I actually trust people on this forum that I've never met over a Mazda dealership. Everything I've learned to do on my car I've learned through here and have been able to save a lot of money.

I had been having issues with the rough idle, engine shutting off/stalling out at a stop, and long starts. I've changed the spark plugs, coils, battery, upgraded the starter, cleaned the MAF and throttle body, all of which I've learned through the DIY's here. (owner of 2004 automatic RX-8 btw)

However, I'm still having issues as previously described so I took my car in armed with the service bulletin about the lack of power. They just completed a diagnostic and said before they can continue going the bulletin route, I need a new a cat because "its emissions are out of limits." Part goes for around $1200 or so and with labor the final bill will be near $1600. I'm at 92,000 miles and apparently the warranty expired at 80,000 miles. Once I deal with the issue of the cat, then he said we can proceed with the rest of the bulletin assessing the lack of power.

So am I just better off doing it myself? Still searching around for a good DIY, and also where's a good site to buy it from? Not really looking for anything fancy, just to get the job done. And also, does that mean I have to get a new O2 sensor as well if I want to do it myself?

Thanks for any help. Seriously, this forum is great.

 

Have you gotten a CEL indicating your catalytic converter might be done?

 

if they want a new cat, say **** it and go catless

 

I was in the same boat as you. Apparently the cat is now part of the list of things to check before issuing an engine replacement. They'll want to do the cat + 2 O2 sensors. The only way to save some dough would be to find one for cheap off ebay or something and/or install it your self.

I asked about going cat-less and they basically told me Mazda Canada would turn down the warranty work because it's a modification and could possibly contribute/contributed to the engine failure.

 

no CEL

 

Just find a used cat somewhere, I think theres one for $350 on the forums here. Also you said they told you 1200 for the cat and 400 in labor to install it?! I was under the impression the cat isnt something that will take 2-3 hours to install, how can they charge your 400 in labor.

Maybe goto another dealer or a private shop even and have them inspect the cat.

 

No...

Take it to a smog shop and get it tested.

Then the results will tell if they are lying.

 

He also said that the reason for the power loss could be that the engine needs to breathe, which is why I need a new cat. Any truth to this? Sorry if these are really dumb questions, I'm doing my best to search, it's just that when you search the word "cat" or "catalyctic" on the forum, thousands of threads pop up that take forever to sift through.

 

Razz1......best idea yet.
You can take it loose yourself and look inside but that won't really confirm it, or head to a smog shop like he said and get it tested there.

 

Yes, that is possible.
If the CAT is clogged, it could be the source of a whole host of your issues.
You think you'd be getting a CEL though.

After you drive it for awhile, have you looked underneath the car to see if the CAT is glowing red?

 

Would this work?
http://www.converterwarehouse.com/ca...ed=2&Model=RX8

Searching for a DIY to replace it myself, if not, I'm sure I could take it to a competent exhaust shop to do it.

Thanks for the help, wish I could buy all you guys beers.

 

Here is my opinion..................yes it appears at that will work.
If you have changed the coils/plugs etc., then you can put this CAT on yourself. As long as you have a way to get the car up on jack stands and not just on the jack(s). You could have trouble with some of the bolts(being siezed) so it's a good idea to get some bolt blaster or whatever and let it soak in a little first.

Let me go see if there is a DIY on the CAT and I'll link it here.

This one would get you through it! You won't need step 7 of this write-up.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...hlight=DIY+CAT

 

I have access to a hobby shop with hydraulic lifts and an assortment of tools, so I'm not worried about the hardware part, I just want to make sure I don't screw it up or use a wrong brand that would void any warranties. Spark plugs, brakes, etc. aren't a big deal because I've changed those in several cars, it's just I've never dealt with the cat/exhaust ever in any car, so that's why I'm a little hesitant. I believe I saw a thread here somewhere with a workshop manual, maybe that will help.

The best "DIY" I've been able to find so far has been this https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-catalytic-converter-replacement-207520/ post #10

 

Look at the one I linked above.

I had never done an exhaust and changed out mine to an RB catback exhaust.......by myself, so you can do the CAT.


When you get done.....you will be saying..........now that wasn't so fricken hard.....why would I pay to have that done?

 

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

 

Put your location in your profile and maybe someone local could lend a hand?
The normal currency tends to be beers!