We have just replaced our cat pipe with a de-cat pipe from IL to match the IL exhaust on my 1991 1.6 eunos.
The de-cat pipe was slightly shorter than the cat pipe it replaced which has resulted in the exhaust pipe near the back box knocking against the rear dif/drive shaft coupling.
As far as we can tell there are two solutions - putting a spacer between the de-cat pipe and the rear part of the exhuast or fitting longer hangers to increase the space between the exhaust and rear dif/drive shaft.
Any advice on which method to go for?
Thanks
Lisa
I would first complain to IL Motorsport. Years ago, I brought the 4-2-1- manifold from MX5parts for my 1.8 Roadster; it was the same manifold as sold by IL Motorsport, who have some sort of arrangement with MX5parts. It didn’t fit, thanks to the manifold being designed for a 1994+ European MX5, not the Roadster MX5parts promised me (at the Goodwood rally). I complained, and they got BBK in Germany to make a spacer for me, FOC. BBK I think is the same outfit ILM use for exhaust work, and may have made your catpipe (not that it really matters who). The adapter allowed the manifold to be fitted with the Roadster cat, but it caused the rest of the exhaust to bang on the PPF, resulting in a deep gouge in the aluminium; terrible fit (and for a while MX5parts was actually charging people for this part. I notice they no longer list it). I gave up, and changed the cat to a UK spec one.
Sounds like the catpipe is a terrible fit, and IL Motorsport should put that right, free of charge. If not, return it as not fit for purpose, and buy a catpipe from somewhere else; there are loads of suppliers.
Might be totally barking up the wrong tree here…although it should
have the 370mm cat, and the by-pass should be 370mm to replace it,
there are 2 sizes on mk1s…are you sure your car didn’t have the bigger
cat for some strange reason? Is the old one definitely 370mm?
The existing cat was 370mm but the bypass, when offered up appeared slightly shorter for some reason.
We managed to connect it up but its pulled the rest towards the front slightly which has caused the problem.
I’ve emailed mx5 parts but have had the bypass pipe for sometime so not sure what they can do.
The exhaust was fine before the bypass pipe was fitted. The rattling noise seems to last for 1/4 mile or so after starting up then seems to go.
It could all be a coincidence and be something else completely.
Just a shoddy part then. Was just imagining sometime in the past someone sticking the wrong system on there.
If it was never fit for purpose, then it actually doesn’t matter how long you have had it (within reason, 6yrs rings a bell) - it’s not a warranty issue. They should correct or replace it.
Thank you for your help.
I’ve measured the cat bypass and it was 350mm. I’ve emailed MX5 parts so hopefully might get it resolved.