Miata Mailing List: November 1994, Message #169
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   From: RacerX3935@aol.com
Subject: HKS Exhaust on a 94 R
   Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 11:06:06 -0500

I recently discovered that there is a potential problem with using an HKS
exhaust on a 94 R. The holes in the flange that mate the Catalytic with the
connector pipe are slotted, not round, and as such actually extend inward
into the outlet area of the CAT. This was discovered by my mechanic after we
dropped the car down and fired it up, noting a definite exhaust leak.

It is possible that an appropriate gasket could be
found/fabricated/purchased, but in my view, the additional gasket material
would add unneeded restriction to the exhaust, and in my view should not have
been needed anyway. 

I puchased the HKS from PBC, and can say that these folks really know how to
deal with a customer. When I brought the problem to their attention, they got
a hold of their source for the exhaust to confirm what I had learned.
Unfortunately, there was no solution offered by the HKS other than the gasket
previously noted. I do not know if this problem is true of all 94 Miatas, but
it surely is a problem on my R.

PBC gladly offered to take the HKS back in exchange for a Borla system,
charging me only the difference in price. I suppose that the problem I
encountered was pretty mild in the world of "Bolt On" aftermarket parts, but
it is good to see a vendor willing to stand behind his products, even if the
manufacturer has nothing to offer.