HerodotusRX-7

I have had my 1980 Rx-7 for 17 years now. It has been a daily driver a lot of that time. Now its been inactive for about 6 months. The reason being is the exhaust. About 2 years ago I took it in for its annual inspection at the local non-Mazda inspection place. The guy inspecting it proceeded to explain the dangerous exhaust leak my car had and how I prlly needed to get the catalytic converter replaced. Long story short, the exhaust shop I took it to, cut the thermal reacter off and welded a catalytic converter onto the exhaust system. My car passed inspection but the inside felt like it was about to burst in flames. I then took it to a local reputable RX-7 only shop who removed the stupid CC and simply connected the engine and muffler with a long tube. Heres the dilemna....My car no long requires an exhaust check, but when I took for its annual inspection the shop lifted the hood and said he couldnt pass it. Also, there is a terrible exhaust smell that seeps into the cabin when I drive it for a long period of time. My questions are these....1) is my car now illegal? due to the stupidity of a mechanic? the old exhaust pipes were very rusted and abot to fall off...should I worry about taking it to a normal mechanic for normal stuff? [oil change etc] 2) if the answer is yes, remembering its not subject to any exhaust requirements, should I buy a used thermal reactor from a place in arizona and try to reconfigure the original exhaust system? 3) if the answer to the first two is no, is there any health risk from just having a "long pipe" as my current exhaust? I'd like to keep this car forever....any help is appreciated....and money is not an object, i cant bring myself to buy a porsche when this car has so much meaning to me.... thanks again....

FirebirdSlayer666

iTrader: (3)

Wow. 80's never had catalytic converters to begin with. I would have asked why it couldn't be passed because they are supposed to tell you exactly what is wrong with the car for it not to pass. I'd suggest buying a full Racing Beat exhaust system from RacingBeat.com. It's a drop in replacement that looks great, sounds great, and will net you some nice performance gains. Post pictures!