Stainless Works Catted DP review

[thezfunk]

Hey Guys,

I partook in the SW DP group buy that was going on. I have to say that shipping was fast! It took about four days to receive after I paid. I was going to put it on but figured it would be faster if I have my mechanic do it. I thought I might have problems with the oxygen sensors (I have in the past). Sure enough, it took them half a day to get the new DP on the car. It was because they couldn't get the oxygen sensors out. They were pretty much welded in. I only have about 18K on my 2007 with a CP-E CAI.

Impressions:

I have never had anything but the stock DP on my car so I have no basis for comparison when it comes to the other DP's.
It's like my car's nose was stuffed up this whole time and now it blew out it's sinuses. I spins up faster and will coast farther than stock. The exhaust note is throatier. It rumbles from 1k to 1.5K but is actually quieter at speed on the highway. The butt dyno of me and my roommate both agree that there is more power. The roar is now more pronounced on hard acceleration. With just the CP-E, flooring it would result in wheel spin through most of second. Now I get wheel spin through third. I have dogbone rear MM. I am not trying to spin the wheels. This is just from flooring it. So far I like it and since it is like 200 bucks cheaper than the next catted DP I don't regret a thing. I know some people were freaked because it is in three pieces and uses a couple of clamps but they are very nice clamps that don't leak a bit. I like the ability to be able to replace my cat with a straight pipe (included) or for warranty purposes.

If you have questions just ask away. I'll answer what I can. Original GB thread is here: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123737739

 

[mikesul]

If it wasn't for the O2 sensors, how long would the install have taken, 2 hours or less?

 

[thezfunk]

If it wasn't for the O2 sensors, how long would the install have taken, 2 hours or less?

Yeah, they feel that it would have gone much faster if the O2 sensors had just come free like they should. I guess it was so difficult they started to think they were doing something wrong and started cruising the mazda forums to make sure! I wish they had just called me. The pipe physically went in pretty easily.

 

[specvspeedfreak]

if its the first time give yourself a good 6 hours IF you have all the tools and you don't have trouble with any of the heatshield bolts, flange bolts or 02 sensor.. after the first time you can get it down to 3 hrs if you work fast..
thanks for the review... i hope more people become interested cause you save so much over the next competitor and you don't sacrifice quality and have greater adjusabilty.

 

[ericrapp]

The helpful hint is to spray pb blaster or similar penetrating oil into the o2 threads and let soak in, repeatedly for a day or two. warm the exhaust and allow to cool just enough to work on. Then as you remove the sensor continue to spray and work backwards and forwards to loosen up. Two turns out spray, one turn back. Patience is the the key to downpipe replacement i think.