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New member question:Replace front catalytic converter with straight pipe?

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    New member question:Replace front catalytic converter with straight pipe?

    Hey guys,Steve from Austin,Ky here.Just bought a 2003 Protégé 5 with 173,000 miles on it.2.0L engine with 5 speed manual.I'm getting the PO421 code,bad catalytic converter(1st one right off engine).Do I really need to replace this?I have seen racing headers for this engine that have nowhere for a cat,just four pipes into one that join to rest of exhaust.It will cost 4-500 to replace cat,or 2-300 for headers.If I put on headers what other changes will I have to make(there is an O2 sensor at the current cat).Will there be reprogramming of computer?Drilling to replace O2 sensor? Or do I just run a straight pipe? I'd appreciate any information,this is my first 4 cyl front wheel drive car and it is very foreign to me.Thanks for all your help.

    #2
    If you run a header with no front cat, it's probably illegal, as it is in most places. If you want to do it, you can run an O2 sensor spacer on the secondary O2. This sensor is for cat diagnosis only. You can also put the spacer on your current secondary O2. I officially don't endorse this, just offering up the info. There's fines in most places if you get caught tampering with emissions.

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      #3
      Thanks for the reply.There are no emissions inspections where I am so that's not an issue(although they are important).What do you think I can do about the first O2 sensor?

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        #4
        The front O2 sensor will have a place for it in the new headers... You need to Front O2 sensor for the motor to run correctly...

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          #5
          The front O2 sensor maintains the stoichiometric A/F mixture in closed loop operation. You need it for proper operation and to minimize emissions.

          Happy Motoring!
          02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
          MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
          MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
          Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
          MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
          Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
          Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
          Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
          Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
          Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
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            #6
            If you do decide to stick with a cat, free-flow types are available from Magnaflow.

            Check out: http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?57477

            Happy Motoring!
            02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
            MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
            MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
            Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
            MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
            Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
            Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
            Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
            Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
            Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
            Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
            Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
            Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by goldstar View Post
              If you do decide to stick with a cat, free-flow types are available from Magnaflow.

              Check out: http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?57477

              Happy Motoring!
              These don't keep P0420 codes away for long....

              Comment


                #8
                Well, we'll see. It's been one year now and still going strong.

                Happy Motoring!
                02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                Comment


                  #9
                  Thanks for the replies.Think I'll go with the OBX headers and do the anti fouler thing.Thanks again.

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