cat is toast - need advice
 

Second season with the 8 and so far since getting it out for the summer have spent more time/money on getting it fixed than driving. First, weeks of misfires and misdiagnosis. Bad ignition kit install and possible product issues (still awaiting verdict on that one) Finally fixed all that and now my cat sounds like a tin can with pennies in it. Was told the cat is bad. I'll list what the previous owner put on the car and see if anyone can recommend a good and least expensive option for my dilemma - wallet is suffering at this point! OBX high performance racing headers,Racing beat REV8 exhaust system,SR Motorsports hi flo cat. I called SR and gave them the model # off the original invoice (thank goodness the first owner saved everything!) it was RX8-8A-K2 it was 399.99 they said they don't sell anything that inexpensive - everything they have is 699.99 and up. The girl on the phone said that it must have been a "racing part" ???? anyone????
I need a little help because I'm not familiar with how these parts go together and if I need to replace the mid-pipe and the cat or just the cat and what is a resonator??? I'm not a mechanic - hell, I'm not even mechanical - but I want to learn about these parts so I don't waste money. Help - summer is running out and I only got to go to one autocross so far....
PS: I have pictures of the underside of the car (also from the previous owner - bless his heart) if that helps.

Midpipe and Cat are two interchangable terms. If you just need something cheap and wouldn't mind a code then I believe your cheapest route would be ordering a TurboXS midpipe.
https://www.turboxs.com/shop/product.php?id_product=151

The OBX header is where your exhaust starts, that is connected directly to the engine. Then you have your catalytic converter or midpipe or race pipe. If you order one with a catalyst you will not throw a code but if you get the cheaper alternative you will have the light. Following up is the rest of your exhaust.
The whole purpose of a resonator is to quiet the exhaust.
Here is just a small diagram to show how things typically run...


http://www.sundevilauto.com/images/d...ust-system.jpg

How many miles on your car......the cat has a 8yr- 80K warranty.

What are the down sides to the suggested pipe above? will it cause any engine problems or loss in power? Why is it so much less?

Downside is you will have a check engine light.
Loss in power? No, the reason it is cheaper is because it doesn't have a catalyst. With out that catalyst there will be nothing to restrict exhaust flow.
Cheaper because, as already stated, no catalyst.

midpipe will leave a check engine light saying your cat is failing (not like it matters cause you'll know it doesnt have a cat). You will have increased airflow and more power, not less.

52,000+ miles but it's an after market cat and when I called SR Motorsports they said that there wouldn't be any coverage - the original part was purchased in 07. shouldn't they last longer than 4 years?

grab a used cat thats clogged or something off someone here and take it to the dealer. you should be issued a new one

Will the car pass inspection in NY without a catalytic converter?

None. You get a light and more power. That is it. If you feel like being real cheap, take off the Cat and look down it and see all that stuff in there? Beat it out. Tada! A new catless midpipe.

No it will not pass inspection.

is it a NO-NO to put a stock cat on an upgraded system like what I already have?

If you put a stock cat in your exhaust will sound a bit different and you might notice a small loss in power, but I doubt it will be noticed...

Are you looking for a high flow cat or an inexpensive stock replacement? If the latter, hit Rockauto.com. They stock replacement parts from OEM suppliers and remanufacturers. Parts aren't genuine Mazda though, but they are decent and significantly cheaper.

I'm on my phone, so I can't link the site, but try googling exhaust systems and read up on them. I understand that you are new, but you will do yourself a favor by educating yourself about this matter.

I feel like I get lost in "google land" when I try. Bottom line do I just bite the bullet and buy and expensive after market because the rest of my system is such or just put in an inexpensive fix or just "shake it out" and leave it in place until next season when money is less tight? My biggest concern is if I am doing the car any damage in doing so in the meantime...

If I were you.. I just buy a dog and forget about another Cat.

Your funny...