ProtegeES

I am also thinking of doing more mods like cams so I am wondering if it is worth the trouble and money to sell my Mazdaspeed muffler and buy a Bosal Federal exhaust system?
I can sell my MS muffler for about $120 and the Bosal would cost me about $400 after shipping so the whole thing would cost me about $400-$120=$280. Is it really worth it?

protetype

why are you wanting to sell it? why not just do custom piping from the cat to the rear section?

ProtegeES

I've gone to about 3 muffler shops trying to get a custom pipe made, but noone wants to do it because they do not want to remove the 2nd cat. They all told me that it is illegal and both me and the shop can get fines big $$$$. So I asked them if they could build the pipe and I wouold take it home and put it on only when I go to the track and still did not want to do it. They suck!

Farsyde

where do you live? Many states have abolished emission control stations like Florida but I do know there is probably a federal law regarding the NTSB or EPA to have a second cat. If you really want to go crazy you can buy a high flow cat to replace the 2nd (or both) cats and the muffler shop should install that for you

protetype

ah, the second cat. if that's your problem, you need the Bosal California then, not the Federal. the Federal just has a muffler. If you are required to have the second cat, most places do visual inspections too to see if the secondary is there for emissions. They won't even put the exhaust on if it doesn't have the second cat either.

tradr

I would suggest keeping your Mazdaspeed muffler unless you intend on going turbo someday, the "upgrade" to the bosal federal exhaust system won't change much..

The Mazdaspeed Axle-Back exhaust supposedly has 2-3hp at the wheel gains (according to previous posts/dynos), I would not expect much more gains from ditching the second cat and running the slightly thicker piping in the Bosal Federal exhaust system.. plus your car will be ALOT louder then you have right now, then again I don't know if you're into that

I really have my doubts that the intake/exhaust cam upgrade for your 2.0 will benefit so much from the bigger piping anyway in a complete primary cat back exhaust system.

I could be wrong but I'd stick with what you've got, it'll be alot less headaches for emissions and such.

ProtegeES

I'd listen to you advise, thanks.
I learn something the other day, "messing" with anything to reduce emissions is illegal! So if your car comes with 3 cats like the WRX and you decide to remove 1, that can cost you up to $10k in fines!
I know that remove the pillow tag is also illegal, but noone will come oin my bedroom to check that and I will not get fined either.
Yes, I am paranoid! I do not have good luck when it comes down to these things. It always catches up with me! I know from experience.

Rider69

BTW, It is not illegal to remove the Pillow Tag, if you are the consumer. Read the print a little closer. I buy a new pillow or mattress, those tags come right off. Just like the dealer emblems and stickers and license plates.

Sure, it is illegal to mess with the emission control as per federal law. But in some states where there is no inspection/emmision control, you can get away with it on your car.