GEN1 MAZDASPEED 3 NO BOOST

You could just cut the cat but depending on emissions you probably need one. You can get a race pipe to replace the catted section. You could also get a catless ebay downpipe. Sadly due to the pandemic both of those are very hard to find. You might have to just pony up and buy a legit catted DP from CS or another vendor.

https://corksport.com/mazdaspeed-3-racepipe.html
https://edgeautosport.com/cp-e-qkspl-downpipe-catted-mazdaspeed-3-2007-2013/
https://www.cobbtuning.com/products/exhaust/mazda-gesi-catted-3-downpipe-mazdaspeed3-2007-2013
Not sure about these guys but look decent - https://www.ultimate-racing.com/products/mazdaspeed3-downpipe-ver3

 

Well I live in Florida (no inspections FTW!)

so I might just go to an exhaust shop and have them cut it out.
Could I tune my car for this? I plan on contacting FreekTune (unless you guys have other recommendations?)

 

You *NEED* to tune for it. Just get a full catless downpipe from somewhere and save yourself the potential hassle of fighting with a shop to remove emissions equipment (probably be cheaper too)

 

By the way I have the downpipe you linked from COBB, that exact one!

It was cheaper though, i paid $550 for it. I guess it's just a throw away if i have to replace it.

Okay, i will take your advice and order a catless one. Unfortunately i use this car to get to and from school/work....

If i continue to drive it until the parts get here, any potential for damage?

I will be ordering one today, and most likely contacting someone for a tune.

 

If you have that downpipe I would take it off and just gut the cat with a drill and slap it back on. Wear a mask.

 

You could also just take the downpipe pipe in somewhere and have them cut the cat out and put a new pipe in that spot.

 

If you gut it like that make DAMN SURE you control the dust and the mess. The catalyst will fuck you up if you breathe it in.

 

So my question is, lets say i get that done, can i drive the car home, and wont have problems? I will be doing an e-tune with FreekTune, but i'd still have to get home

 

If your getting a freektune I would ask for a basemap so that you can drive explain your problem and what you are doing.

 

Anything will be fine if you keep your foot out of it.

 

I personally would just break up the catalyst and reuse the downpipe you have. It's already a paperweight might as well get some use out of it.

 

I've done this myself and it sucks to do but it's by far the cheapest option.

 

It's just such a weird angle, i'm trying to see how the heck ill be able to break it down. Maybe a right angle tube? Or i guess i could put a long extension and some a drill and go to town on it LOL

 

I used a grounding/horseshoe stake, but rebar will work too. Anything long and metal that you can hammer will do the deed.

 

I will be removing the down pipe today, doesn't seem too hard honestly.

Once i do it, and the car runs good i'll mark this post as solved!

Thanks a lot everyone, i really appreciate all the help!!!

 

Yeah let us know how easy this was. Lol.

 

LET A MAN DREAM LOL

I'll be back in 2 business days after fighting with that downpipe

 

Should I tell him about the 10mm nut that will otherwise be the bane of his existence?
LMAO

 

...... what 10mm nut......

Give me the cheese

 

I'll just say that if the stock downpipe isn't easy to get out once unbolted you're missing something. And it's not where you think.