re-rx7

So i have searched the forums and have not got a straight answer. So my fiance has a 2004 rx8 with 70k and as we all know there is a 100k mile engine warranty. I have a buddy with a shop and he will take the cat off for me and weld a straight pipe in its place. The Cat is goin bad.
my question is can the dealer void the warranty due to not having a cat? As the cat does not affect the engines wear or internals(unless clogged). The 02 sensor behind it is just for emmisons. So there is no way not having a cat could hurt the engine.
So would it void the warranty?

xexok

Dealers/mazda look for any and every reason to void a warranty so they dont have to pay for your new engine, I wouldnt risk it. Its also illegal to do so that might come into play when you take it in. I have no experience with this but thats just the way it looks to me.

If your interested in going with a mid pipe then buy a good one from one of the companys that advertise on here(racing beat comes to mind) and install that so just in case something goes wrong you can swap in your old cat when you take it to the dealer.

terch1

iTrader: (2)

Yes and this has been discussed in other posts.

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

Since you're at 70k, take it to the dealer and have the cat replaced for free. Federal mandate gives cats an 80k warranty.

VashGS

Yea 80,000 Fed emissions law. Mazda has to replace it. Don't mention a word about custom exhaust etc at dealer just play dumb. How old are the coils, wires & plugs?? They can ruin cat if misfires.

re-rx7

Plugs and coils replaced at 60k. I can get the cat welded back in if need be for warranty purposes. There is a law saying that you do not have to go to a dealership for service to keep your warranty. So i figure i can get away with it jus for this reason. So if something goes wrong with the motor jus weld it back in place and play dumb haha

re-rx7

Great post lots of help.

terch1

iTrader: (2)

The dealer is going to be able to tell if you welded your cat back on and are most likely going to question it. If you want to delete the cat buy a midpipe. You can gert one used for under $200 shipped..(sometimes new for this price). This way you can always bolt back up the cat if you need to take it into the dealer.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

I agree with the some of the guys above. Take the car as is to the dealer and have them replace the cat under warranty. If you still want to go the straight pipe route then continue, but at least have a brand new cat chillin in storage.

re-rx7

Are there anycost associated with replacing the cat under warranty? Like inspection fee?? I hear **** rattling around inside the exhaust guessing its the honeycomb

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

When my cat clogged up, I put on a midpipe, stuck the cat in the truck, drove it to the dealer, carried it inside, and they ordered me a new one. 3 weeks later, I went back, the removed the midpipe, put it in the trunk, put the new cat on, and handed me a bill for $0.00 and said thanks!

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

Another thing about doing a mid pipe. If you have a friend do it, at least spend some money and get good flanges. You don't want to weld the whole thing together. If you ever have to take it off, it will be a pain if it's in one piece. Still go get your replacement cat first. It's free and nice to have as a backup, or if you sell the car.

re-rx7

I agree...^^^Im gna call Mazda now. Last time i talk to them they said they charge an hr of labor to check the cat or something like that?

re-rx7

Got off the phone with Mazda today and the guy i talked to(Ramey)was awesome. I told him that my Cat was dying(pieces of it rattling in the exhaust) and told him i was thinking about cutting the cat off. I asked if it would void my warranty if i did that. He told me that he didnt care either way hahah He is a big rotary nut!! Talked to him for like a 20min. Got appt set up for monday like im coming in for a power re-flash and he is going to act like they noticed that my cat was bad so i can avoid the fees. Freakin awesome!! I told him i had already replaced the coils and plugs. So it did not need them.