Rx8 Possible Cat issue???
 

After recently replacing my engine with a re manufactured engine from the dealership, ive been experiencing some slight problems with my car that i seem to believe are occurring from a clogged catalytic converter, and i was hoping someone could confirm that for me or at least tell me what they think it might be.

Problems :

When switching the car from park to drive, there is roughly a 2 second delay on the car before it goes into drive, car jerks quickly when placed in drive.

When im on the highway going above 80 and i release the gas pedal my check engine light begins to flash.

When i accelerate hard there is a delay in power and when it finally kicks in, engine light begins to flash.

Car is a 2004 mazda rx8 with 93xxx miles on body and 2xxx miles on the engine.

Thanks again

These two issues read to me as a failing cat. Specifically because you are getting the flashing CEL, this almost always means a failing cat. I would have this looked at immediately, you dont want to drive around with a clogged cat, it could end up killing your new engine.

sounds like the effect is misfiring (always noted by a flashing CEL) .... now to find the cause.

1. Check your ignition system, yes you just had an engine replaced, but make sure that the coils are in good condition (i dont believe these are replaced with an engine replacement), and make sure the spark plugs are in good condition (ditto)

2. It is very easy to check your cat....just jack up the passenger side of the car, unbolt the front of the cat pipe, and take a look inside. Honeycomb should be intact, free of cracks, and have no severe dark spots.

Yes Paimon is correct. With an engine replacement you DO NOT receive new plugs, coils, and wires. Most dealers tell you if they need replacement, but yours may not have. Changing the ignition is a simple job and should only cost about $250.

Thanks for the reply guys.

Paimon, All my coils and everything were changed, i paid extra for my mechanic to swap those with the engine job.

And i live in florida and we dont run emmisions tests, instead of dropping 1 grand on a new cat do you guys think i could just gut out the honey comb filter inside the cat and place it back in its spot. Even though it is bad for the environment, in florida it is not illegal, plus i heard it will make my car louder.

thanks again

You have a few options without emissions testing. You can gut the cat or buy a midpipe. Before gutting the cat I would do what Paimon said and check and make sure the cat is toast before gutting it. If you pull the cat off and it seems in decent shape you can hold onto it (for future inspections if you move) or sell it for about $500 or more. A midpipe will cost you $500 or less and will give you more power. It also wont have catalyst inside it, so it cant get clogged again.