Danieldobbs

ok i have found many very nice cat back exhaust systems for my rx8 but almst none have a catilitic converter and i was wonderind if that is a good or a bad thing?i know the factory catilitic converter has a spot for an 0-2 sensor to screw in so my question is if the catilitic converter is that easy to illiminate on the 2004 rx8 ? thank you and opinions are apreciated and if you dont want to post on this form feel free to send me a personal message

Heeroguy

catback systems connect to the cat not replace it

Danieldobbs

o ok see that's what I did not understand because they said in the ad for this particular cat back system that it eliminates the catalytic converter so it confused me

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MazdaRX8Mike

A couple of months ago I installed the Black Halo Racing mid-pipe with a single resonator...no cat...my results are as follows...

1. Great informative purchase experience...quality product...not fit issues and all the parts were included...a pleasure to deal with this company...they clearly take pride in their product and they way they conduct business.
2. Only a slight increase in exhaust noise...sounds much better (IMHO) without the "boy-racer" sound which attracts unwanted attention.
3. There is a very noticeable increase in throttle response and even smoother RPM climb...the car feels much more responsive.
4. I checked and have no exhaust leaks...but am noticing a much different exhaust smell...checked the exhaust tips and they are not overly carbon fouled...reminds me of when I was a kid and the older guys were running muscle car V8's and filling up at the local airport...the smell is not offensive.
5. My check engine light comes on and I use an OBD II to clear it...but it comes back after a week or so...not a concern...the code is easily cleared and you can check if any other codes are or have been activated while you are doing it.

Overall a very worthwhile endeavour...the pipe is relatively expensive but you get what you pay for...the quality of the product really is top notch...and I am very picky.

BTW...at the same time installed Michelin MXM4 replacing the original Bridgestones...90% of the handling...125% softer ride...and the noise is about the same.

Hope this helps...enjoy your car...

wilcoes

You can use the standard Cat pipe and knock all the element out, They can cause a problem on these, So its prob best to be rid of it,....

However most probably an M.o.T fail....

On the Later models I believe you get a CEL...

LiveWire

iTrader: (1)

I think your best bet would be to get a catless midpipe.

Most aftermarket midpipes (the "center" section of your exhaust pipe that contains the catalytic converter) do not have a cat because you decrease back-pressure by removing the cat from your exhaust line. What does less back-pressure do? From my understanding, you may lose some power (probably not even noticeable) because the Renesis uses a higher compression ratio to make its power. That being said, lower back-pressure extends the life of rotary engines (again, probably not much). IMO when it comes to exhausts on the Rx8, emissions and sound are the two big issues that come up. With NO catalytic converter you WILL have a check engine light. And the only way to get rid of it is with a Series 1 with a tune (cobb will work). That or just jack the car up and swap the midpipe every time you need to have an e-check done.

If it were me, I would just go for the catless midpipe and keep the cat just for e-checks. Most people don't even need them! I happen to be unlucky to live near a big city, so they are required here. Hope that helps!

Danieldobbs

Thank you I will give it a lot of thought and I will make a decision after I get off of vacation lol thank all of you for your help

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