rx8girl07

So i’m new to rotary and i just bought an rx8 that doesn’t start or drive. Seemed like a clogged cat so I disconnected and sure enough it was. With it disconnected it starts now. Wanted other users experience with this to see what I should do next. Straight pipe, clear existing cat out or get a brand new one and just replace it? I was looking into doing a straight pipe but heard from a few friends about bad experiences with straight pipe on an rx8 so seeing what responses I get, thanks!

Meat Head

Straight pipe will be very loud and drone annoyingly. Get a decent resonated mid pipe if you aren’t in an area that requires a catalytic converter. If you haven’t already, get a rotary specific compression test done. There is a lot of trapped heat from a clogged cat when exhaust can’t escape. The heat does no favours to the rear half of the engine. Many engines have died from clogged cats. Could be wrong on this but, coolant seals might be compromised so also check for coolant leak in the exhaust smoke.

rx8girl07

Thank you i’ll start with that! I just bought it off someone yesterday, have no info other than car randomly started to run rough/try to kill itself and they noticed the cat was red after driving then they let it sit since. Pulls air to fuel ratio code (because of cat) and a vacuum leak code but that’s it.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Can you see if the strata in the cat is clogged, melted or broken up?

If it broke up you could have pieces lodged, or could become lodged in the catback exhaust pipe which could still give you the same problem.
If the back half is intact then you don't have to worry.

If it is broken up and looks like it's not all there you might have to take the catback off and shake out any broken pieces.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Have a read at rx8help.com for new owner info. That cat didn't just up and die, you'll want to fix the roort cause before installing a new one. Usually that's worn out ignition coils, plugs, wires.

A compression test wouldn't hurt either so you know if the engine is worth keeping.

rx8girl07

Checked plugs and it seems they just replaced them they look almost brand new, the car runs and holds idle a little under 1k now just runs a little rough. Gonna look into rotary specific compression test and other things that could be maintenanced as i don’t know how well they kept up with everything, thanks!