Stlmz3

Hello All, I'm new here, I'm usually on www.mazdaforum.com but this one is more aimed for mz/speed 3's. Anyway, on to the problem

Ok I have an 04 3i with headers and its starting to become a B!tch for real. Our cars have two cat converters Stock. One on the header which has been eliminated with the new header I have on. So basically the set up i have now is that there is two inline oxygen sensors with out a cat converter inbetween. Typically there are many fixes for this. However, none seem to work and I need some ideas. I have tired the O2 sensors holder or "bung" as VooDoo performance likes to call it. It's a good idea. However, I throw the code that says. "O2 sensor bank 2 slow response" I have also tried the MIL eliminator wires I throw another, different, code "O2 sensor bank 2 No activity". I've tried having nothing at all, just two straight O2 sensors and I get "O2 sensor bank 2 warm up cat below threshold" How else can I fix this???? the only idea I had in mind was I plug the hole where the second oxygen sensor is at cut that sensors wires in half and extend the wiring and making a NEW hole after the cars main cat right after the flex pipe. However I don't know if that will work because I don't know if that cat converter posses the same tendencies as the warm up cat does and if it will read right... I don't have that resonator right afterwards so i have plenty of piping to work with....I have to find some kind of fix for this otherwise i'll never pass emissions. My last resort is going to an exhaust shop and having to order the stock header again for I think they said $550 plus install

_Kansei_

Right now I have my car set up the way you are considering doing.. the normal stock sensor in the header (well in a turbo manifold in my case) and then the second sensor is extended to reach after my other cat (which is a high flow model).

When you did the MIL eliminator and the "02 sensors holder" (I'm guessing you are talking about what we call the "spark plug nonfouler trick") you were doing these to the second sensor, not the first, right?

I passed inspection with it set up as I explained above, but only because they didn't do a visual check (they are supposed to, but it was my friend doing it so he said as long as the computer checked out ok it would be fine).

kargoboy

The 3 is a lot more persistent with CELs when a header is installed. You are not the first person I've read about that has been unable to eliminate it.
I don't personally own a 3 but as a vendor selling a header for the 3 it has been frustrating at times.
I'd love to see someone come up with a fix that really works on this car.

Stlmz3

Yes, I did these to the "fixes" to the second O2 Sensor, However, Kansei, did you do this on a 3 or a protege? If so, are you saying this eliminated your CEL?. I'm honestly not worried about a visual inspection, Honestly, Missouri is really flexable when is comes to internal safety, Missouri is just a hardass on windshields, mirrors, tint, brakes, lights, ect...I'm just really damn tired of my CEL and telling me that I have no Activity.

In response to Kargoboy, I know what you mean, I have an OBX header and this has been a hassle since day one. Funny thing is, what you said, no one has found a real fix for this yet. Another funny thing is Auto Zone is now a major sponsor of vibrant exhaust, (people who do make a header for the 3) ((selling for $615)) (((rip))) and they say nothing about using the stock O2 sensor holes. we'll see how many people buy these and One, have a bitch of a time installing them, and two fixing the CEL.