Removing Catalytic Converter
 

Hi all,
We are moving to Vietnam for the next 2-3 years. We are taking our Mazda5 with us - since they still use Leaded gas only there, we are wondering how we can take out the catalytic converter before we leave?

The Ontario Ministry of Environment just issued me an approval letter - as long as we pretty much drive it from the garage to the shipping company after removing the catcon.

So now I called Mazda and the dealer says they can't remove it since its a custom job, and suggest going to Speedy or Midas. So stop into Speedy and the tech there says it looks like there are TWO catalytic converters... one connected to the exhaust manifold (can be seen at the rear of the engine from the hood view) and the other one further along the pipe just after the flange (about under the second row of seats).

The Speedy technician says the 2nd converter is no problem to remove at the flange and replace with a pipe or even a reducer (to keep the noise in check) - about $150 labour. But he says the first one needs a custom HEADER with a hole for the O2 sensor, and that I'd have to get it from a performance auto shop (he could then replace it for about $250 labour).

Can anyone confirm if there are TWO converters? I called the dealer back and they don't really know what I'm talking/asking about...

In the end we need to take our 2006 Mazda5 with us - A Premacy as there are called in the rest of the world, would cost us $40K US in Vietnam.

Will other sensors/electronics be affected by the leaded gas?

I look forward to any insights you have!

Yes, they're two cats. Go to ebay for the header, the "OBX" is a direct bolton, about 180$

I'd wait to remove it, see if the engine runs right otherwise... I can't think the O2 sensor would be too happy covered in a lead deposit, and if that needs to go there are a number of effected systems on the car to deal with before the cats.