Pipe was installed by a local Mazda dealer, 4 days ago and already I’m having issues with it.
1) Smelling a LOT of C02 in side the car
2) Performance is weak the car was faster with the stock CAT. it takes forever to redline in any gear.

I contacted Racing Beat about this and here is their replay

"I'm rather surprised that a Mazda dealer would install this race component, interesting. The resonated race connecting pipe requires that the catalytic converter be removed from the car during the installation of this component. While this is allowed for racing use, you can not legally install this component for use on the street due to disabling of the emission control system. What you are smelling is the unburned fuel in the exhaust system that would other wise be "burned" by the cat converter. With the cat converter removed from the vehicle the second oxygen sensor that is mounted in the exhaust system is noting the absence of the cat and is alerting the ECU of a "problem". The only way to eliminate the smell and the CEL is to install the cat converter, or to install a race pipe with a performance cat."

I been doing a lot of research before i bought this pipe and NO ONE ever said that they had this or any other problems. Did Mazda dealer install it wrong? do i need new 02 sensors?

Any ideas?

 

The smell is natural. They are right about that. Where he talks about the rear O2 sensor, he is just talking about getting a CEL. I believe the code will be 0420. If you are having performance issues, I would look at the O2 sensors themselves. I can't believe that a Mazda Dealer installed that for you. They could get a HUGE fine for doing that.

 

I agree with everything Racing Beat told you...and idk why it's taking your car forever to redline. Usually with midpipes, you free up horsepower.

 

i installed mine myself (mind you im only 19). I had a clogged cat that was not under warranty and that was bogging my car down. I installed the midpipe and it was like the car was back to normal. the smell is normal btw. not to sure about your performance loss. my advice is get under the car yourself and inspect that the pipe was properly installed

 

You're not having any issue with the RB *Dual* Resonated Midpipe itself so that's a misleading title for anyone looking to buy one.
About the smell, think about it for a second, you are removing your emissions equipment.. that which filters out noxious gases and you're complaining about the smell?
And lastly there is little to nothing the Mazda dealer could've messed up (with the exception of not plugging the o2 sensor back in..) and frankly I am downright surprised they did this installation for you.

 

FYI our emission laws in canada are not the same as the States. Im going back to my OE cat, i'll find a other way to gain 1.3 ponys. dont feel like posioning myself for **** all hp gain.

 

I'm not trying to say that RB mid pipe is crap, i will still use RB products but this one is just not for me.

 

1. Did you use new gaskets when you install the mid-pipe? The smell was more pronounced before I got fed up and switch to new gaskets.

2. You might have other problems such as coils, plugs if you are getting noticeably lower power after the mid pipe swap.

 

Let me know if you find a solution, I just installed my BHR catless midpipe on Tuesday and I'm having the exact same performance problems. I knew about the smell before buying and I dont mind it. But it's taking me a good 30-60 seconds to even reach 60 mph

 

How so(fine) dealerships are independent entities and not directly connected to Mazda USA, thats why when your engine pops its a drawn out process to get approval to reinstall a new one. I had my dealership install about half the parts on my car, they even reinstalled the supercharger and all the other parts when I took my car in for a new engine, and the mechanic took the time to paint the engine and the SC black.

Pics were sent via phone from mechanic at dealership...

 

Not sure I would have been thankfull for the black paint

 

You can always switch to a high flow cat, it still smell but not half as bad.

Also next to the AP, a mid pipe is the only way you are going to gain power. Pretty much everything else reduces power in the 8.

 

hahah yeah that was half of it, I wasnt able to get pics of it fully painted, it looks alot better in person. The flash from the phone doesnt help much either.
Point being that dealerships operate on their own accord and pretty much come up with justifications or excuses for anything they want or dont want to do...

 

It depends on your local laws too. Here in Dallas if I register in Kaufman County about 20 mins away they don't require emission controls. Annual inspection is 12 dollars. Not everyone requires smog. Lots of places in Texas dont.

 

I would inspect the front of the midpipe to verify that the front gasket from the cat was moved to the midpipe. Without it you will have an exhaust leak in front of the tranny tunnel causing power loss and a horrible smell in the cabin. While the smell is to be considered normal to an extent...it can be excessive and has even caused major health problems for some RX8 owners.

 

I just wanted to give everyone a updated: I still have the RB pipe "every took it off" instead i took the car to get it inspected, they found Code p2070 SSV stuck open , also replaced intake manifold shutter valve, gaskets.
so in short it was my car that was slowing me down not the pipe. Car runs strong now, love it.