As noted in an earlier thread, my rear catalytic converter bit the dust so I bought a Magnaflow as replacement. I figured since I needed a new one why not get a less-restrictive type? Since I don't live in CA, I selected a 49-state version and within this group two models are offered: standard and OEM grade OBDII - both direct fit SS types. I chose OEM grade (same amount of platinum as contained within the factory fitment) to ensure that I won't have emission code problems in the future, although it is more expensive.
I ordered from:
Part #51737: Fits all '01-'03 2.0 L Proteges
Cost: US $338.05, free shipping
The cat, for some unaccountable reason, comes without gaskets and knowing this beforehand (I had called the seller to check), I had gone to Mazda to obtain them. So I was all set, or so I thought. The cat arrived Monday via FedEx and I installed it yesterday on my driveway with the help of a car tech friend.
We raised the car and placed jackstands under the frame rails. I really dislike working under a car that way as I find it very uncomfortable, confining and cramped. But hey, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do - you have to play the hand you're dealt. Once we dropped the cat, it was clear that the front pipe was in bad shape - corroded and with a bent flange. Sacre bleu, but I suppose that's to be expected on a 10 year old car based in the northeast. So off to find a new one. Which we did for US $125.66 including state theft. BTW, the gaskets in total came to about $30.
Back to the car, removed the front pipe, and replaced it with the new one. Then we installed the cat. Everything fit perfectly so it truly was a direct fit, as stated.
But wait, I'm not done yet. Some of you may recall goldstar's big adventure in Williamsburg, VA which I recounted on the Forum. At 350 miles from home, my shift lever detached from the change control rod leaving me shiftless and forced to make emergency repairs on the motel parking lot which I was able to do with the help of a kind, good samaritan. On arrival home, I replaced the nut and lock washer with a nylock self-locking nut. However, since I'm still haunted by that episode I do think about additional measures to take. Since the car was in the air (somewhat, so to speak), I removed the shift lever nylock nut, flat washer, and bolt, regreased the bolt, inserted it and cleaned off the threads. I then coated the threads with locktite blue, installed a new nylock and tightened the connection up to eliminate all play with no binding. I'm now confident that the nut will never loosen nor come off ever again.
Then, we returned the car to earth and took it for a test ride.
Driving Impressions
Since it's sold as a free flow cat, I assumed, and was hoping, that the decreased backpressure might produce some performance gain but I wasn't sure since, unlike Racing Beat, Magnaflow provides no dyno data. But, from the moment I took off, I noticed an increase in acceleration both from a standing start and through the gears. Not overwhelming but enough to be noticeable. I'm also glad to say there was no increase in exhaust noise, something I thought might occur from a less-restrictive system, since the RB is loud enough, as is, for my taste.
To top everything off, the shifting is even better than before with absolutely no play. Almost Formula 1-like in operation, it shifts like an eel in oil. No wonder so many people refer to my car as the penultimate driving machine.
Final Thoughts
I now have a low restiction SS exhaust system from the rear of the front pipe to the exhaust outlet. I'm wondering how much, if any, gain could be had from replacing the front cat with a Magnaflow type. Not that I would do it out of hand (current price for OEM grade = $375.04) but if it ever needed replacement that's the route I'd take.
Tomorrow, I plan to take my car for state inspection. Let's hope the new cat won't let me down. I'll keep you posted.
Happy Motoring!
I ordered from:
Part #51737: Fits all '01-'03 2.0 L Proteges
Cost: US $338.05, free shipping
The cat, for some unaccountable reason, comes without gaskets and knowing this beforehand (I had called the seller to check), I had gone to Mazda to obtain them. So I was all set, or so I thought. The cat arrived Monday via FedEx and I installed it yesterday on my driveway with the help of a car tech friend.
We raised the car and placed jackstands under the frame rails. I really dislike working under a car that way as I find it very uncomfortable, confining and cramped. But hey, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do - you have to play the hand you're dealt. Once we dropped the cat, it was clear that the front pipe was in bad shape - corroded and with a bent flange. Sacre bleu, but I suppose that's to be expected on a 10 year old car based in the northeast. So off to find a new one. Which we did for US $125.66 including state theft. BTW, the gaskets in total came to about $30.
Back to the car, removed the front pipe, and replaced it with the new one. Then we installed the cat. Everything fit perfectly so it truly was a direct fit, as stated.
But wait, I'm not done yet. Some of you may recall goldstar's big adventure in Williamsburg, VA which I recounted on the Forum. At 350 miles from home, my shift lever detached from the change control rod leaving me shiftless and forced to make emergency repairs on the motel parking lot which I was able to do with the help of a kind, good samaritan. On arrival home, I replaced the nut and lock washer with a nylock self-locking nut. However, since I'm still haunted by that episode I do think about additional measures to take. Since the car was in the air (somewhat, so to speak), I removed the shift lever nylock nut, flat washer, and bolt, regreased the bolt, inserted it and cleaned off the threads. I then coated the threads with locktite blue, installed a new nylock and tightened the connection up to eliminate all play with no binding. I'm now confident that the nut will never loosen nor come off ever again.
Then, we returned the car to earth and took it for a test ride.
Driving Impressions
Since it's sold as a free flow cat, I assumed, and was hoping, that the decreased backpressure might produce some performance gain but I wasn't sure since, unlike Racing Beat, Magnaflow provides no dyno data. But, from the moment I took off, I noticed an increase in acceleration both from a standing start and through the gears. Not overwhelming but enough to be noticeable. I'm also glad to say there was no increase in exhaust noise, something I thought might occur from a less-restrictive system, since the RB is loud enough, as is, for my taste.
To top everything off, the shifting is even better than before with absolutely no play. Almost Formula 1-like in operation, it shifts like an eel in oil. No wonder so many people refer to my car as the penultimate driving machine.
Final Thoughts
I now have a low restiction SS exhaust system from the rear of the front pipe to the exhaust outlet. I'm wondering how much, if any, gain could be had from replacing the front cat with a Magnaflow type. Not that I would do it out of hand (current price for OEM grade = $375.04) but if it ever needed replacement that's the route I'd take.
Tomorrow, I plan to take my car for state inspection. Let's hope the new cat won't let me down. I'll keep you posted.
Happy Motoring!
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