ND MX-5 Miata Hush-o-Matic Active Exhaust Install

The problem with exhaust systems is that they're either loud or quiet. And sometimes you want one and not the other. Meet the first active exhaust for the Miata! In this video, Kyle walks us through a step-by-step install of our Hush-o-matic active exhaust and CAN controller unit on a ND2 MX-5 Miata. Check out the end of the video for sound clips and comparisons with the stock exhaust.
INDEX
Intro and kit overview 0:19
Disassembly 0:56
Midpipe assembly & installation 4:23
Muffler removal and installation 10:46
Vacuum line installation for active exhaust 13:26
CAN controller wiring and installation 17:34
Control Solenoid Installation 31:11
Controller demonstration 40:21
Sound clips and comparisons 41:30
Outro 43:11
FM Hush-o-matic ND Exhaust:
www.flyinmiata...
FM High-flow ND Mid-pipe:
www.flyinmiata...
FM CAN Integration Controller:
www.flyinmiata...
Flyin' Miata is the world leader in Miata performance. We offer a wide range of parts for all years of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
www.flyinmiata.com​​​​​​​​​​​​​
970-464-5600 • [e-mail]
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/ flyinmiata
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/ flyinmiata

[@jasonturner6941]

I’ve been modifying and tearing apart cars for over 30 years. I’ve never seen an install guide of this quality. Well done! You cover the obvious and critical nuance without insult or missing a beat.

[@mikeb1039]

They've been doing this kind of stuff for a long time. :)

[@jamessutton8491]

Just wanted to note that Flyin' Miata has an updated CAN controller out, and it now comes with an OBD pass-through harness. This makes installation very straightforward, with only 2 wires (solenoid power and ground) needing to be crimped. No more wire mess in the engine bay fuse box as that is not touched. They need to make a new install video to replace this one, as I bet more than a few people were initially scared off with the original wiring requirement. I was one of them and I''m glad I waited.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@jamessutton8491 A new video is on our list of things to do!

[@leoclement3801]

Wow! This is the most comprehensive & detailed MX-5 tutorial exhaust installation vid I have ever seen. Well done sir! Yes they are expensive, VERY expensive but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. (I guess?).

[@jamescarson6681]

I'm glad that Flyin' Miata can ship their products to the UK. I'm considering to get this option! I can't wait to see an Individual throttle body/carbon airbox system for these ND2s...

[@ed_halley]

I was going to buy this when I drove through Colorado last year. Holy heck, now I see why Flyin' Miata said they do not do customer installations on-site. That CAN installation is brutal. I just assumed it would splice in 4 wires on a harness somewhere outside the fuse box.

[@danw3966]

Just performed the installation with no prior electrical experience. Bought a heat gun, wire stripper, crimper, and extra butt connectors from Harbor Freight. The wires are barely long enough to go in the three way butt connector and on several occasions I accidentally cut the tiny wires while attempting to strip them making a couple wires too short to go in the butt connector. I had to use some of the extra wire provided by FM and create wire extensions using the butt connectors I bought. The space you're working in is also super tight. Somehow it all worked but it was a harrowing experience and I would not recommend doing it yourself unless you are high in bravery and perseverance. Sounds great, big difference between quiet and loud modes. I initially ran vacuum-only and it definitely had some drone on the highway or between 2500-3500 rpm. I suspect that will be eliminated with the CAN install but have yet to try the highway.

[@RED_PEPPER]

+ 1 Awesome! Timing could not be any better. Awaiting shipment for my CAN controller unit. Thank you for this. It proves to be helpful.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Good timing - Hopefully it helps!

[@georgebugarin1078]

Hey I saw your channel and see that you also have the FM midpipe installed but I couldn't comment on that video. I am currently waiting for my FM midpipe to come in to the mail. You notice any real difference driving the car (i.e. butt dyno improvement)? And have you dont any more performance mods other than the exhaust and midpipe? Aloha and thanks!

[@jimw5040]

@@georgebugarin1078 I have the mid pipe and hush and the combo definitely adds some punch. Throttle response is happier and butt dyno is noticeable. I’m pretty sure the combo brings it near 200hp (up from 181). Also, the tone is a bit more thick and burbly with both installed.

[@bradh6265]

Quality video! In the market for a ND, and now I know what exhaust it's getting. Going to have a lot of Flyin' miata boxes coming next year!

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Thanks! We appreciate that! :D

[@waltbennett5389]

Just got done with the install on the can setup hush o matic. Its great sounds wonderful. If you have a 2020 nd with an auto you will have to find a different ground for the relay. I used the black wire coming of the a/c relay after testing it with a multimeter. Other than that great video and instruction and my friend is super pleased with it.

[@iainbagnall4825]

Great video, I will add one nugget for the uninitiated - removing the exhaust from its hanger was pretty easy here, because its a new car, and I suspect they'd already done it early in a test run. If your car is more than 5-10 years old those things can be stuck on fast; took me about half an hour and a lot of scraped knuckles to get it off my 2000 miata. When I came to do a muffler in my Tundra, I spent 15 bucks on a special exhaust hanger removal tool and it took about 30 seconds per hanger. Do yourself a favor and buy one of those tools, even if you only ever have to do 1 muffler. Its worth it.

[@iainbagnall4825]

@@FlyinMiataVideo I used silicone spray, but it didn't help much after 20 years and numerous heating cycles ;) the other approach is just buy new hangers and cut the old ones off, as they are pretty cheap, but I wanted my exhaust on NOW dammit.

[@cpandsooz]

Fantastic detail and great product. Well done all involved in producing that.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Thanks Chris!

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

When working alone, use bungee cords perpendicular to the exhaust, to assist in holding up exhaust. Plenty of locations under the car to connect them.

[@2007MXV]

An awesome addition to my former 2016 ND.

[@ecristofoli]

Great video! This is a bench mark for video out there. Who's the jerk that gave it a thumbs down, that troll should have his surf licence taken.

[@nats50]

Probably just a Miata hater for whatever reason. LOL

[@TruckeeDoggo]

Wow that's a nice Miata

[@tylerwatt12]

I used a fuse tap, instead of having to crack open the box and cut wires. I've been using it for the past 3 years with no problems.

[@rafaelpatino]

Would you have a write up on this?

[@tylerwatt12]

@@rafaelpatino Run the red wire to an ABN or ATM/APM fuse tap. I can't remember which type of fuse it was. I posted it on miata.net in march of 2017 or somewhere aroudn there, my username is tylerwatt12.

[@rafaelpatino]

@@tylerwatt12 thank you for the update, searched your name and found your post. I’ll take a peek and look into more. Thank you again for responding! :)

[@lLvupKitchen]

@@rafaelpatino Care to share the post? Can't seem to find it myself.

[@bonkybambam7348]

He looks like Justin Geathje and Chris Evans had a baby! Im here because Gordon Ryan talked about his Miata on the Joe Rogan Experience! Rip and drip ... Gang Gang buzz buzz

[@iffilunauhansen1278]

Great clean quality work and explanations.. 🙂👍

[@alexanderdavidtarras1156]

I really appreciate this video as I am an auto mechanic student and have an ND Miata and want to put a midpipe and exhaust on. Even though I appreciate the added complexity of installing the vacuum hose and electrical components as a learning experience, I feel that there are too many things that can go wrong (vacuum leaks/binding of vacuum hose on moving/hot components).

[@alexanderdavidtarras1156]

Also, the wiring part, makes me think this is a build for more experienced mechanics......

[@Justin_Jones27]

i agree but if we don’t do those wiring does this mean it will not work. I am trying to learn all this modifying myself and not too sure

[@salvita64]

Hi! Very clear and as easy to follow, thanks from Dublin! I know that it's too simple as a question, but ...in case I don't want to hung the car from the silt jacking points and instead lifting from the centre with a wheelie jack where do you rest the jack in order to lift the front axle? You gain a subscriber today, I guess your shop is its too fare away to bring you my NC... Thanks!!!

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We never lift the NC in this manner so it's hard to say specifically. I suspect the leading edge of the front subframe would be the first choice, take a look at the structure there.

[@DWS1435]

Very informative well done video. Thanks.

[@Dequiss]

Awesome!

[@KevinMinato]

Awe man I would love this for my NA

[@merlyn2121]

Sick hat. I want that heat shield stuff on my NB.

[@D.N.R.911]

This is really cool, would love to get this

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

It's a fun little party trick that will keep your neighbors from hating you ;)

[@D.N.R.911]

@@FlyinMiataVideo and the wife too 🤣

[@blowfishes]

This is why I have to pay an expert to do my installs.

[@D3X1M3REMIXED]

This is highly involved. Have my money so I can have this done for me.

[@JKDJack]

Is it tho

[@D3X1M3REMIXED]

TheFollowUpHit Yes. I didn’t stutter.

[@Cdeger3]

Great video - quick question: on the vacuum line - do you need any clamps? I noticed the stock hose has a clamp holding it to the manifold.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

No extra hose clamps needed. You can see our full set of instructions here: s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/instructions.flyinmiata/intake_exhaust/Hush-o-Matic_Exhaust_Kit_06-49190.pdf Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions!

[@bobdadruma]

I can't wait to not waste my time and money doing this to my MX-5.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

It sounds great, and gives easy in-cabin control over the noise. What's not to love?

[@bobdadruma]

@@FlyinMiataVideo Running a cheesy vacuum hose to the rear of the car and hacking the wires in a perfectly good fuse/relay box to install something that will do little or nothing to enhance the performance of the car. Waste of time and money. Oh, that's right, I forgot, louder means faster! :). I live on a busy state road. I hear these modified vehicles go by everyday. They sound like crap!

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@@bobdadruma More free flowing exhausts do equal more performance, and sometimes that comes with extra noise. Which is why we included the controller so you can "turn down" the volume, so to speak, when you don't want it. It's never overly loud or overwhelming. As far as the fuse box, nothing here is "hacked", but if it makes you feel better, we're working behind the scenes to develop a plug-and-play module that will eliminate the wiring challenges. - Or you could run the exhaust without the can controller and still enjoy the improved exhaust note and performance gains without the hassle of the wiring or vacuum line. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but that's the joy of modifying cars. Everyone can make their car unique to fit their personal vision! :)

[@rile6295]

@@FlyinMiataVideo 👍Please sign me up for the plug-and-play module!! 👍 I've installed the rest but never had the courage to complete the can-controller via the fusebox wirings😥

[@ogdumplings8196]

i guess the 124s can use it too lol. but my abarth is always high settings stock.

[@federiconalos8202]

I am interested in replacing the original muffler with twin exhaust tips on my 2024 MX5 MIATA RF GT with a muffler with sport quad exhaust tips like Ulter. Is there a domestic company that produces such a muffler with quad exhaust tips? The ULTER Sport Quad Tip Exhaust Muffler is available online, but from a overseas company. I would rather deal with a domestic company.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We're not sure. You might look at doing something custom if you're set on the quad exhaust on your car and you don't want to pay overseas shipping.

[@ryansmith9089]

Thanks for the guide, I just ordered my Hush-O-Matic and will use this guide for the install. Curious about the note displayed on the screen stating installing the vacuum line with out a controller (I assume that means the CAN controller) will result in the muffler being in full open mode with moderate throttle. I thought the valve was progressive, like 50% throttle would be 50% open. Not the case?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

There needs to be enough vacuum to overcome the spring in the diaphragm. There are even situations where your car has very little vacuum with no input from the throttle pedal, such as the first 30 seconds of cold start. Also, the nature of butterfly valves is that the amount of flow is not completely linear. Basically, you end up with an analog behavior that becomes part of the engine's character.

[@hardrider55]

Would it be possible, instead of opening the fuse box installing a rheostat? Looks a bit scary opening the box and all the wiring inside of it

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Good question! A rheostat probably wouldn't work but we are working on a plug-n-play option which would utilize the OBD port. No ETA at this time.

[@hardrider55]

@@FlyinMiataVideo It appears that the air/vacuum valve you are using is driven with a linear resistance signal generated by the variable output from the wiper intermediate switch on the column tree, is that a variable voltage or amperage signal, my guess is voltage, if so a rheostat would work as a manual adjustment.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@@hardrider55 It's not as analog as you think. The signal from the wiper switch is a digital signal in the CAN stream, and we are using that to turn the valve on and off via a smart relay in combination with the digital TPS signal.

[@Benjammin43]

if I have a header with no primary cat and this midpipe, and use the far end o2 bung, will I get a cel for the o2 sensor?

[@josh-nc6eg]

Is the midpipe installed in this video the Flying Miata ND High Flow Midpipe?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Yes, here is the link. We'll add it to the description above. Thanks! www.flyinmiata.com/default/flyin-miata-high-flow-midpipe.html

[@Lee-70ish]

Could you tell me what the life expectancy of the gate valve is please ?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Decades. They’re used in OE applications. There are cheaper ones available but not better ones.

[@georgebugarin1078]

I understand you guys dont make headers for emissions reasons - would you say an aftermarket header is worth the cost?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We have not been overwhelmed with any of the ND headers we've tested, but naturally aspirated power is a matter of a few hp here and there.

[@georgebugarin1078]

@@FlyinMiataVideo thank you for the reply. I understand a tune is necessary to maximize the benefits of adding parts here and there. I've read that the ND2 seems to have been vastly improved with the air intake and that the exhaust ports have been opened up more. It's nice to see that the ND2 saw some noticeable gains with just the midpipe and muffler. Looking forward to see how the fm midpipe works with the HoM when it comes in!

[@domdrty]

Will the computer reduce any power gains recieved from these parts?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Not that we are aware of. We've seen 15+ horsepower gains, depending on the car. We have a dyno chart viewable in the product listing on our website.

[@goyangi2014]

what happens to the wiper control than? auto would be the only option after the install?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

It doesn't replace the wiper control function, it simply listens to it. The wipers still work normally.

[@RunningRisks]

Which CAN network does this run on? If it runs to the wiper stalk, I imagine I can grab the wires there or the BCM yeah? I can easily find IGN/GND inside the and I'd much rather just run a few wires through the firewall if possible. Also does anyone know how long the vacuum hose is?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We recommend installing everything in the engine bay - you can tap into the network there and there’s no need to run anything through the firewall. The solenoid has to be outside the cockpit. See the instructions if you haven’t seen them already. The vacuum line is 140’ long. s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/instructions.flyinmiata/intake_exhaust/Hush-o-Matic_MRS_Control_Pkg_06-xxxxx.pdf

[@RunningRisks]

@@FlyinMiataVideo I already have wires for a security system running through the firewall and to the bcm, and I install remote start/security systems for a living so I'm super comfortable with wiring under the dash, so that's what's why I was hoping to make it simpler for myself

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

It may not be easier and it won’t be simpler, but you can tap into the bus at the BCM if you want.

[@josh-nc6eg]

Would the FM High Flow Midpipe fit into the GoodWill Racing Header?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

As long as the header uses a stock flange design and location, yes.

[@fliparemo1996]

Is it possible to use an external remote instead of the windscreen wipers, by connecting the wires to a Bluetooth device? (so that I don't have to cut the wire harness)

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We used to offer a version that used a remote, but once the CAN version came out the market decided that it liked this version better! If you don't want to cut the harness, it would be possible to pull the CAN signal out of the OBD-II connector but we don't currently offer an instruction set for that. We'll suggest it to our technical team as a possibility.

[@DrivingWithMath]

@@FlyinMiataVideo Any progress on the OBD-II connector?

[@rjbean13]

I also was wondering this. I'd prefer the remote option....

[@NBlitzkreig]

Are the numbers on your website with or without a tune?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

No tune, just bolt on, however expect this number to vary a bit from car to car.

[@joetaka7620]

Is it true that the Hush-o-matic active exhaust + Midpipe yields at least 15hp for the ND2 without a tune?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We've seen that number vary from car to car, but we've seen 15 horsepower gains on our shop 2019. You can see the dyno chart in the product listing on our website.

[@joetaka7620]

@@FlyinMiataVideo Thank you for your quick reply, I'll refer back to your website out now.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@@joetaka7620 Let us know if there is anything else we can help with!

[@K03sport]

like #530, what do I win?

[@thisreallysucksbig]

Got anything like that for an NB?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

It's in the pipeline, but we don't have any sort of ETA yet. It's still early in development.

[@thisreallysucksbig]

Thanks, looking forward to that. I love the rough and loud roar of miata's pipes from 3500 on up...the police...not so much .

[@OrimarDez]

Is this exhaust still within legal limits on emissions?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

This system is after the cat so it has no effect on emissions and is not subject to emissions testing.

[@JKDJack]

@@FlyinMiataVideo will it cause aCEL to appear?

[@nats50]

@@FlyinMiataVideo In other words, is this California legal?

[@ConstellationMovies]

@@nats50 all of FMs new products are 50-state legal, I'd be surprised if this was not. Noise ordinances are a different story though 😉

[@demonsaint1296]

Lubricant? LubriCAN!,

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Now that's a good attitude.

[@Mista_G]

Really should have quieted down the volume when he was using that impact. Really makes my ears bleed,

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Sorry about that, we missed a couple in the edit!

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

Silly. Very silly.

[@larryhoward9010]

Ppl

[@alexanderdavidtarras1156]

What are the horsepower/torque increases with this system (to the wheels)?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Check out the dyne-chart we have in the listing on our site: www.flyinmiata.com/default/nd-hush-o-matic.html

[@alexanderdavidtarras1156]

@@FlyinMiataVideo Can you please just give us a supercharger/turbocharger for the ND2 miata! i'll be the first one to buy it. I may be asking a lot already but can you also look into billet camshafts, forged crankshaft, forged pistons so we can beef up the engine and billet components for transmission so when it blows we can rebuild it stronger? Thanks

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@@alexanderdavidtarras1156 As far as we know, there is no one who has completely cracked the software of the ND2 cars, as it's a completely different programming language than the ND1. Unfortunately, until the ECU is completely cracked, we can't adapt and tune the car to work with something as complex as a turbo charger. We would love to offer a full carb legal ND2 turbo option, but at the moment we are at the mercy of the aftermarket industry.

[@AT-fi9dj]

@@FlyinMiataVideo Thanks! I’m looking forward to that day. It will definitely “boost” my morale during these crazy times in our country