Exhaust build

[Protege5 Smoke]

I want to do my exhaust next year so I checked with a few local shops about getting a custom setup. In the end I've decided to stick with the Racingbeat cat-back. However, the shop guys told me I couldn't put a header on because of 1) the location of the first cat coming right off the header, and 2) it wouldn't pass state inspections. What did you guys do? Really wanted to get a header, any advice?

 

[daedalus_zero]

Well, it's not impossible to do. It probably just doesn't comply with whatever your state's inspection regulations are.

At one point, there was the Wagner shorty header. That replaced the factory manifold and bolted to the primary cat, but I don't think they've been in production for a good while. You'd have to find one used. Being from Florida, I don't know the first thing about what will pass and what won't in different places, whether it be visual or emissions related. That's on you to find out.

 

[P-Funk!]

My car passed visual inspection every time (they see a cat - just the second one) with a long header.

With the non-fouler (I used the resistor/capacitor fix) for the CEL - no issues, eh?

 

[tweety2300]

Ebay header deletes the precat. Non fouler trick will handle the cel and you will still pass emissions unless they look for the precat. Most will just check the main cat. Search non fouler if you don't know what it is

Racing beat may or may not be loud enough for you. I thought it was too quiet

 

[Champloo12]

The cat pipe from the mazdaspeed protege has 2 in it. Just get one of those and problem solved

 

[zackmac]

I used to run an OBX 4-1 header with the non fouler trick on the o2 sensor for the CEL to stay off, paired with an SLS midpipe that had a hi-flow cat, and a racing beat catback. Passed emissions in CT

 

[Jackie chan]

If you're worried about the header, just make sure you keep the stock one and swap it back before the inspection.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

I got visual and emmissions check in TX and mine has passed running OBX 4-1 & using non-fouler for 10 yrs. My midpipe is just flex fitting and cat and never a hassle.

 

[gino]

I'm running a 4-2-1 header with built-in bung for first O2 sensor (eliminated the garbage can precat), into an 8" long minicat with built-in bung on back end for second O2 sensor about 6" behind the header, into a Magnaflow resonator, then into a Magnaflow cat back. So: header, minicat, resonator, cat back.

I pass a stringent Colorado emissions test with extremely low numbers. And, the minicat can be seen when they put the mirror under car.

Never had a problem and the difference is quite measurable on a dyno. The sound is deep and civilized, unlike any other I've heard.

 

[Protege5 Smoke]

Thx for the feedback. I'll have to run these by the shop guys and see what the requirements are for passing emissions tests.

 

[pcb]

I remember reading a thread about a guy in California that said he went in for a new pre-cat and the ONLY option allowed in original Mazda OEM.

And anything non-OEM isn't even supposed to be legally available in the state,.. he would have to cross state lines to get it, smuggle it back, and it still "shouldn't" pass anyway if they notice.

Apparently there is one company working to get their version of a P-5 pre-cat "legally" available.


Mazda OEM is a lot of money,..

 

[ReginaldWagon]

I wanted to add that I had an aftermarket exhaust system on another Japanese car for years and it always passed inspection/smog in California. However, the last time I went to smog it in 2014 I was told my catalytic converter was now on the states banned list of parts and can no longer be sold or installed in California. Everything can stay on the car, but I couldn't buy the same thing again or legally sell the part now. (I was able to sell the car though no problem.) From what I gathered this is a recent change, and while it may only effect drivers in California currently the EPA adopted California's emission standards which go into effect next year.

 

[GNO]

I don't get inspected, but I put a cat in anyway. I used a 4-2-1 header for a 626 from eBay. I bought 2 flanges a short section of 2 1/4" SS pipe, O2 bung and a hi-flow cat, cut and welded to fit between the header and Magnaflow cat-back. I used an O2 extension harness from Casper's Electronics to reach the 2nd O2 sensor.

For the cuts, I just put a cutting disc on a low-buck mitre saw the I used when I built my shed and did my floors. For the welding, I picked up a Harbor Freight TIG welder and watched a few YouTube videos.

With the 4-2-1, the car pulled much harder than it did with the OBX 4-1.