I'm leaning somewhere toward bad/cloged cat, but of course it could be anything.

Car still runs smooth all the way to redline. Just a little sluggish and hesitant when stomping the pedal. It's still got some go, just not as much as usual.

Exhaust note is slightly deeper then usual (sounds good, but i did notice the change).

So i'm thinking that maybe a few good chunks of carbon flew down the exhaust, blew thru some of the cat and then lodged itself (and maybe pieces of the cat) somewhere in the exhaust?

Any suggestions? Is it easy to gut the cat? or should i buy a test pipe/make my own?

Cheaper options to try first, expensive at last resort.

poor mans test pipe = remove cat, run steel pipe thru repeatedly, install your new unclogged hi-flow cat.

you will of course throw a CEL for rear 02 sensor so youll need an accessport to mask it.

buy some cheap ass midpipe... go on like fluidmotorsports.com or something. IDk.

Are you getting a CEL at all?

Just a guess here, but could it be a bad coil or plug?

Just a guess here, but could it be a bad coil or plug?

Quite possible. Hence the question about the CEL.

If there's no CEL then I'm thinking CAT. Think it my be time for a Mid Pipe and the raw smell of gas mmmm mmmm good.

There is no CEL, although when i pegged it on the highway it did blink, but nothing was stored and the scan tool wouldn't pick it up.

I'm thinking perhaps air filter could be another potential problem? it has been dusty/dirty the last month.

Flashing CEL means misfire. If you haven't replaced your ignition components (plugs, wires, and coils) it's probably time to do it.

This is the first sign of a coil going bad.

if it blinked its coils. no doubt

misFIREEEEEEEEEE

Called the dealer and they want $107.63+tax (each) for ignition coils.

$486.48 for 4 after taxes.... seems a bit pricey.

also might need its carbon clean out. check nycgps in the diy section. i had the same issue, used seafoam it ran good again.

Ok so obviously $107.63 each is a HUGE RIP OFF... only thing I hate about canada is always getting reamed up the ass with prices.

I have a few sites that have roughly the same prices (way lower then the dealerships here), but which would be the most reputable or safest to buy from?

http://www.mazdaparts.org/mazda-rx8-ignition-coil.html

http://www.mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=18-100B-N3H1-9U

http://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/product.php?productid=16982&cat=620&page=1

http://www.rx7store.net/Mazda_OEM_Ignition_Coils_Set_p/n3h1-18-100b-9u.htm

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/store/product.php?productid=16704&cat=273&page=1