I just got my first bit of real trouble with my 2004 RX 8 at 70,600 miles. The Sec Air Pump Mal code came up and the car was hesitating really bad under load. I took it to my local shop and after much T/S the shop had found my Cat was the problem it needs to be replaced but its alot (over $1,200 US) so for now I will be putting in a Racing Beat resonated Cat replacement pipe until I can find a cheaper Cat substitute or if Anyone out there has a factory Cat and pipe with low miles from a California car (not sure if it matters anymore?) please let me know I've got about 10 months before my first smog check (figures huh)
Hope this helps anyone with similar problems.

Thanks.

 

Your Cat is covered under a 80,000mile warranty.. You should get one for nothing. With 70K on the car already this is the perfect time to get it replaced.

here's what i would:

Go back to the dealer and demand they replace it under warranty. Then pick up a RB dual res. mid pipe or a BHR dual res mid pipe (both are very similar). Keep the cat for any future dealer services or DMV inspections. Simple

Good Luck

 

Thanks... I got the work done at a Mazda (rotary) specialty shop Tri Point Engineering. I was informed by them as they were informed by a Cat specialty shop that Mazda's Cat warranty was 70,000 miles. I'm still going to call Mazda but I need my car back its been a week and I have other Mods on the Car that I would have to put back to stock nothing major but a real pain. Where did you hear about the 80,000 mile warranty? The funny thing was I was going to buy the replacement pipe anyway....But I do need a Cat and will put it on and remove it for smog checks now with knowing how long they last.
Thanks alot

 

sounds like your in SO. CAL. California emmission vehicles are 7 year or 70,000 miles (whichever comes first) but you may also have a federal emissions warranty available to you as well. 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever comes first) Where are you located? i might be able to help you out

 

I live in Southern California (LA area)
Thanks...where would I find out about the Fed warranty...Google?
Thanks again

 

if you like pm me your vin # or sounds like your nearest mazda dealer is galpin mazda, im about a hour away from you

 

I pick up the car tonight so i'll get that Vin # tonight or tomorrow morning.

 

My Vin # is JM1FE173340140762 2004 RX8 70570 MILES .... Car runs great now its not even any louder.