. I'd recommend this set up to anyone. Great looking product. All welds are nice and substantial. Solid construction. Good looking tip.

Taking the stock system off was the most time consuming part of the process. Here's a hint, unbolt the rear subframe brace and leverage down on it to better ease the stock one out. Now for what everyone really wants to know... Sound: I was pleasantly surprised. There is no real bad resonance at 3K and no "buzzy" sounds either. The idle is nice and deep thrum and as you go up the RPM band the sound just gets more aggressive and slightly louder. After 4K it really starts to sound off with a real nice note at 5.5K The note stays pretty low compared to the stock system even through the rev range. Jackson really did their homework in making this system. It is definitely an improvement on the Miata's sound and really makes you think "This is the way Mazda wanted it to sound!" It's humble around town and the lower RPM band can make you forget you even have an exhaust... At cruise it seems almost as quiet as stock. (bet the wife won't even notice)

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Jackson Racing Cat-Back Exhaust

[7/6/2003] Reviewed by: Michel Hoche-Mong

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Jackson Racing Polished Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust

Excellent quality. Lovely rumbling sound. Not too loud when just driving around, but growls nicely at WOT. I'd estimate it's resulted in about a 10% increase in engine efficiency. Some timed runs on the street have been slightly faster, and my general gas mileage has gone up on my daily commute.

With the stock hangers, it bangs against the left chassis brace in hard right-hand turns. I "fixed" this by wrapping the exhaust hangers with hoseclamps, but now it vibrates slightly against the rear bumper cutout. I understand the hanger posts can be bent to lower the exhaust but I haven't done that. Also, it banged against one of the rear tie-down hooks, but I removed that so now it's ok. Most annoying in an exhaust this expensive.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[6/23/2002] Reviewed by: Gary Fink - gfink@ptd.net

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Polished Cat Back w/4" Rolled Tip

Bolted up easily but the tip missed being centered in the bumper cutout. The tip is not straight either it points to the ground at about a 10deg. angle. Very Very disappointed concidering the money spent. I'm going to try to send it back tomorrow.

I bought this exhaust because it will make a good alternative to the FM Turbo exhaust, as I have heard there's is loud. Plus, I wanted an exhaust that will work with both (N/A and Turbo). Finish and welds are excellent to bad the alignment is so far off.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[2/11/2002] Reviewed by: Derek P. Riethmeier - riethmeier@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

The exhaust comes in two pieces with a set of bolts to connect the two. You still need to go out and buy two more bolts to connect it all to the cat. It is beautifully finished, although the exhaust tip doesn't look much like the photo shown on Jackson Racing's website. I would have prefered a big, fat rolled tip, but instead the edge of the exhaust tip is kind of sharp. They must have changed the design and not told anybody.

Installing was a snap. I managed to get the old, original exhaust off by unbolting the pipe from the cat, then jacking the car high enough so that I could flip the whole thing upside down and wiggle it out of the undercarriage components. Putting the JR exhaust on was much easier than taking the old one off, as it comes in two pieces, so you can feed it through the braces, then bolt it together afterward. I'm not sure that I feel any more horsepower, but the car seems to accelerate much smoother than before. The exhaust tip is so huge that it bangs against the metal lip inside of the bumper, but I was able to fix this by pushing the rod-like bracket that sticks out of the exhaust all the way through the rubber thing that suspends the muffler. After doing that the muffler had less play in it, and this almost completely eliminated the banging. The JR exhaust is louder than stock, but not ridiculously so. At a certain RPM it bellows, but after that! it quiets down.

All in all, I like everything about the JR exhaust except for the different tip. One of the reasons I went with the JR instead of Borla was because I wanted a rolled tip, but unless you continually clean the carbon deposits off the mouth of the exhaust tip on a regular basis you can barely tell that it is rolled.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[6/16/2000] Reviewed by John Magnuson - turvovo@aol.com

Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter

A stainless steel catalytic converter back exhaust system fabricated by Jackson Racing. I has a rear muffler and a glass pack on the mid-pipe.

Having had problems with cheap exhaust systems on other cars in the past I decided to go with a top of the line exhaust from Jackson Racing. Installation was easy but unfortunately I have two major problem areas that are unacceptable in a $500.00 exhaust system.

1) The exhaust bangs and rattles like a lot. The tip bangs on the plastic rear bumper whenever the road is anything but super smooth and whenever I turn right the exhaust pipe slams into the rear suspension. It makes a very unpleasant racket. I took it to an pro exhaust shop to look at and they figure that it was perhaps made incorrectly. I think part of the problems is that Jackson Racing decided they could eliminate one of the exhaust hangers AND, when you use their header to like I am, the bellhousing to header bracket. This allows a lot of lateral movement of the exhaust. Poor fit is unacceptable for a $500.00 exhaust system and I would return it if I could.

 2) At most rpms it's not overly loud, but at around 3000rpms under a load it has such a strong deep resonance that it is deafening. It makes my whole head and ears vibrate. All my passengers have said the same thing. My Mustang GT with headers, no cats, and glasspacks isn't as loud. It literally hurts. Once again I wonder if there is something wrong with my individual exhaust. Once again, I would return this exhaust if I could. A waste of $500.00 because I could have gone to the corner exhaust shop and gotten a better sound, fit, and guarantee for $150.00.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


[3/1/2000] Reviewed by Richard L. Dodson - rlouisd@prodigy.net

Applicable to '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Stainless steel cat-back exhaust system with polished tip. Large tip, about 4" across. Direct replacement for stock.

Overall, a good system. I don't really notice any performance gain, just easier breathing. I do get slightly better mileage (28.5 city versus 27.1 city with stock.) Sound is mellow and quiet, quiet, quiet.

I won't try to rehash the other reviews. I cannot over-emphasize how quiet this system is (compared to other aftermarket exhausts.) Don't be fooled by the oversize exhaust tip. This is NOT a boy racer muffler!!!!! The sound is pure Miata, just louder (barely) and deeper. The quality is superb, good welds, fits perfectly, all stainless steel, and nice tip that hasn't collected exhaust grime on the underside like the stock tip does. DIY if you want, I spent $25 for peace of mind and ease. When the stock cat-back was off, I saw that the inside diameter on the stock cat matches that on the JR pipe, while the stock pipe tapers in. Presumably the larger diameter of the JR exhaust would free up airflow. I think it does. I don't notice any performance gains, just smoothness, maybe I’m too conservative. A nice free-flow intake system would likely yield better results. Summary Buy it, you'll like it, but don't try to drag any musclecars. I like the system, and I’m really picky.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Reviewed by: Dave Okamoto - davo@lsil.com

Stainless steel, heavy gauge, large diameter (2 1/2 inch?)tubing. Largish resonator and "straight-through" muffler and polished tip with it's own reonator for 1.8L Miata.

Immediately after installation, although the power increase might not be significant if dyno'd, the feeling is greater acceleration, especially through the upper rpm range. The sound is great, with a little resonance passing through 3200 rpm. The appearance (for those of you who want to lie on your backs to look at it) is solid and substantial appearing, gleaming in a typical stainless steel polished finish. The tip has it's own resonator that apparently helps "mellow" out the sound.

I would judge the sound quality as mellow, low range, not at all raspy or annoying. With your foot in it, however, it does begin to emanate a "growl" that I don't find objectionable, but get's looks from passersby. A purchase of a quality cat-back exhaust system is largely subjective as the exhaust gas flow qualities are probably pretty similar among the "best" aftermarket suppliers. The decisions are usually made on the basis of price, appearance and exhaust note (which in itself is very subjective...what is music to one's ears is raucous and anoying to another). Since Jackson Racing suspension components are of high quality (springs and sway-bars are on my Miata) and the fact that they're "local" caused to investigate their exhaust system. I found the welds to be substantial and solid, the system itself being quite heavy, bespeaking the heavy gauge of the steel. The exhaust note is an unknown until the pipes are monted, however, and I was not disappointed. While "pricey", Jackson Racing grants a 10-272638824iscount to MCA members. You get what you pay for. I highly recommend this product.

Reviewed by: Mark Chapoton - mchapoton@bigplanet.com

Cat back exhaust system, high quality construction, great looking, and great sound. Purchased from Dealer Alternative who also helped with the install. I only had to pre-treat the bolts at the Catalytic converter with WD40 the day before. You don't want to break the bolts on the converter or you get to buy a new one.

I've installed my Sport Exhaust to complete the breathing improvement I felt was needed. I previously had  installed the Racing Beat CAI and K&N filter on my 93 1.6l Miata. My timing is now set at 10 degrees. It's been on almost a year now (4/99) and it still looks like new. It also does not show any of the muffler from the back now which gives the rear a cleaner look. The sound at 4,000 rpm+ is very satisfying but at a stop light, it's just a mellow growl. I can drive all day if curves and shifting are involved. I don't do long trips so I can't comment on steady freeway driving. My Miata now has the power curve that I wanted and is very capable in 4th gear from 60 to 100 mph and in 3rd from 35 to 75 mph. surge of power from 4,250 thru 6,500 rpm. I have tried different timings both up and down but this just  seems to move the power curve around. I just like the pull at the 10 degree setting for my style of driving. Everyone who gets behind me during a club event comments on how nice  it sounds at the next pitstop.

Would do it again even at the premium price. I have pictures at www.myplanet.net/mchapoton or send email at mchapoton@bigplanet.com. I'm happy to talk Miata.


Reviewed by: Ben Cleaves - bcleaves@primenet.com

Stainless steel cat-back exhaust system

I chose this system for several reasons, mainly based on the reputation of Jackson Racing products. I recently installed a Racing Beat intake with a K & N filter and had a semi-bad experience with them regarding shipping. Because of this, I decided to deal with The Dealer Alternative in Co. for the system instead of getting a Racing Beat system. Very nice people to deal with and I received the system as promised. Very easy installation - took about 40 minutes, most of which was removing the stock exhaust. Everything fit perfectly with all of the flanges in good alignment with the Cat. and such. Very well built, substantial system. It will definitely outlast the car!

The system is definitely first quality all the way. Very good welds (I am a machinist and welder by trade). It looks awesome! Huge 4" chrome tip with it's own resonator that really fills up the cut out in the rear bumper. The system is not overly loud, with a distictive low, bass growl that really gets noticed by others. As far as performance, there is a definite increase in acceleration, especially over 3000 RPM's. I can't substantiate that, but it does seem to have made a real difference. Great, quality system that should be looked at by anyone looking to upgrade their exhaust system.


Reviewed by: Jeff Barlow - jeff_barlow@nt.com

Cat-back stainless steel exhaust system for 1.6L Miata.

This is an awesome system. I have been looking for an exhaust upgrade for several years, but could never find one that promised quality, a lower exhaust note without being boomy or loud, and that filled out the cutout in the rear valance. The JR kit is just what I've been looking for. It still has the same Miata sound, just a deeper note - more aggressive. Like adding a subwoofer to your stereo. I must admit I've noticed it is a little louder with the A/C running though. My wife and I took the car on a 400 mile trip recently and our ears were none the worse at the end of the day. Believe me, if the car was too loud my wife would have let me know. She was concerned that my car might sound 'uncivilized' now but she can't tell the difference.

I love the look of the system. The bumper cutout is now filled out nicely and you can't see the muffler can unless you crawl under the car. Installation was simple, once you get the old cat-back off. One caveat that I haven't resolved yet - the bigger tip thumps against part of the subframe during hard right-hand turns. I think this can be resolved with putting some hose clamps around the hangers, but I haven't been able to affix them yet.

Two thumbs up. Miata owner loves the look, the sound. Wife can't tell the difference (thumb up). Only downside is the price (which may work against the spousal permission - if she can't tell the difference, why does it cost so much?). Forunatley, she can tell that it makes me giddy to listen to it and though she doesn't understand why, she knows therein lies the difference.


Reviewed by: Dave Zenz - dzenz@fc.net

My Car

1996 Montego & Tan, 3000 miles, JR CAI kit.

Background

Jackson Racing recently changed suppliers for their cat-back exhaust system (around 1/97 timeframe), according to JR it gave them the opportunity to fine tune their cat-back design (I was told of a 1hp increase). The muffler itself is not as finished as the older design, but once installed the muffler is not visible. I do prefer the new tip design over the old one. The material is still 304 stainless steel, and the quality is still superb.

Decision Process

I went through the same back and forth decision process that I'm sure many others do when trying to decide on a cat-back system. In the end I decided on the JR cat-back because of the quality, easy install, sound, and performance. Although more expensive than other cat-back systems, I knew that I wouldn't be happy with anything less then want the JR system could deliver. In addition, the JR cat-back pipe has a port for one of the all important OBD-II sensors that all '96 & up Miata's come with, the sensor screws into the pipe just after the cat.

Removal

The removal of the stock system in one piece was tricky, but not impossible. I had the rear of my Miata on ramps, and as such I was able to easily get at the exhaust from the cat back. Since my car is new, I didn't have any problems removing the bolts at the cat, and a few sprays of silicone lube made easy work of the hangers. The difficult part is threading the stock system through the braces on the underside of the car, this is a two person operation. My wife held the muffler at the back of the car, and after rotating and lifting/lowering the exhaust, we were able to extract it after 15 minutes of hard work. The problem is the flange that attaches the stock pipe to the cat, it may look impossible to get it out in one piece, but with a bit of trial and error and some forcing, it can be done.

Installation

Simple and quick. First attach pipe to cat, screw in sensor ('96 & up), hang new muffler, and torque all the bolts. Just remember to re-lube the rubber hangers and it will slide into place.

Final Thoughts

This is one quality piece of hardware, well designed and built. The new tip fits perfectly into the cutout, it is large (4") and fills most of the space, but it doesn't hit the bumper at all. To me the very large tip looks way cool. The sound is just what I was looking for, aggressive and somewhat loud when I floor the throttle, but not buzzy, and most importantly not annoying at cruising speeds. Performance feels improved, and the car does feel more responsive, but I haven't had the chance to do any 50-70mph runs yet. I feel that you get what you pay for, and to me, the JR Sport Exhaust was worth every penny. I'm looking forward to many spirited drives over the next few years with my JR exhuast providing the music for my ears.


Back to Intake/Exhaust

24 January, 2010



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