Miata Mailing List: September 1993, Message #175
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   From: Mike Rother 
Subject: Aftermarket Exhaust
   Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1993 11:30:32 -0400


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Kenneth J. Buck writes:

>Due to all the discussion about how easy it is to break off the cat
>conv studs, I've been debating this project on and off.  Maybe it'd
>make sense to buy a replacement header (perhaps the Millen one) and
>install it at the same time as the exhaust (that way you only run the
>risk of breaking the bolts once).  In my case, where the car is
>approaching 4 years old, I wonder if I should just buy a replacement
>cat *anyway*, since the stock one won't last forever and it might make
>sense to replace it at the same time I'd be replacing all the other
>exhaust system components.  Haven't decided yet (no rush, too lazy,
>etc.) 
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The catalytic converter does have a 5 year warranty - as part of the
emissions control system.

I agree, the catalytic converter stud shearing problem makes one
hesitant to change the exhaust.  (I've read here that using a nut
cracker i/o a wrench to remove those nuts might help.)  This is why the
Walker Dynomax is attractive in concept - you don't have to remove
those bolts.  The Dynomax clamps onto the pipe - after the stock
muffler is hacksawed off.  However, I don't know if the Dynomax is any
good - or what it sounds like.