Replace Oxygen Sensor or Decat?
 

Hi guys

I need your expertise/input.

I have a 2005 Mazda RX8. My CEL came on. Took the car to Mazda and they said it is Post-Cat Oxygen Sensor failure. Nothing in Stock. They must order it.

A lot of guys told me to de-cat the car and some guys said no. Is it safe? I dont wana do something that going to give me headaches.

So do I fit a new O2 sensor or decat my car? To decat my car is more or less the same amount as to fit a new sensor.. Any advantages to decat my car? Better sound and performance? Any harm to engine?

I live in Cape Town, South Africa

Your input would be highly appreciated thanks...

to be honest youre gonna have to replace it either way. i dont know the laws in your country, but if they arent gonna hassle you about not having a cat, i say straight pipe it! sure youre still gonna have a CEL, but you no longer have to worry about your cat going out. it wont do any harm to the engine, if anything itll help it get rid of the exhaust gasses a little quicker and might free up a horse or 2, as far as the sound, ive had my car catless for 2 years and the only difference i hear is the "rasp" at around 4k..

Hi
Thanks for your input..
There is No hassle in our country. Most of the guys Decat their cars. At the moment there is nothing wrong with the CAT. Like said I just need info regarding the decat matter. I have 82 000kms on my car..

Thanks for your input. Much Appreciated..

If you want to keep the cat, replace the sensor. That way you will still have a functioning warning light to indicate other possible problems that may pop up in the future. If you don't mind a continuous cel then, go catless. The only drawback is that you may not be aware of other issues until it's too late due to ignoring a continuous cel believing the cel is due to just O2 sensors that you no longer have because you no longer have a cat. Unless, of course, you have a COBB ACCESSport to mask that specific code.

I never thought there would be an rx8 in Cape Town, South Africa...lol

Hi guys
Thanks for your input.. Much appreciated
I think I'll rather replace the sensor.. I dont want CEL issues.

@Monchie we have our fair share of RX8's all over South-Africa.. Visit www.mazdaownersclub.co.za to check it out..Find it under Rotaryzone

Excellent Choice.

Sensor replaced at Mazda Dealer.. no hassles.. Running like dream!!!!

O2 sensor
 

I live in Mauritius and need to replace both upstream and downstream sensors.

How much do they cost in ZAR??

Good man. Cat = less harm to the air.

Hi
I paid R2000.00 at Mazda Dealer. Fitted..

The downstream sensor was R1888.00

Wow so that's about $250 usd.

more or less yes