Catalytic converters and cat-backs

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: 1996 MK1 1.6 90HP
  2. I’m based near: Milton Keynes
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Catalytic converters and cat-back exhausts.

First of all hello everyone, I am 17 and have just joined the club.

I need some help choosing a cat back exhaust system, nothing too loud just something that makes you aware of my presence and that has a throaty tone to it. My dilemma is THIS, I have the 475mm cat as mine was made near the end of 96 and most cat-back exhaust systems I have looked for only make them for the shorter 370mm and 440mm cats. I have seen a cat-back exhaust system that will fit the 475mm cat from IL Motorsport but I haven’t heard good things about it online. I do like the look of the Cobalt exhaust from Moss and the Stainless one from Mx5parts (both single exit) but they only fit the two smaller cats. Therefore I thought about buying a new cat that would fit the Cobalt or Mx5parts exhaust but I have had some trouble finding one, the only one I did find however, was on Mx5 City but due to the price (it’s only £90) it makes me think it isn’t very good quality and won’t last long (or it is perfectly fine I don’t know).

What I am looking for is a catalytic converter for the MK1 1.6 90HP and a nice cat-back exhaust system ideally for no more than £500.

Thanks for reading and I hope I didn’t ramble on too much but I wanted to be as clear as possible to get the answer I am looking for.

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£500 will easily cover a high quality custom catback for your car, much better than the mass produced systems (the Cobalt system is Taiwanese made). Most of these systems will come with a lifetime warranty.

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I agree with you, I got quoted £560 for a custom cat back but I went with a cobalt system to save a little bit of money, loved the sound it made but the mid pipe fouled on the diff bracing and I ended up catching the resonator on a bit of hard ice and it split open, less than a year I had it. Repalced it with an m2 system from bofi and I’ve spent well over the £560 on 2 catbacks when I should have just coughed up the money at the start.

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I’ve had a Cobalt on mine sine I purchased it in Sept 2016, and it was on the car then. It was imported April 2016. I’ve had no issues.

I’ve subsequently fitted one to my ND2 and deleted the sound tube. Again, nice sound, not too loud and no issues with the exhaust.

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Cobalt catback won’t fit a 90hp NA unless its either chopped and welded, or the downpipe and catalytic converter are replaced, And then it might not pass on emissions. Cheapo system suddenly not so cheap.