So I've had my RX8 for about a month and it's all I wanted it to be. Today my check engine light appeared, O2 sensor and air intake shutter. I can ignore the air intake code as I have AEM cold air intake. In the process I checked the catalytic converter and it's toast, so I'll replace it as well as the sensor. My question is do cats have short lives on theses engines and if so what can I do to prolong that life? My car was well maintained but not driven with much vigor.

 

Don't cheap out and buy a crappy cat, get the OEM one. If you need to that is, here in Alberta no one gives a damn if we replace the cat with a catless mid pipe. If you can go this route I would suggest a BHR midpipe, if not bite the bullet and buy a OEM cat, save your pennies i think they are around 1200 bones. I know flooding an engine will kill the cat pretty quick as well as mis firing, hopefully someone else can chime in about keeping your next cat alive longer

 

What were the code numbers?

 

If at all possible, replace with a midpipe. Cheaper, more reliable, sounds better, flames... the list goes on.

 

I bought a high flow cat for my rx8 that lasted 2 months. I was at autox when it fell apart and clogged the catback. I think the best thing to do is to run catless until smog time. It's not that hard to swap the midpipe.

 

what mileage did you reach out of interest?

 

About 65,000 km or 36,000 miles. I know the car was maintained with regular oil changes etc. I also know that it probably never saw a redline moment. I'm in the process of renewing everything, just to be sure. Plan on a DD with track and autocross use..

 

I said screw my cat and stuck with midpipe...... little louder yes but a little illegal yes ..... but sounds soooooo sexy

 

If you need an OEM cat. Ill ship it to ya for 225 total. That includes shipping if ur in the U.S. its used but only lightly. Just sits in my garage